OBJ's presence a positive influence on Randle?

Most people, including athletes, play better when there is less pressure on them. Very few players (I'm thinking John McEnroe, for instance) play better when there is more pressure on them.

Seriously, I can't remember a rookie who was so humble and respectful of his teammates yet is also sorespected by and inspirational to his teammates as well.

That's tough for a wide receiver in the NFL, but I think we're seeing that with Beckham.

First, he's got a huge attitude on the field, and I think that's rubbing off.

Second, he's become both Eli's security blanket and his big play guy -- it's like Steve Smith (the younger), Hakeem Nicks and Plaxico Burress rolled up into one guy. That's helped Eli and the O-line.

Third, he commands so much attention, he has to be creating opportunities for the other guys.

Ruben Randle would do well right now to just try to be Alvin Harper to OBJ's Michael Irvin, John Taylor to his Jerry Rice, Stallworth to his Swann.

In comment 12048111 81_Great_Dane said:

Quote:

That's tough for a wide receiver in the NFL, but I think we're seeing that with Beckham. First, he's got a huge attitude on the field, and I think that's rubbing off. Second, he's become both Eli's security blanket and his big play guy -- it's like Steve Smith (the younger), Hakeem Nicks and Plaxico Burress rolled up into one guy. That's helped Eli and the O-line. Third, he commands so much attention, he has to be creating opportunities for the other guys. Ruben Randle would do well right now to just try to be Alvin Harper to OBJ's Michael Irvin, John Taylor to his Jerry Rice, Stallworth to his Swann.

John Stallworth is in the Hall of Fame. He was more than just Lynn Swann's sidekick and a helluva lot better than to be compared to Alvin Harper and John Taylor.

Every time. Swann was a good player on great teams. Stallworth was a great player and would have been great on any team. He had a longer much Better career, and 200 more catches. Swann was injured a lot. Stallworth always lined up. Bradshaw knew who his go to guy in the clutch was.

...let's briefly revisit the top WRs from the class of 2012:
5 Justin Blackmon, Jaguars - Huge talent. Two-time loser, hasn't played since Oct 2013.
13 Michael Floyd, Cardinals - Imposing specimen. Has shown flashes, but production hampered by the mess at QB.
20 Kendall Wright, Titans - Solid player. Another victim of lousy QB play.
30 A.J. Jenkins, 49ers - Bust, now on IR with KC.
33 Brian Quick, Rams - Injured. Nothing special when healthy.
43 Stephen Hill, Jets - Bust, now on PS with Carolina
45 Alshon Jeffery, Bears - After a rough, injury-plagued rookie year, has emerged as an excellent player.
54 Ryan Broyles, Lions - Bust (injuries a factor).
63 Rueben Randle, Giants
68 Devier Posey Texans - Bust (injuries a factor).
69 T.J. Graham, Bills - Bust, now with NYJ.

The most consistently productive receiver from that draft class has been the 92nd pick, T.Y. Hilton, who had the good fortune to arrive in Indy with Andrew Luck. Mohammed Sanu, the 83rd pick, is a decent complementary player like Randle.

In the context of his draft peers, Randle has given the Giants a pretty fair return on the last pick of the second round. He should be better than he has been, and his lack of professionalism is maddening. Perhaps Beckham's commitment to excellence will rub off on him and help to elevate his game. But anyone who calls him a bad pick should consider the dreck that entered the League with him.

I was only counting NFL suspensions. His brushes with the law and other forms of discipline are much more numerous. When compared to a world-class headcase like Blackmon, Rueben Randle is - at worst - just a garden-variety, 23-year-old idiot.

If he can maintain that clean bill of health through 2015, and continue to improve his numbers, he's going to get a nice contract somewhere as a 24-year-old UFA whose best football should still be ahead of him.

Of course, a strong return by Victor Cruz could cut into Randle's opportunities. I think an equally likely scenario, though, is that Eli and McAdoo would rely less heavily on the TEs in the passing game. That might strengthen Robinson's chances of eclipsing Donnell, although Donnell's awful blocking seems to have improved a bit.

Next year

Amani to emerge. Interestingly it took the influence of a fellow Wolverine, though I don't think they had been teammates in college.

He was here through Toomer's lousy early years, and gone in 1999, when Amani broke out. Toomer did cite him as an influence, but I'm not sure how effective Calloway's voice was.
Neil Best on Toomer, May 1999 - ( New Window )

bur has shown undisciplined, lazy play to this point. He needs to improve his route-running and concentration. He needs to understand that every play he should be playing like he's the primary receiver. Hopefully he gets better and his hands get better, because the Giants really need him to be that 2nd or 3rd WR.

There's a place for him on this team. He's got good size and seems to thrive not downfield, but over the middle and between the numbers.

He has some qualities other receivers on this roster lack. The only other WR with size is Washington.

You saw more fire, determination, aggression, and exuberance yesterday than the entire season combined. And, that's not much of an exaggeration ...

and they're following his lead, the confidence is contagious.

I thought the emphasis on team captains and scholar athlete types was about filling in and turning over the roster with a bunch of guys who'd at least work their tails off. Now it looks as if those new guys - OBJ, Kennard, Richburg, an Berhe at least - have attitude in spades.