Odell Beckham Jr. struggling with his emotions has become a weekly fixture for the Giants, at least when he doesn't light up the stat sheet.
On Monday night, Beckham was held to a career low 23 receiving yards on nine targets. The stifling Vikings secondary shut Odell down, and he didn't take it well.
After taking a fairly late hit from Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes, Beckham's reaction, which included making contact with an official with his chest, led to a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
There's a difference between caring and losing your cool. When a player's actions negatively impact their teammates, as well as their own play, it's a problem.
Eli's advice for Odell
Odell's erratic behavior has earned him more attention from the referees for these kinds of penalties. Eli Manning is tired of it, and he sent a message to Beckham channeling head coach Ben McAdoo‘s sentiments from last week.
Article Continues BelowFrom Pat Leonard of the NY Daily News:
“He’s got to play smart,” Manning said. “He can’t afford to do anything they’ll call. He’s kind of brought that upon himself, so he’s got to realize that… No doubt. Can’t afford the penalties.”
Odell remains defiant
So far, Odell hasn't taken responsibility for the increased attention from officials. Here are his comments after last night's defeat:
“There’s never an explanation (from the officials),” Beckham said. “It’s always it’s just my fault. That’s all I look at it as, it’s my fault. I just have to understand if I sneeze the wrong way it’ll be a flag, it’ll be a fine. If I tie my shoe the wrong way it might be a fine or a flag.
“As tough as it is to understand for a 23-yeear-old who has been blessed with a lot – God has given me a lot of ability, amazing amount of everything – and it seems like it’s all working against you,” Beckham added. “But what are you gonna do, are you gonna back down or stand up? And I’ve never been one to back down.”