New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. chalked the team's poor start to the 2018 NFL season up to their apparent lack of passion. Head coach Pat Shurmur has since attempted to downplay his comments.
There are a number of reasons that have factored into New York's 1-3 start. According to Neil Best of Newsday, Shurmur is adamant that lack of heart is not one of them:
“I do know this: Our team has a heck of a lot of heart; our team plays with a lot of energy,” Shurmur said. “What we haven’t done is we haven’t really executed quite as well as we need to yet Instead of energy, it’s execution. … These guys have a ton of heart, including Odell, and a lot of want-to.”
It should come as no surprise to see Shurmur rebuke Beckham's comments. Lack of heart within a team can often be attributed to coaching. The last thing Shurmur wants is for rumors to start swirling about him being unable to get things going in New York.
Beckham's comments are likely a reflection of his frustration with how the season has gone thus far. It is easy to understand why considering all their struggles on offense. Quarterback Eli Manning has been unable to find his rhythm despite all the new weapons around him. As a result, Beckham has not produced the kind of numbers he has come to expect. Regardless of the issues are, Shurmur will need to find a way to get on track before the season gets away from them.