NEW YORK GIANTS UPDATE 

lRANDLE AS FRUSTRATED WITH HIS LACK OF PRODUCTION AS YOU ARE

As the Sports Xchange reminded readers this week, the 2015 season was supposed to be a breakout year for receiver Rueben Randle.

Instead, the second-round draft pick in 2012 has been like a box of chocolates without a guide in that the Giants aren't really sure what they're going to get from him on each play, let alone from week to week.

Last season, the 24-year-old Randle posted career highs in receptions (71) and receiving yards (938), giving the team hope that he might be finally ready for the No. 2 receiver role on the team.

This season, Randle's production has been disappointing. In 12 games, he has 42 catches for 533 yards and four touchdowns.

According to Profootballfocus.com, the 6-3, 208-pound Randle has been the target on three of Eli Manning's interceptions this season, including the failed 4th-and-2 in the end zone in Sunday's loss to the Jets which was a turning point in the game.

So what gives?

"That's a very good question," head coach Tom Coughlin said. "That's a question which, quite frankly, if I were to answer, I would be speaking to Rueben."

With the Giants missing Victor Cruz, who is in season-ending injured reserve with a calf injury, New York has struggled to find a complement to Odell Beckham, their No. 1 receiver.

As a result, Beckham's pass targets have hit double-digits I each of the last four games, and in eight of the 12 games played this season.

On the flipside, Randle, who will be an unrestricted free agent, has seen his pass targets drop over the last four games.

Over that period, he's been targeted 21 times but has made just 11 catches (52.3 percent) for 149 yards, which, to put into perspective, is the total yardage Beckham had Sunday against the Jets.

Simply put, Randle has been inconsistent not just in games, but in his preparation, according to Coughlin.

"Last Wednesday, Rueben practiced very well," he said. "Thursday was okay, not great. He made a heck of a catch to set up the fourth down call just to catch the ball, which was one of those things with people flying around. The ball was thrown in his direction and he made a nice adjustment and catch."

During an appearance on WFAN Tuesday, Randle said that he’s frustrated by the chances he’s getting this season.

“It’s frustrating that you have to share time,” Randle said. “I’m getting my reps cut a little bit, so my opportunities are cut down a little more. Odell [Beckham Jr.] is pretty much the prime target for us offensively, so everyone else is really just trying to go out there and make plays when the opportunity is called. It’s definitely frustrating. As a receiver, you want to get more involved in the game and it’s kind of tough when the opportunities are limited for you to make an impact on the game.”

It's equally frustrating for the Giants -- and fantasy owners, however, when Randle doesn't make good on a majority of his opportunities.


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