New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. wanted the Big Blue offense to attack the weak Eagles secondary more.
A game that featured a very lopsided first half in favor of the New York Giants, and a very poor second half, Big Blue gave up a 16-point lead to the Eagles, as Philadelphia pulled away with the victory 25-22.
With the Eagles missing three of their top cornerbacks to injury, many thought they would attack their weak secondary. However, others thought they would keep the balance of their offense going and keep utilizing running back Saquon Barkley.
The gameplan could’ve gone either way entering the game on Sunday. Although after the game, star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. called the gameplan out to the media.
“Knowing they were struggling in the secondary, personally I would’ve loved to attack them,” Beckham said, per Ralph Vacchiano of SNY. “But that wasn’t in our game plan.”
Odell Beckham: “Knowing they were struggling (with injuries) in the secondary, personally I would’ve loved to attack them. But that wasn’t in our game plan.”
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) November 25, 2018
Let’s get this out of the way: it’s not surprising when Beckham calls something or someone out. He’s done it for years, and it’s just the way he is. Many love him regardless, due to what he brings to the field.
However, that’s exactly what the Giants did too much.
Trying to attack the Eagles too much in the second half was what ultimately cost them the game. Barkley, in the first half, gained 94 yards on the ground with one touchdown, along with 33 yards through the air and another touchdown. Then, in the second half, it was almost like he was invisible.
He only touched the ball five times, gaining seven yards on the ground along with eight yards through the air. The fact that they kept attacking the secondary and not staying with the utilization of Barkley was just bad coaching and play calling from Pat Shurmur.
It’s simple. When something’s working, don’t go away from it. And that’s exactly what Big Blue did in the loss against Philly. They went away from it.
