While eyes are elsewhere, Shephard could have big game
Most of the fans and TV cameras at MetLife Stadium Sunday will be watching for the first glimpse of whether Odell Beckham Jr. Vs. Josh Norman II will be as ugly as their first matchup was a year ago.
That will take some of the attention from Victor Cruz and his hopes of showing that last week’s return home after two seasons fighting back from injuries was a sign of more to come.
But maybe the biggest star today as the Giants attempt to go 3-0 for the first time since 2009 will be their newest offensive weapon.
Sterling Shephard, Big Blue’s No. 2 draft pick this year, had a breakout game in his Meadowlands debut a week ago with 117 receiving yards on eight catches.
He has the tools to steal the show in this huge NFC East showdown.
“He is doing a very good job already,” says his QB Eli Manning. “He has been picking up the timing of this offense. We haven’t tried to overload him. But he knows his assignments and runs his routes well.”
“I knew I was ready for this,” Shepard said this week. “This is what I was born to do. So I am excited.”
Beckham Jr. is already touting Shepard as a Rookie of the Year winner.
“I am not the type of person who is going to say what I can do. I just out every game to do my best .. and help this team succeed,” Shepard said. “I love third downs because it is a chance to do something. Like beating the guy covering me. Hopefully, I can continue to do that and keep us winning.
“I knew the tough part would be getting the playbook down. Once I did that I was ready for the season.”
What a season it has been for the former Oklahoma star, whose late father Ron was a Super Bowl champ with the Cowboys.
“I still have so far to go, but I am anxious to keep helping the team any way possible,” Shepard said. “This has already been like a dream coming true for me. I want it to keep going.”
So do all those Giants fans expecting another big day today from this very promising rookie.