The New York Giants Need More Odell Beckham Jr. In The Slot
The New York Giants are struggling on offense five games into the season. Offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan needs to move his superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. into the slot more often to get him more single coverage and more opportunities on offense.
The offense for the New York Giants has been less than effective thus far in the season. The Giants rank 27th in the NFL with 17.8 points per game and Eli Manning has just five touchdown passes in five games. Odell Beckham Jr., the team’s offensive superstar, just got his first touchdown reception in Week 5.
Beckham’s impact has been limited for a few reasons. The offensive line play hasn’t been stellar which has sped up Manning’s timing. Also, opposing defenses are shifting a safety to OBJ’s side committing two defenders or shading coverage underneath.
Offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan in his weekly press conference on Thursday recognized that Beckham needed the ball in his hands more against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
Get The Ball To OBJ
“He’s a great playmaker and we want to put the ball in his hands, so we do have to move him around. We have been working on some of that. I don’t want to give away too much of the game plan or anything, but obviously, it’s a good point and it’s something that we need to be aware of. It really is predicated on trying to get him the football but also a reaction to how he’s being covered.”
The movement that Sullivan was hinting to was getting Beckham back in the slot where he excelled last season. According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, OBJ was lined up in the slot 19% of the offensive snaps last year leading to 32 receptions for 467 yards and two touchdowns. This season, he’s been in the slot just 8% of the snaps with one catch for 14 yards.
Beckham’s primarily been on the outside to make room for rookie Sterling Shepard. Shepard has played in the slot on 93.9% of his snaps this season, which is tied for the most in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.
Let’s not forget about Victor Cruz, either. Cruz at one point in his career was a dominant slot receiver, perhaps the best in the NFL. Yet, he’s spent just 3.1% of his snaps in the slot.
Moving Beckham inside more may increase the efficiency between he and Manning as well. Eli is completing just 55% of his passes to Odell, which is down from 61% last year and 71% his rookie year.
The offense needs a jolt and Sullivan has realized it early enough in the season. Now, he just needs to put it into play on Sunday.
All of this talk of where OBJ lines up doesn’t matter much to number 13, however. “Wherever you’re told to go, you go over there. Execute whatever is called.”