EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. believes criticism about his effort on an onside kick late in Sunday’s overtime win over the Chicago Bears is off-base.
Chicago’s Daniel Brown recovered the ball in front of Beckham with just over a minute left in regulation. Beckham appeared to hesitate before diving to the ground for the ball. Safety Curtis Riley also missed a block allowing Brown for a free run at the ball.
Chicago was able to tie the game and send it to overtime before losing 30-27. Despite the final result, the play still left Beckham open to criticism.
“That’s fine,” he said afterward. “It was a great kick. Sometimes, somebody makes a better play that you do. I can dive in there and still not get the ball. It was a very tough call. Nobody should ever question my effort or my heart. That’s the last thing you can do. You can question me as a person, as a man, whatever you want to do. But my heart and my effort can never be questioned. Ever.”
Beckham seemed surprised at the blowback from the play. He was asked earlier in his news conference why he didn’t dive for it in such a crucial spot. Was the ball too far away?
“That sounds like a question that was you just asking to ask, kinda. You know?” he said.
It didn’t seem to be a problem in the locker room, where the Giants enjoyed their third win in four games. Beckham remains a popular presence, and even addressed the team pregame and at halftime.
“[Odell]? I never question O’s effort,” wide receiver Russell Shepard said. “Never question his heart. He wants to win. He’s a big reason why we won. He gave us emotion. He gave us leadership. He said some things to us pregame and halftime that pushed us over the edge.”
Coach Pat Shurmur said he didn’t see the play closely. It was on the other side of the field. He reserved comment until he watched the tape of the Giants’ third victory in their past four games.
It was in part because of Beckham’s contributions. He threw a touchdown pass and caught another. His 49-yard touchdown pass to Shepard was his second passing TD of the season. His 1-yard catch on fourth down late in the third quarter was his sixth touchdown grab of the season.
Beckham finished with three catches on nine targets for 35 yards in the contest.