WR Odell Beckham Jr.
November 23, 2016
Q: It’s been two years since the catch that put you on the NFL map. Do you still think about it? If so, what are your thoughts on it?
A: I really just think about how it changed my life forever. In a sense, it kind of put a shadow over everything else. It is a moment that happened and it was a good moment for me. I think about it in retrospect but not really on a daily basis.
Q: Did you know that today was the anniversary?
A: Not until you just said that. I do now.
Q: What are your thoughts going against Joe Haden and the Browns this week?
A: He’s a great corner, someone who I’ve watched for a long time even when he was at Florida. We’re friends in a sense. I’m sure when we get out there it’s going to be all competition but at the end, it’s all love. I’m excited about the opportunity to go against one of the premier corners in this league.
Q: What skills does he bring?
A: He’s got it all. He’s been in this league for seven or eight years. I think he’s been playing ever since he stepped on the field. He’s been playing at a high level. He’s pretty much got all the tools that he needs.
Q: How important is it for you as an offense to really put a game away?
A: I would love nothing more than that. It’s unfortunate to be on the offense and have that feeling that the defense is saving us every game, which they are. They’re playing at a high level. It’s about time for us to just put one away. Let them sit on the bench with the warmers and their jackets. Not even let them worry about coming back on the field.
Q: Is the fact that they’re playing so lights out motivating you to get to that level?
A: Absolutely. I think it’s the difference between this year and last year. Last year, we just didn’t have that same defense that’s coming up with three or four stops in a row when we needed to. It was 22-16. We stopped them three or four times in a row. Last year, they may have scored once and it would’ve been 23-22 and we didn’t score on offense. They’re doing a tremendous job of closing out games. It’s time for the offense to take steps and close a game out for them.
Q: As you ride out this five-game winning streak knowing that the offense hasn’t played their best ball yet, does it give you more confidence?
A: In a sense. We know that we haven’t played to our full potential. We’re still coming away with wins. We just need to step it up in each and every way. Put games away when they need to be put away.
Q: Is that where your frustration was coming from in the second half?
A: I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Q: Is there any focus on not being the first team to give Cleveland a win?
A: I think our focus is on winning. Not really not giving a team a win. I think our goal and focus is solely on the New York Giants and what we have to do.
Q: How good does it feel to be riding this streak right now?
A: It feels good to have a chance to make the playoffs. Do exactly what we need to do. We’re in great position, we just can’t give it away.
Q: How does Joe Haden stack up against some of the best guys you’ve played? Who are some of those guys?
A: I couldn’t even tell you right now. I’d have to sit down and go back to watch film. Joe is a phenomenal corner. He’s been doing this for a long time. I’ve seen him since he’s been at Florida. You know what to expect. You’re going against a premier guy.
Q: What are your Thanksgiving plans?
A: I have family coming to town. Get to see my little sister, stepdad, mom. Just enjoy the day.
Q: You cooking?
A: I’m not cooking, I’m eating.
Q: How much do you watch the games?
A: I don’t really watch it as much. I’ll catch a game if it just so happens to be on. Not really turn it on. I’m sure I’ll watch this one on Thursday. It’s Thanksgiving and the family will be right there. It’ll be something I’ll tune into. Other than that, I don’t watch too many games.
Q: Cowboys and Redskins, does it matter the result to you guys?
A: Either way it goes, you need one of them to lose, or tie. Whatever it is, I’ll be watching that game. It’s two very relevant teams. In terms of our run to the playoffs, we need to beat both of those teams. Just scouting and seeing exactly what they’re doing.
Q: Can you root for anyone?
A: I’m not rooting for anyone except the Giants and Jarvis Landry.
Q: Who’s cooking for you?
A: My mom. My stepdad, too. He’ll probably do all the food. My uncle, I have some people coming to town. It’ll be cool.
Q: Have you talked to Lebron at all about coming to his city?
A: I haven’t talked to him. It’s a quick trip, in and out. 1 o’clock game so we can get out of Cleveland early. We won’t be down there too long, I don’t think. I don’t live down there. I’m sure they enjoy it, but let’s get in, do what we need to do and handle our business.
