Around the NFL: Coughlin: OBJ has become “a distraction”

By Ryan Gerstel, Eagledelphia contributor

OBJ a "distraction:" Former New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin broke his silence regarding Odell Beckham Jr. Tuesday in an interview with the CBS Sports Network. 

"For his own good [he needs to learn to channel his passion]," Coughlin said, via ESPN.

The 70-year-old former coach offered to help the third-year receiver if he needs it, but also admitted that his old player has become a "distraction."

"I would love to try to help him in this regard because I think so highly of him," Coughlin said. "He is a distraction. If you watch a game, the camera is on him the whole time."

Beckham endured the worst game of his young career Monday night against a dominant Minnesota Vikings defense. He was targeted nine times, but only hauled in three of those targets for a career-low 23 yards.

A big contributor to Beckham's performance was his clash with Vikings corner back Xavier Rhodes, who played mind games with the 23-year-old by jawing at him and being physical near the sidelines.

Beckham admitted to ESPN Tuesday that the extra focus on his behavior during games has been frustrating and has kept him from having fun.

"Football is my sanctuary," Beckham told ESPN's Anita Marks. "It's where I go to escape. It's where I'm most happy. I'm not having fun anymore."

The first incident of a Beckham meltdown came in Week 15 last season against Carolina Panthers star corner back Josh Norman. Since then, defenders across from Beckham have tried to get into his head to affect his performance on the field.

Eli Manning told reporters after the Giants' game Monday night that Beckham needs to "be aware" of his actions on the field and think about how it affects the team.

“He’s got to be aware,” Manning said. “People are looking for him, and he’s got to play smart. You can’t afford to do anything or it’s going to be called. He’s kind of brought that himself, so he’s got to realize that. We can’t afford penalties that hurt the team.”

Kevin White to miss extended time: Chicago Bears second-year wide receiver Kevin White is expected to miss extended time after suffering an ankle injury last week against the Detroit Lions. No timetable for his return has been set.

This is the second major injury the 24-year-old has suffered in his incredibly young career. White missed all of last season due to a stress fracture in his shin that required surgery.

White was coming off back-to-back solid outings where he caught 12 passes for 117 yards and was starting to establish himself as a solid go-to option across Alshon Jeffery.

On the season, White had caught 19 passes for 187 yards, good for 9.8 yards per catch.

Palmer still on concussion protocol: The Arizona Cardinals could be without their starting quarterback for Thursday Night's game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Carson Palmer is still on the team's concussion protocol, according to head coach Bruce Arians. The 36-year-old quarterback suffered the concussion late against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4.

However, Arians did instill some hope by saying there's still a "chance he could play."

Palmer and the Cardinals' high-flying offense has struggled through four weeks this season. The top scoring offense from a season ago ranks just 12th in the league in scoring and Palmer has already thrown five interceptions while completing just 58.8 percent of his passes. The inconsistency has been a big factor in the team's 1-3 start.

If Palmer can't go, backup Drew Stanton will lead the offense. The 32-year-old completed just four of 11 passing attempts for 37 yards with two interceptions.

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