Rueben Randle’s contributions in the New York Giants’ preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers may have appeared small on the stat sheet. But his 16-yard catch-and-run on a tunnel screen, wherein he showcased some impressive athleticism and made two defenders miss, was just what the Giants needed to see from their second-year receiver.
A 2012 second-rounder, Randle took time to settle in during his rookie season. Once he did, however, he was a much-needed addition to a dangerous aerial assault.
After catching 11 passes (six of which came in one game) for 158 yards over the first 10 games, the 22-year-old recorded eight catches for 140 yards and three touchdowns in the final six games of the season. He finished 2012 with 19 receptions for 298 yards and three touchdowns.
Randle has entered the 2013 campaign with steep expectations. He has been a must-watch player in training camp, making acrobatic grabs and engaging in exciting battles with up-and-coming cornerback Prince Amukamara. And with uncertainty surrounding receiver Hakeem Nicks’ future with the Giants — he becomes a free agent following the season — a breakout year from Randle would be reassuring.
“[Randle is] light years from where he was last year,” offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride told the New York Daily News’ Ralph Vacchiano. “Just in terms of making the right decisions off the coverages, he’s not being fooled. The way he picked up that blitz (on Saturday night). That was a tremendously well-disguised blitz.”
It’s the little things that put you in the good graces of head coach Tom Coughlin and right now, Randle is doing everything right. If he continues, he should see plenty of opportunities to make plays, much like the one he made during the preseason opener in Pittsburgh.
Louis Musto is a reporter and sports talk host for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. He is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.