Fans and journalists have been gushing over New York Giants star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. His highlight worthy one-handed catches and end zone moves have all gone viral. In Beckham’s presence, No. 2 wideout Rueben Randle has seen his role shrink as Eli Manning has made Beckham his prime target (understandably). Randle of course has taken notice and isn’t too happy about that.
Rueben Randle said he has “no problem” with Odell Beckham Jr. being the first option for Eli Manning, but admits it can be tough playing second fiddle.
“My opportunities have been cut down a little more,” Randle said Tuesday on WFAN, per the New York Post. “Odell is pretty much the prime target for us offensively. It’s definitely frustrating. As a receiver you want to get more involved. It can be kind of tough when the opportunities are limited.”
via CBS Sports:
Randle’s shrinking role might have to do with more than just Beckham’s return from injury, though. His catch rate (catches/targets) has shrunk from 63.3 percent during the first four games of 2014 to 57.3 percent since then. He also has 7 drops (4.4 percent drop rate) in the 24 games since Beckham’s return compared to none during the first four games of last season. There also the fact that New York has a stronger No. 3 wideout (Dwayne Harris) and pass-catching running back (Shane Vereen) this season than the players in those roles for most of last year (Preston Parker and nobody, respectively).
