After Odell Beckham Jr. Drops It, Victor Cruz Snatches It For New York Giants (Highlights)
Robert Deutsch, USATSI

Just one play after Odell Beckham Jr. dropped the game-winner, Victor Cruz snatches one to help the New York Giants to the 16-13 victory.

  • New York Giants 16 (2-0)
  • New Orleans Saints 13 (0-2)
  • NFL, Week 2, Final, Box Score
  • MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
It was all right there for him. With under a minute remaining in regulation, all-world wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had a chance to shut up all of the naysayers who harp on the idea he’s never caught a big NFL touchdown in his life.

He dropped the ball, literally.

OBJ beat New Orleans Saints corner Sterling Moore on the 9-route and Eli Manning placed one perfectly into those soft hands within the Saints 10-yard line. The ball harmlessly fell to the Meadlowlands turf as an incompletion.

Before the fans at MetLife Stadium could feel any more shock, they were celebrating at what came next.

The wily veteran, Victor Cruz, snatched that money ball out of his defender’s hands:

The young stud dropped it while the gamer took it.

All Ben McAdoo needed to do from there on out is kneel three times and allow Josh Brown to kick a cheapie to provide the New York Giants their second win of the season, a 16-13 marker against the Saints.

Eli and his crop of weapons had their way all day. Manning finished with 368 yards on 32-of-41 passing but didn’t come away with a single touchdown. OBJ finished with eight catches for 86 yards, Cruz collected four for 91, and rookie Sterling Shepard went for 117 yards on eight grabs.

The only TD scored by Big Blue came via a field goal block late in the first half when the teams were still scoreless:

The offense simply couldn’t punch it in on the Saints bend but don’t break defensive gameplan.

Defensively, though, is where McAdoo’s squad shined as they limited future hall of famer Drew Brees to 263 yards and a score on 29-of-44 passing. Though only defensive backs Landon Collins and Leon Hall collected sacks, the defensive line pressured Brees all day and the secondary was brilliant in zone coverage.

The Giants are now 2-0 on the season facing a date in Jersey against the Washington Redskins next week.

Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com