New York Giants: Hopefully Beckham gets the message

Big Blue introduced Pat Shurmur as the 18th head coach in team history.

Hopefully, New York Giants fans can appreciate the lack of props at Shurmur’s press conference. Ironically, two years ago, Ben McAdoo’s oversized suit should have been a pair of oversized shoes. As we found out, McAdoo certainly could not fill former head coach Tom Coughlin’s shoes.

Back then, McAdoo didn’t know what he didn’t know. Ultimately, we found out the hard way through a rough 3-13 campaign. It wasn’t entirely McAdoo’s fault, however. One must question the process that inexplicably led to his elevation to head coach.

The tenure of this press conference was much different than the one on January 15, 2016.

First, there were a number of things Pat Shurmur said that indicate a sensible operational methodology. He went through his résumé, something that McAdoo couldn’t do. That’s not a slam at the former coach, but rather an acknowledgement of inexperience.

Moving forward, one of the biggest challenges facing Shurmur will be the handling of Odell Beckham. In terms of being able to focus Beckham on the field, we will certainly find out if Shurmur can do that. At least, he did not shy away from expressing his thoughts on the subject.

Beckham Apologists

If you happen to be a Beckham apologist, then you may want to turn away right now. What I have seen from most of you is the fact that you will defend him at all cost. Unfortunately for you, the rest of us don’t have to agree with your “fall for anything” position.

Oh and most of us don’t appreciate the way some of you defend Beckham. Behavioral issues are based upon fact. Punching a locker room wall, peeing in the end zone, head butting Josh Norman, kicking equipment, etc. These events all happened.

If you want to turn a blind eye to these things, that’s on you. Don’t project your weak standards onto everyone else.

FACT: Beckham has not won a single playoff game as a member of the New York Giants.

If you cannot find fault with head butting Josh Norman or peeing in the end zone, then you fail the fairness test. And I might add that the New York Giants franchise won’t fold, if Beckham isn’t on the roster.

I know firsthand that subtlety is lost upon the Beckham apologists, so I’ll put it on a platter for your guy. Shurmur called quarterback Eli Manning, but hasn’t spoken to Beckham yet. That’s a message in and of itself. Hmmm the new head coach talked with his quarterback, but not his “best player”.

In terms of what Shurmur said at his press conference, two items came to the forefront. Per the team’s official website, Shurmur said:

"“Yeah, well, this is sort of a clean slate deal right now.  As I mentioned, we need to sit down and talk.  When things happen, there’s typically reasons for it.”"

Keep in mind, that for the slate to need cleaning, it must be dirty. The new head coach did not mention that Manning needed a rerack, so Beckham’s history is not a mirage.

Planning for the Future

As far as Shurmur goes, he’s mature. He will not throw the baby out with the bath water. But I wouldn’t expect it to be business as usual for Beckham either.

New York Giants

New general manager Dave Gettleman isn’t shy about making waves. The message to Beckham seems to be crystal clear. Universally, everyone wants Beckham to be part of the franchise moving forward. Some of us aren’t willing to sell our souls to ensure that happens though.

Here are Shurmur’s comments on the subject:

"“And I think with all things Odell, we just need to start talking and find out why things happened, and if they’re not what is by our standards, then we’ve got to find a way to get him fixed.”"

Ah standards, a good place to start.

The pieces are in place. The New York Giants have a general manager with a backbone and vision.  A head coach with real experience now resides in East Rutherford. Odell, right now, you’re part of the team, but you aren’t the entire team.

Message sent to Beckham, let’s see if he’s capable of receiving and acting upon it.