BECKS APPEAL
Cowboys and Giants in battle for Odell
NEW YORK GIANTS visit Dallas Cowboys in tonight’s big Thanksgiving clash, although the two rivals could be fighting over another prize next week.
Superstar receiver Odell Beckham Jr is looking for a new team after recovering from a knee ligament injury he suffered in last season’s Super Bowl win with the LA Rams (inset).
And he has reportedly narrowed his choices down to the two NFC East rivals who meet in Dallas today. Beckham, 30, will visit both clubs next week and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has already effectively made him an offer. Jones said: “We have all the appreciation in the world for Odell. The Cowboys star on that helmet, when he puts it on, could look pretty good.”
The Cowboys would certainly look an attractive proposition, given the way they destroyed the Minnesota Vikings 40-3 last weekend – the biggest away win in Dallas history.
Rent-a-quote Jones was asked whether he thought his team could win the Super Bowl after that Minnesota win and replied with a “resounding yes”.
But his coach Mike McCarthy is trying to downplay title talk.
He said: “I saw Jerry’s comments. Obviously, the owner, he’s always looking at the big picture. The team’s reality, is we addressed those questions at the beginning of the year back in training camp.
“We understand what our goal is. That hasn’t changed. But if we’re talking about anything other than the Giants, we’re wasting our time.” The Cowboys and Giants clash is particularly vital, with both teams tied at 7-3, two wins behind division leaders Philadelphia Eagles, and just one win clear of Washington. The Giants are coming off a tough 31-18 loss to Detroit Lions that left coach Brian Daboll admitting: “It wasn’t good enough.” Minnesota will also be desperate to bounce back from their Dallas nightmare and host New England Patriots. The holiday fixtures kick-off with Buffalo Bills visiting the Lions. Buffalo are tied at the top of the AFC East with Miami Dolphins.
The Bills beat Cleveland Browns 31-23 last week in Detroit after a blizzard hit their stadium. Coach Sean McDermott said: “A shared experience like this, can bring a team closer together.”