May 15, Miami Gardens, Florida (UPI) — Odell Beckham Jr.’s decision to sign with the Miami Dolphins was influenced by a careful evaluation of quarterback Tua Tagovalioa’s performance, the seasoned wide receiver stated.
“He’s been doing a lot of great things, both here with the Dolphins and at Alabama,” Beckham stated during his Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, Florida, opening news conference on Wednesday.
“I just I just saw an opportunity, when I really watched the film. … I didn’t look at a destination, I looked at myself in the mirror for a place for me in my career, and I just saw a lot of opportunity.”
Beckham revealed that his initial hesitation to play with Tagovailoa was due to the Dolphins quarterback’s left-handed throwing motion. Beckham spent his first ten seasons playing with quarterbacks who were right-handed.
“Because he’s a lefty, I must admit that at first I was a little hesitant. “I always felt like I avoided lefties,” Beckham remarked of Tagovailoa.
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Beckham claimed to have paid attention to those who complimented Tagovailoa on his accuracy.
Beckham’s decision to accept a one-year contract earlier this month was probably influenced by Tagovailoa’s breakout 2023 season, in which he led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards, recorded career highs in completion percentage (69.3%) and touchdown passes (29), and participated in all 17 games.
Previous contacts with Dolphins players, including former teammate Jalen Ramsey, and discussions with coach Mike McDaniel, which included more video analysis, also played a role.
Regarding McDaniel, Beckham remarked, “Coach Mike definitely is someone who sold it to me.” It’s only his vigor. The talks we had about football were in the same language. Simply said, the chance knocked.”
The addition of Beckham to McDaniel’s system, which finished last season as the NFL’s leading yardage provider, might raise Tagovailoa’s potential and help the Dolphins advance farther in the postseason.
However, before Beckham’s full effect is seen, he must maintain his health and gain playing time. He has battled injuries in recent years.
However, McDaniel identified some situations in which Beckham’s contributions may enhance his already excellent approach, including the lineups in which he will line up with Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, two other outstanding wide receivers.
Regarding defensive coverage on Hill and Waddle, Beckham remarked, “He was saying that on third downs, you know, they would get a lot of double [teaming] on both of them.”
“There is just a lot of room for opportunity, Looking at it, I think it’ll be a great matchup.”
The timing of the Dolphins’ offense reminds Beckham of his great career with the New York Giants, where he emerged as one of the NFL’s top wide receivers during his first three seasons. He stated that he is open to playing in the slot or outside alongside the Dolphins’ other playmakers.
The seasoned pass catcher, who led the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 2022, expressed uncertainty about his playing days but expressed a desire to end his career “on a high note.”
Regarding his Super Bowl run, Beckham said, “That worked out well.” “I’m hoping this could work out the same way.”
