Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr Says ‘Going To Have To Handle’ Players Targeting Him

USA Today

During the preseason game between the New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars this past weekend, star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. believes the Jaguars defensive backs were targeting him. Beckham didn’t feel safe on the field with fear of injury due to being targeted by this defensive players, but is starting to realize he may have brought it on himself.

Beckham admitted that he’s at fault for the targeting on the gridiron, via Dan Graziano of ESPN:

“I know it may be a little bit self-inflicted,” Beckham said before New York Giants practice Wednesday. “I can rub a lot of people the wrong way if they don’t know me. I’m sure a lot of it is caused by me dancing and having fun. I know I wouldn’t want somebody breaking up a pass and dancing in my face.

“I can understand why things may be the way they are,” Beckham said. “I’m just going to have to handle it.”

Beckham is arguably one of the best receivers in the NFL after having a breakout year last season in his rookie campaign in New York. The Giants wideout caught 91 passes for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns with clearly no intention to change things up this year even with the added attention from defensive players around the league.

“At the end of the day, its football,” Beckham said, “and you’re going to get hit.”

With Beckham bursting on the scene in New York last year, the LSU product will garner a lot of attention from opposing defenses during the 2015 NFL season. The return of a healthy Victor Cruz will help open things up for Beckham downfield, but it’s seems clear teams are already putting the crosshairs on the back of number 13.

The Giants will open their 2015 campaign against the division rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. A true test right out of the gate for Beckham and company who are looking to bounce back after a dismal 6-10 record last season.