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Giants on verge of playoffs
PHILADELPHIA — When the Eagles look at and listen to Odell Beckham Jr., they see an immensely talented, sometimes out-ofcontrol player.
“He’s another one of those guys, he’s like Steve Smith, that has a mouth and likes to run it,’’ Eagles linebacker Jordan Hicks said this week on Sports Radio 94 WIP. “He enjoys running his mouth and he’s a passionate player.
“I think it stems from the passion that he has. Watch him over the years and all the different drama that he has been a part of, it all stems from the passion and the love that he has for the game. He’s a great player.’’
Beckham at times has hurt his cause, becoming embroiled in individual matchups with defensive backs eager to get under his skin and reside there until he blows his cool. He caught two touchdown passes in the Giants’ 28-23 victory over the Eagles earlier this season and, with Philadelphia 5-9 and playing out the string, there could be temptation lurking Thursday night to incite Beckham in the most hostile of environments.
“There’s a fine line between a guy going over the top with a lot of those antics and also bringing energy to the team,’’ Eagles center Jason Kelce said. “I think he’s one of those guys that toes that line consistently and a lot of the time goes over the top with it. But obviously his physical talent and what he brings to the table for their offense is tremendous. He’s a great player in his own right. And if he could harness that passion and intensity that he has toward the game, it could be a dangerous combo.’’
Harnessing what Beckham has inside him is an ongoing process for the Giants. The third-year receiver, selected for a third consecutive Pro Bowl, has 85 receptions for 1,173 yards and 10 touchdowns. Down the stretch of the season, he has attended to business with- out the theatrics he often has brought to the field.
“I mean, not really an issue with me,’’ Beckham said. “That’s just how I’m wired. Can’t really explain it, I’m just wired that way. Just have to control what I can control. I feel like I’ve been doing a pretty good job of that, for the most part. There’s never going to be that part of me that loses who I am. I’ve tried it before, and I can’t really live with myself that way.’’