HomeFeaturesCan Odell Beckham Jr. Live Up to his Potential?

Can Odell Beckham Jr. Live Up to his Potential?

The New York Giants kick off their Organized Team Activities this week. Wide Receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in particular, is preparing for his third season in the NFL. Through his first two years, Odell holds the NFL record in receptions and total yardage through 25 games. He has taken the league by storm with 187 receptions, 2,755 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Odell is not unlike most superstars in sports; if he plays for your team you love him, if he doesn’t, you despise him. Giants supporters love him for the passion and energy he brings to the game, but fans and media question him for those same exact reasons. Odell has proven he can catch and outwork any defender on the field. Like sportscaster Dan Patrick used to say, “You can’t stop him, you can only hope to contain him”
We all remember the Josh Norman vs. Beckham “street fight” on the field last season that left all Giants fans shaking their heads and wondering about his maturity and resolve. It seems that if you get him to react, you can get him off his game. Going back to his rookie season, teams like the Rams roughed him up after a catch which resulted in brawls on the sidelines. Given that the NFL is a “copycat” league — remember the wildcat and run and shoot offense? — when something works, word travels fast. Teams now game plan to try and make the talented receiver self-implode.
This season, the Giants hired former Louisiana State University (LSU) wide receivers coach Adam Henry to fill that same position. Henry coached in San Francisco last season but had been the LSU receivers coach when Odell was there. From all accounts and reports, they have a great relationship that can only get stronger. This is exactly what Odell needs in his corner before a situation escalates out of control. Someone like Henry will now be looked upon to step in and be part psychologist, friend and coach to “reel” Odell back in when his passion starts to get the best of him.
Odell Beckham
We often hear in sports, “We beat ourselves and that’s why we lost.” Odell Beckham Jr. has all the tools and work ethic to become one of the greatest of all-time. The only thing that can stop him is his lack of discipline and mental toughness. There are certain times during a game where  you just have to shut your mouth and walk away. There is an old expression, “lose the battle, win the war.” Beckham has to start seeing the big picture. He has been a bright spot week in and week out for the Giants. With the right mentor, he can continue to shine.
For more of Chris Rosa and his take on the Giants, Follow him on Twitter @GiantsCarbCrush.


Hero (Top) Feature Image (& Addtional Image): © Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images

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