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The minute that Odell Beckham Jr. came down with the football in making that spectacular catch last Sunday night, the banter about if that catch eclipsed the one made by David Tyree began instantaneously. Both fall into the category of ‘one for the ages’ and head shaking, to say the least. The fact that the discussion includes two New York Giants wide receivers makes it even more comparable.
Both men differ greatly in that Beckham was a highly sought-after first round draft choice this past May, while Tyree was not taken until the sixth round in 2003. Beckham was an immediate starter (once his hamstring healed), with Tyree being a back-up wideout used mostly on special teams, where he excelled enough to make the 2005 Pro Bowl.
Beckham’s one-handed touchdown grab came in the second quarter of a regular season game in Week 12, one that the Giants would eventually lose to fall to 3-8. Tyree’s, on the other hand, came in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLII, with the Giants trailing by four points and a mere 1:15 left. It was a third down play and quarterback Eli Manning somehow escaped what appeared to be a sure sack before floating the ball up to Tyree.
Coverage-wise, Beckham was able to shake off cornerback Brandon Carr (who committed a pass interference penalty on the play), go up with one hand, and not only make the reception, but hang on to the ball as he landed hard on his back in the end zone for a 43-yard scoring reception from Manning.
Tyree was being covered tightly by Rodney Harrison, but was still able to get up high enough to grab the ball and use his helmet to secure it as both players crashed to the turf. Harrison attempted to wrestle the ball away from Tyree during the descent, but he was able to keep possession and the 32-yard catch gave the Giants a first down at the New England Patriots‘ 24-yard line. Four plays later, Manning hit Plaxico Burress in the end zone for the winning touchdown.
Tyree unfortunately did not have much of a chance to bask in the greatness of his catch, as he suffered a season-ending knee injury during training camp the following year and did not make the final cut in 2009. He played one more season in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens, but did not see much action.
On the other hand, Beckham is only a rookie and big things are expected from him for many years to come.
Joe Pietaro is a New York Giants writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MuscleSportMag, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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