**

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.**
– Not everyone in the football world thought Odell Beckham Jr.'s one-handed grab last week vs. the Dallas Cowboys was the greatest catch in football history.  

NEWS > Coughlin: Injuries create opportunities > 5 players placed on IR > Giants sign RB Chris Ogbonnaya PHOTOS > Know Your Opponent: Titans playmakers VIDEOS > Watch Giants Player Interviews

One of the non-believers was Zach Mettenberger, who will be on the same field as Beckham Sunday, when the Giants face the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. Mettenberger has nothing against Beckham. Actually, he's very fond of him, because Mettenberger was Beckham's starting quarterback the previous two seasons at LSU. Mettenberger doesn't consider what Beckham did against Dallas to be routine. But he doesn't believe it was his former teammate's best play.

"He has had better in practices at LSU," Mettenberger said on a conference call today. "Him and Jarvis Landry (another former LSU star, who is having an outstanding rookie season with the Miami Dolphins) both have been known to make those catches. That was not a surprise for anyone who has been around those two for the last three years."

**>> 7 TAKEAWAYS FROM GIANTS MEDIA HOUR**

Although he missed the first four games with a hamstring injury, Beckham leads the Giants with 699 receiving yards. He is third with 48 receptions and second with five touchdown catches. His 48 receptions tie Bobby Johnson (1984) for the second-highest total by a rookie in franchise history. In November, Beckham became the first rookie receiver in NFL history with five games with at least 90 receiving yards in a calendar month.

Mettenberger, who calls Beckham "a great guy," is not surprised by anything his former teammate has accomplished.

"Without a doubt, he is the best athlete I have ever been around personally," Mettenberger said. "Not just football, but basketball, baseball, soccer, he can do it all – I have seen him do it all. I am very proud of him and the work he has put in, and the success he is having on the field."

Beckham has also impressed Tennessee head coach Ken Whisenhunt.

"Certainly, he is growing as a young player," Whisenhunt said. "I think you can see his confidence has increased and he is making a lot of plays and he is one you certainly have to be aware of."

**>> GIANTS VOW TO FIGHT THROUGH INJURIES**

Giants running back Rashad Jennings (ankle), linebacker Mark Herzlich (concussion) and tackle James Brewer (concussion) did not practice today.

Jennings said he will be ready to play on Sunday, but his predictions regarding his return when he was sidelined for four weeks with a knee injury were somewhat inaccurate.

Linebackers Jameel McClain (knee) and Jacquian Williams (concussion/shoulder), cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (back/shoulder) and defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins (calf) were limited.

• Tackle Justin Pugh (quad) practiced fully.

• Neither of Tennessee's starting offensive tackles practiced today. Rookie left tackle Taylor Lewan has an ankle injury and right tackle Michael Oher has a toe issue. Neither tackle played last week in Houston. Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley also missed practice with a knee injury.

Mettenberger, who has started the last five games, was limited with a right shoulder injury. Guard Chance Warmack (ankle) and cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson (back) were also limited.

Mettenberger, like Jennings, said he will play Sunday.