Odell Beckham Jr. responds to the concerns about being a receiver in Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens aren’t known for their dynamic passing game. Nonetheless, Odell Beckham Jr. joined the franchise this offseason, believing it is the best place for him. On a recent episode of “The Rich Eisen Show,” Beckham revealed why he felt this way.
“It just was [Todd] Monken coming from Georgia and I’ve seen that he aired it out. I know Lamar [Jackson] wants to air it out, not to say that it’s going to be an air raid. It just seemed like that was going to be the energy. It seemed that we’re going to throw the ball,” Beckham said.
Entering a new era
In 2022, the Ravens averaged 178.8 passing yards per game, the fifth-least in the league. Yet, as Jackson mentioned, there’s a new face in town. Todd Monken will take over as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator this season.
Before joining the Ravens, Monken served as Georgia’s offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach from 2020-22, boosting the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships. Under Monken, Georgia’s offense averaged 273.8 passing yards per game.
Beckham considered this offensive prowess when joining the Ravens. The three-time Pro Bowler claims the organization has not disappointed.
“Being on the other side and even take away the NFL, but other business opportunities and you hear the things that they tell you but then you get there and it’s not exactly what [they say] it is,” Beckham said. “It was definitely me winging it on a feeling and I texted [John Harbaugh] the other day and said, ‘You run a world-class operation around here.’
“It’s been very refreshing. It’s been a breath of fresh air for me. It definitely not just going to be all run game. I’ll tell you that much. I won’t give away any game plans, but I’m truly excited, man. I haven’t had this feeling since early in my career with the Giants.”
Odell Beckham Jr. rediscovers love for the game
For those familiar with Beckham’s NFL career, his words are invigorating. Beckham’s first three seasons with the New York Giants were his best. The former LSU standout recorded over 1,300 yards all three seasons. He has not repeated the feat since.
Although Beckham obviously wants to have a successful season, he’s simply happy to be somewhere he feels wanted.
“I’m in a different place in my life. I’ve been through so much,” Beckham said. “I’m just very grateful to have another opportunity to play in the NFL.”
Beckham will make his regular season debut for the Ravens on Sept. 10 when the team takes on the Houston Texans at 1 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on CBS.