TD-less OBJ questions Big Blue’s heart
EAST RUTHERFORD >> Giants star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. may need to choose his words more carefully.
The NFL’s highest-paid receiver created a stir Friday when ESPN released an interview from this week in which the 25-year-old wondered why the team isn’t throwing the ball farther downfield and playing with more energy.
The possible cause of his frustration? Four games into the season, Beckham hasn’t caught a touchdown pass. Beckham said the Giants (1-3), who travel to Carolina (2-1) on Sunday, need to get on a run.
Here’s how he answered the ESPN question about “the biggest heart of the issue” for the Giants.
“How come we can’t throw the ball for more than 20 yards? How come we don’t attempt or try to throw the ball for more than 20 yards?” Beckham said. “Those are questions that we have to figure out, but for now I would say it’s our heart, it’s our energy. It’s what we bring when we line up before the game, all of that. It counts.”
The Giants have completed only two passes of more than 30 yards or more this season, and they have only nine passes of 20 yards or greater.
Beckham was not in the locker room after practice on Friday to discuss his comments. The catalyst of the Giants’ offense has been on his best behavior this season and more mature after missing most of last season with a broken ankle.
While he didn’t throw anyone under the bus, his words indicated he’s upset about losing games.
Quarterback Eli Manning brushed off reporters who approached him for comment. A team spokesman said the 37-year-old, two-time Super Bowl winner who has been under scrutiny had a television interview. He never returned to the locker room.
Coach Pat Shurmur said he was aware of Beckham’s comments made during a sit down with ESPN reporter Josina Anderson. The coach said he hadn’t seen them. He refused to look at them when a reporter offered to let him read them.
“I do know we’re making an effort to do what it takes to score points. I think, if you remember our first drive, the ball didn’t travel down the field, but our team did,” Shurmur said referring to the Giants opening touchdown drive against the New Orleans Saints. “That’s the most important piece and we will continue to try and throw the ball down the field and get the ball down the field and complete it to our playmakers however we need to do it.”
When pressed about the comments, Shurmur said Beckham should be the one address them. The coach added execution was the problem for the offense, not energy.
Beckham, who signed a five-year, $95 million contract extension in training camp, is having a good season coming off his injury. He leads the team with 31 catches for 331 yards, a 10.7yard average. But he has not caught a touchdown.
Shurmur said he talked to Beckham on Friday but wouldn’t divulge the topics.