Matt Stafford describes how Odell Beckham responded to Robert Woods injury

Odell Beckham started off the season with a rocky relationship between himself and the franchise he played for, now he prepares to play in the Super Bowl. After ups and down with the Cleveland Browns, he was released midway through the season and allowed to sign as a free agent with the Los Angeles Rams.

When Beckham first signed with the Rams, it came as a luxury, not a need. However, shortly after his arrival, star wide receiver Robert Woods tore his ACL in practice and left a massive hole in offensive production which needed to be filled. Quarterback Matthew Stafford broke down the impact of adding Odell Beckham this season and how he stepped up after the injury to Robert Woods created a need on the outside.

“We didn’t know we were going to lose Robert like that,” Stafford said, via NBC Sports. “It was such an unfortunate event for a special player for our team, a guy who meant so much to us. But I thought Odell did a great job of stepping in. His role was different than Rob’s was, but he’s embraced that role, he’s grown in that role. What we asked him to do, to come in and learn as much as he’s learned in half a season basically, and come out here and execute and still play at a high level.

“A lot of times, whether it’s receiver or any other position you step in and you’re still thinking and learning. Sometimes the physical parts of the game drop off because you’re thinking. He’s done a wonderful job of being able to lock in on his role in our offense and go play fast. So nothing but love for OB. He’s done a wonderful job and really helped us out.”

Odell Beckham steps up

Not only has Odell Beckham stepped up for the Los Angeles Rams since the Robert Woods injury, but he has also made a return to his former form. The combination of a new atmosphere and new systems appear to have freed up the wide receiver to showcase his talent.

Since making the move, Beckham has caught 27 passes for 305 yards and five touchdowns over eight games. The contrast comes after starting the season with just 17 receptions for 232 yards and no touchdowns in six games with Cleveland.

Now he has the opportunity to compete in the Super Bowl, playing a major role in one of the NFL’s best offenses alongside Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp.