New York Giants offense felt innocuous in Odell Beckham Jr’s absence
Without star wideout Odell Beckham Jr. on Sunday night, the Giants were smacked 19-3 by the Dallas Cowboys. The offense just couldn’t catch a break…or much of anything for that matter.
Big Blue Nation has playoff aspirations, with possibly even a Super Bowl appearance within reach. However, after only mustering a field goal against the Cowboys, who they beat twice a year ago, the team has some work to do.
Odell Beckham Jr. missed the game due to the ankle injury he suffered during the preseason. Without him, Brandon Marshall and Sterling Shepard were expected to shoulder the load. However, the two combined for a measly 54 yards, while Marshall only contributed a single 10-yard reception to that total.
Roger Lewis and Shane Vereen were the only Giant players to top 50 receiving yards, totaling 54 and 51 respectively. On the bright side, rookie Evan Engram proved deserving of a role in the offense, reeling in 4 passes for 44 yards. The rookie wasn’t at all intimidated by the team that won the division a season ago.
The passing game wasn’t even the worst part of the offense. The running game produced a total of 35 yards on the night, spreading across four players. Eli Manning lost a yard on one carry, and Sterling Shepard had a tote for 6 yards, but that isn’t noteworthy. What is noteworthy, however, is that starting tailback Paul Perkins only mustered 16 yards on seven carries. That’s a putrid average of 2.3 yards per attempt. Orleans Darkwa averaged 4.7 yards per carry on his three attempts, making a case to usurp Perkins atop the depth chart.
Even the running game wasn’t the weakest link on the offense. The offensive line was worthless last night. Manning was under pressure constantly, and running lanes were scarce. Even though this offense is loaded with talent, they need room to operate. Manning cannot be running for his life while also searching for options downfield.
Bobby Hart can’t proclaim that he’s an elite offensive lineman after last night’s performance. John Jerry was unspectacular at guard as well. Maybe offseason acquisition D.J. Fluker can step in for one of the starters mentioned above, as he is listed as the direct backup to both of them.
Playing without a talent like Beckham is quite difficult, regardless of who is up front. This offense clearly cannot work without him. It is hard to get an accurate assessment of this offense without him. The defense wasn’t half bad, as the 19 points mostly came via Dan Bailey’s leg. Jason Witten caught the lone touchdown.
Next: Breaking down the Cowboys win over New York
Next week, if Beckham is back, the team will have to prove this week one whooping was an outlier if they hope to play through January.