Did OBJ’s Actions Overshadow A Great Game?
Odell Beckham Jr. certainly did not have a game he would like to remember yesterday against the Carolina Panthers. Beckham Jr. and Panthers CB Josh Norman got into it multiple times, throwing fists, and picking up penalties.
The most egregious being Beckham Jr.'s helmet-to-helmet late hit on Norman in the 3rd quarter. The incident occurred after a Giants run play. Beckham and Norman traded hand swipes; Beckham then came from the back of the play as Norman neared the ball carrier after the whistle was blown and lowered his head into the helmet of the CB. Norman then obviously retaliated.
That incident was clearly out of hand and embarrassed the game. A game that came down to the final seconds.
Panthers QB Cam Newton played extremely well on Sunday as he became the first quarterback ever to throw 5TD passes, over 300 yards, and rush for 100 yards in one game. An MVP-like performance for sure. Giants QB Eli Manning had a fantastic game as well as he led his team on a comeback trail down 35-7 in the 4th quarter to tie the game at 35 with just over a minute to play. Even with the great game coming down to the final seconds as Panthers kicker Graham Gano kicked the game winning FG as time expired, the unsportsmanlike play overshadowed the great game.
Lets not make Norman out to be a saint; he too is accountable for his actions during the game as well. However, Beckham was clearly out of control and should be disciplined by the NFL.