ROBBINS NEST
By Lenn Robbins The New York Extra/TheNYExtra.com
Every other year or so the “Grenade Player” becomes a compelling NFL storyline.
This year the “Grenade Player” is Odell Beckham Jr., OBJ, Dr. Distraction, Mr. Money Maker, Sir Sensational Catch.
When healthy (when?), Beckham Jr. is one of the true game-changing players in the NFL.
Remember that 61-yard catch and race, not run, against the Cowboys on October of 2020? Remember that one-handed catch, with a Dallas defending trying to strip search him in November of 2015?
Receivers around the country, even some high schoolers, have offered up their version of the Beckcatch but none had to reach back with one hand and make the catch with a defender trying to reel him in like Quinn in Jaws. We’re going to need a bigger, faster, boat.
Yes, Beckham can blow up a game in a single play. He can explode a defensive coordinator’s best devised schemes. Man’s a Grenade Player.
What makes the man truly explosive however, is this: He can blow up a locker room faster than a three-burrito fart. And Beckham has.
His father, Beckham Sr., pulled the pin on his son’s career in Cleveland by posting an 11-minute video highlighting all the times Jr. was open but didn’t get the ball. Playing receiver with Baker “The Commercial Maker” at quarterback is like owning the nicest house in a bad neighborhood but you can’t have daddy complain about you buying it.
After all, OBJ forced his way into Cleveland by being such a combustible presence in NY that GM Dave Gettleman traded him shortly after signing the former NFL star to a five-year, $90 million contract. When he wasn’t criticizing quarterback Eli Manning, OBJ was on the sidelines fighting with kicking nets. It was the NFL version of King Kong vs Godzilla.
OBJ got his rear end banned for two years at his alma mater, after handing out cash in the locker room after the Tigers won the 2019 National Championship. Name, Likeness, Image, OBJ. Man’s a Grenade Player.
Beckham was a free agent after the Browns released him earlier this week. According to reports, he wants to play with a contender. He signed with the Rams on Thursday according to published reports. They certainly are a contender and Matt Sattford has the best arm of any QB OBJ has played with.
It will be quite a story to track over the next few weeks as the Grenade Player’s future unfolds. Reporters now will descend upon the lucky/unlucky Rams and turn OBJ’s first week at practice into Super Bowl Media Week. Donald Trump has already requested credentials. So has Andrew Cuomo.
The Jets and Giants don’t have to face that scenario. Neither is a playoff contender. Neither has an elite QB although there remains hope that Daniel Jones and/or Zach Wilson will become one.
Maybe the day will come when one, or both, of those franchises will be in the position debate whether or not to sign a Grenade Player. The Rams believe adding OBJ is a good idea. It always seems like a good idea until the explosion.
Ravens -7.5 over DOLPHINS – Not sure how one can measure who are the most competitive players in the NFL are but Lamar Jackson better be on that list.
$COLTS -10.5 over Jaguars – Jags hung over from their stunning upset of the Bills.
Browns +1.5 over PATRIOTS – Battle of two of the nastiest tacklers in the NFL – Browns’ DE Myles Garrett and Pats QB Mac Jones. Or, a talented collection of players vs a team.
COWBOYS -9 over Falcons – When rocket scientist Rex Ryan says another coach has made stupid moves, well, Mike McCarthy better have the Boys in bounce back mode.
Bills -12.5 over JETS – CONTROVERSY! CONTROVERSY! Zach Wilson is cleared to play but Robert Saleh is starting Mike White. Bills don’t care. They’ve been in hiding since 9-6 loss at Jacksonville.
TITANS -3 over Saints – Adrian Peterson outdoes Tom Brady by claiming he can play until his 60! Well, maybe 59.
WASHINGTON -9.5 over Bucs – Bucs avoided Upset Week with a bye. Not saying the Washington Football Team will triumph but the Bucs will need some WD-40.
Lions +5.5 over STEELERs – Mike Tomlin announces he is a candidate for a college head coaching job – just for kicks. Big Ben out. Lions
CHARGERS -2.5 over Vikings – Vikings five losses have been by a total of 18 points. Make that six losses by 21.
$CARDINALS -10.5 over Panthers – Now starting at QB for the Cardinals – doesn’t matter.
PACKERS -3 over SEAHAWKS – Packers defense is so good it immunizes opposing offenses, especially ones playing their second-string quarterback.
BRONCOS -2.5 over Eagles – Broncos run wild on Mile High.
RAIDERS +2.5 over Chiefs – Monday Night Football takes on a 60 Minutes feel.
Rams -4 over 49ERS – Niners, with Super Bowl aspirations, are winless at home.
Home team in CAPS
$ Best bets.
Last Week: 5-9; Best Bets: 0-2.
Season, 70-62-3; 8-5.