Philadelphia Eagles vs New York Giants: Clash Of Rookie Wide Receivers

The football world is rightfully abuzz over Odell Beckham Jr, the rookie wide receiver for the New York Giants. The Philadelphia Eagles have a less known rookie commodity in Jordan Matthews. Matthews is similarly gifted as the man known by three syllables, ODB. This week the Eagles and the Giants look to showcase their rookie wide receivers.

Beckham has 79 receptions for 1,120 yards and 11 touchdowns. This would be considered very good for a veteran but its beyond great for a rookie. Hehas soaring popularity because of his catches made for the age of the GIF.

Nov 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles receiver Jordan Matthews (81) carries the ball against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Matthews has a slightly less impressive stat line. He has recorded 59 receptions, 767 yards and 7 touchdowns this season. It is important to remember that Matthews is on an offense with much more receiving talent. Jeremy Maclin has 82 receptions, Zach Ertz has 54 and Riley Cooper has 53.

This does not even include the production from running backs Darren Sproles and LeSean McCoy in the passing game.

The important statistic that shows the talent of Matthews is his 13 yard average per reception. In this department, Matthews is comparable to Beckham who averages 14.2 yards per reception. Odell Beckham Jr, has 349 yards after the catch, which is only 24 less yards than Matthews has after the catch.

Beckham was drafted with the 12th overall selection. Matthews was not selected until the 42nd pick. Beckham has the star power because he can catch passes most men alive can only dream of hauling in.

Matthews may not have the same wowing ability as Beckham but he has proven to be a very reliable target for the Eagles. The comparison between these players of the same position, drafted in the same year, is something to watch for this coming Sunday.