Unstoppable Beckham leads Giants past Dolphins

Frank Schwab | Shutdown Corner

15 December 2015 at 2:51 am

Unstoppable Beckham leads Giants past Dolphins

Maybe at some point this calendar year, you thought Odell Beckham would have a sophomore slump.

He got so much off-field attention after his unreal rookie season with the New York Giants. Then his recurring hamstring problems came up in the offseason. And he didn't have a great start this season, at least not to the standard he set as a rookie.

In four of New York's first seven games, Beckham didn't have a catch longer than 17 yards.

Well, about that...

Beckham is the NFL's hottest receiver again. In the Giants' 31-24 win against the Miami Dolphins, Beckham had a phenomenal touchdown catch by the sideline in the end zone, an 84-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to give the Giants a lead they wouldn't give up, and a third-and-3 catch inches before Eli Manning's pass hit the ground with 1:40 left to seal the win. New York improved to 6-7 to remain in a first-place tie in the NFC East.

Beckham is shining brighter than any other player in the division. In the Giants' last six games, Beckham's weekly yardage is 130, 105, 104, 142, 149 and he had 166. He has eight touchdowns in that run. He was too much for the Dolphins' secondary. He's too much for most secondaries. He had a historic streak late last season, and he's doing it again.

Beckham's first touchdown was a signature catch. He appeared to be out of bounds, but argued with the officials he was in. It looked like he was out on the initial replay. But from the pylon cam replay, it was clear that somehow Beckham had both feet in. It was another very tough play that looks routine when he does it.

Then with the Giants backed up in their own territory in the fourth quarter of a tie game, Beckham got loose and Manning hit him on a long pass. For as many spectacular touchdowns as Beckham has had, this one was easy.

But he still put on a show by doing Ray Lewis' "Squirrel Dance" celebration when he got to the end zone. It was the play of the game, and the biggest reason the Giants are still tied for the top spot in the division.

The Giants might not end up winning the division, but it won't be Beckham's fault if they don't. He's the best player in the NFC East. He'd be the best player in a few divisions, actually.