New York Giants: Get a Deal Done with Odell Beckham Jr.
After Odell Beckham Jr.’s Week 1 absence led to a disappointing loss with a non-existent offense, the New York Giants need to do whatever it takes to lock up OBJ long-term with a contract extension.
If the New York Giants Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys showed us anything, it highlighted just how valuable Odell Beckham Jr. is to their offense and overall well-being of the team.
Eli Manning, along with the rest of the offense, looked completely disorganized, putting up a total of 233 yards. 198 of those yards came from the passing game and 35 yards came from an atrocious, non-existent running game.
Giants offseason acquisition Brandon Marshall had only one reception for ten yards, Sterling Shepard had seven receptions for 44 yards, and 2017 first round pick Evan Engram had four receptions for 44 yards.
Aside from Beckham, who’s currently recovering from a sprained ankle suffered in a preseason game back on Aug. 21 against the Cleveland Browns, Marshall, Shepard, and Engram were expected to be key figures in an offense that NFL analysts had labeled one of the most potent throughout the NFL.
On Sunday we saw just the opposite, with an abysmal offensive performance putting up a total of just three points. Major weaknesses were exposed offensively and the defense struggled as well.
More from New York Giants
- Caesars New York Promo Code: Win $250 Bonus GUARANTEED on ANY Bet!
- When will the New York Giants’ First Win Come?
- New York Giants Look Horrible in Loss to 49ers
- New York Giants to Play an Injured 49ers Team Sunday
- New York Giants: Breaking Down the Devonta Freeman Signing
The defensive struggles were due in large part to the Giants consistently going three-and-out on offense, leading to the defense constantly having to go up against that juggernaut of a Cowboys offense. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott were able to control time of possession and create more scoring opportunities, therefore making it even more difficult for the Giants to find a rhythm offensively. With Odell Beckham Jr. in the fold, there’s an undeniable impact that his presence creates for the New York Giants overall, not just offensively.
For one, his demand for a double team from opposing secondaries allows Marshall, Shepard, and Engram to have easier looks at one-on-one coverage. Secondly, because he’s a deep threat, the Giants pass attack must be respected downfield, allowing the running game to open up.
A balanced offense leads to the Giants having more offensive fluidity, being able to control the time of possession, and ultimately put up more points. Better offense allows the defense to get ample rest and be at their best.
Odell Beckham Jr. has made it known he wants to be the highest paid player in the NFL, not just the highest paid wide receiver, during an interview via UNINTERRUPTED and, quite frankly, his absence merits his claim.
It would be scary to think what kind of impact a once-in-a-generation player like Beckham would have on the New York Giants if he missed an entire season. We already saw how much his absence is felt after one game.
Three consecutive seasons with 90+ receptions, 1,300+ yards, and 10+ touchdowns not only put him at an elite status but on course to be in the conversation with some of the greatest wide receivers to ever play the game.
Next: New York Giants: Without Odell Beckham Jr. They Look Lost
Considering the stats, his overall presence on the field, and his fan friendly character off the field, New York Giants owners John Mara and Steve Tisch should offer Odell a contract extension as soon possible.
The last thing the New York Giants need is for Beckham to hit free agency and create a bidding war for Big Blue against other potential suitors. Based on how much Jerry Jones loves to throw money around, we all know at least one suitor would be the Dallas Cowboys.