Eight receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns. That was Odell Beckham Jr. stat line from this Sunday. Beckham seemed to be a force to reckon with, dismantling an already banged up Baltimore Ravens secondary. This was a display of vintage Odell Beckham; playing with the fire and passion all New York Giants fans have become accustomed to. This is the Odell Beckham Giants fans will see the rest of the season and hopefully the rest of his career.
The New Odell Beckham Jr. is Here to Stay
Saved by the Clock
Odell Beckham Jr. had a career day yesterday, putting up numbers only a few players can even dream about doing. However, it isn’t a typical Beckham day without creating controversy. After his game-winning 66-yard touchdown catch and run, Beckham took his helmet off before leaving the field. This warranted an unsportsmanlike penalty. Had the New York Giants’ defense not stepped up and survived the late comeback attempt by Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Joe Flacco, Beckham would be on the hot seat. Giving away 15 yards on an amateur penalty is childish. Beckham should have never done that, but he has come out and apologized for his actions.
It seems as though this little blemish on his stellar day will not be a reoccurring theme. Beckham has made it clear during the game he was not going to get involved in any sort of trouble. On the field, Beckham remained very composed and never showed the fire and animosity that allowed him to get in trouble earlier in the season. His fumble on the first play of the Giants drive would’ve been a great opportunity for him to resort back to his immature way, however, he handled himself extremely well.
Career Year in the Making
Along with the improvement of his behavior, Beckham’s play has been much better. Beckham’s “average” game against the Green Bay Packers can be attributed to Eli Manning not having time in the pocket. However, against the Ravens, Beckham was lights out. This is the player we should expect to see on the field every Sunday from now on.
In the past two seasons, he has put up 91+ receptions, 1,300+ yards, and 12+ touchdowns. Right now, Beckham is on pace for 91 receptions 1,500 yards, and eight touchdowns. He is on pace for these numbers even with a “slow” start. Had he started off the way he has played the past two weeks, he would be in chasing after the record book. Beckham is a perennial Pro-Bowler and he should easily continue this form into the remaining games this season. This is a glimpse of the raw talent he possesses.
It seems as though Odell Beckham Jr. has finally quieted his brash actions. While Beckham is still running around the sideline, he is not bringing it to the field. This has allowed the team to not draw unnecessary attention or be handed an unnecessary penalty. By limiting his actions to just the sideline, he is showing signs of improvement. Even though Beckham will still need to control his temper moving forward into the future, it is a positive step in the right direction. This is the Odell Beckham that Giants fans will see moving forward, and they couldn’t be any happier.
