The debate over whether Odell Beckham’s astonishing three-fingered one-handed grab versus the Cowboys is the greatest catch of all-time figures to rage for a while, but one thing is indisputable: Odell Beckham is far from a one hit wonder and last night’s grab had very little to do with luck.
For one thing, Beckham practices those kinds highlight reel catches routinely. There’s a great video over on the Giants official website that I can’t embed, unfortunately. In the clip, Beckham sits on the practice field while coaches fire footballs at him with a JUGS machine with more and more force as Beckham alternates between two hand catches and more challenging one hand grabs.
Last night, when Cris Collinsworth started hyperventilating over Beckham’s catch, he said “put this to music”, refering to NBC’s footage of Beckham’s pre-game feats of astonishment.
ESPN’s Monday Night Football team also ran footage of Beckham practicing his circus grabs before the Giants took on the Colts in week 9.
Indianapolis beat the crap out of Beckham’s Giants that night, but the rookie wideout made a statement with 8 catches and 156 yards.
Beckham also made a statement when he blew past Seahawks cornerback and big-talker Richard Sherman on this 44-yard catch the following week. Sherman was impressed, calling Beckham a “great player” after the game.
Beckham continued to shine against the 49ers last week as he made this juggling catch near the endzone in another Giants loss.
Prior to his impressive rookie season, Beckham was a stand-out at LSU where he would routinely impress with similarly skillful catches. So much so that coach Les Miles seemed to regard last night’s catch as routine, telling Sports Illustrated’s Peter King:
“You have to understand: We have seen this before. I just want you to know that.”
Here’s Beckham making a tremendous one-hand grab along the sidelines in the Outback Bowl versus Iowa.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92rauLT3enE
Beckham’s freakishly large hands have also helped him out on special teams. Look at this non-chalant pick of a descending kick versus UAB.
That wasn’t the only time he tortured UAB. Here’s Beckham embarassing UAB corner Lamarcus Farmer before making an incredible falling catch.
https://youtu.be/D7fMPlK8wtA?t=22s
And just to prove that Beckham’s been doing this kind of thing for awhile against the best competition, here’s a great leaping grab that he made while flying toward the sideline against Alabama, who was ranked #1 at the time.
And in a High School showcase.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBNGYvejV_E
With this much talent and dedication to the art of the jaw dropping catch, it’s hard to imagine that Beckham won’t continue to thrill with his magic act, and it’s clear from his remarks to the Giants website that he intends to.
“I hope it’s not the greatest catch of all time,” Beckham said of his spectacular 43-yard touchdown. “I hope I can make more.”
Hopefully he’s right.
