How Giants’ Odell Beckham Jr. And Saquon Barkley Will Work Together

Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) catches a pass during warm-ups prior to the Giants' game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. The Giants won 19-10. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

In recent seasons, the New York Giants struggled to implement unique sets on offense and create mismatches in coverage – primarily due to a lack of weapons and a horrific offensive line. This offseason, we have seen a fortified line begin to take the necessary steps toward serviceability, and while there is still a long way to go, other pieces to the offensive puzzle are beginning to fall into place.

With star wide receiver, Odell Beckham Jr., preparing to make his regular season return, the team seems to be trending in the right direction. Players have stated Beckham looks even better than before, maintaining his speed, agility, and catching ability at the very least. He seems to have a new-found maturity and success oriented mindset going into this season.

Ultimately, Beckham seeks a massive contract extension in return for good behavior and proof his ankle has fully healed. His role as a captain and leader on the team was made clear by the new regime, especially after drafting OBJ’s good friend, Saquon Barkley.

How will Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley work together on the Giants’ offense?

Picture Antonio Brown and LeVeon Bell…that tandem works smoothly because the defense’s attention must be allocated to either or. When Brown is drawing the safeties into coverage and away from their cover 2 assignments, it opens up an opposite side screen play for Bell. His influence in the pass game is what makes the Steelers’ offense tick.

Additionally, having a solid running game takes the weight off of Brown’s shoulders. For Beckham, that was not the case in 2017, nor his previous seasons. Having a back like Barkley that will keep the defense honest and wary, will open up the field for Beckham to utilize his unique skill-sett.

Throw in Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram and things seems to be looking quite good for the Giants. Expect to see a lot of play-action from Eli Manning and head coach Pat Shurmur – finally. He got away from using it while Ben McAdoo was calling the shots, mainly because the playbook favored a heavy crossing route tree.

Additionally, we have seen a glimpse of movement on the line of scrimmage from Beckham. I’ve seen him move into the slot and jump around the line in an attempt to throw of the defense. Barkley has even split out wide on occasion. Movement before the snap is Shurmur’s bread and butter. We will see a lot of interesting players in motion this season, so look out for that in the next preseason game on Friday.