NFL

Giants’ Randle catches chance in stride

RUEBEN ON RISE: Giants rookie wideout Rueben Randle carries the ball during a breakout six-catch game in yesterday’s win over the Browns. (
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Well, Rueben Randle certainly looked “NFL-ready’’ yesterday.

In his fifth NFL game after a very quiet first four, Randle, the Giants’ second-round pick, backed up the draft night prognostication of general manager Jerry Reese, who called him “NFL-ready’’ and added, “I think he’s going to be a quick fix.’’

With starting receiver Hakeem Nicks out again because of his foot injury and Ramses Barden also out, the Giants needed a quick fix from Randle, who had produced only one catch in the first month but was going to play a lot against the Browns.

And the kid delivered, catching six passes for 82 yards in the Giants’ 41-27 win. Randle had five of those catches for 78 yards in the first half and played a big part of igniting a Giants offense that looked asleep on its first couple of possessions.

Randle’s performance was even more significant in light of comments teammate and fellow receiver Victor Cruz made to The Post this week questioning the rookie’s work ethic.

“Rueben has to understand that this is a business now, it’s not just come out here, lollygag because you may not be getting as much reps as somebody else, that you shouldn’t be giving as much effort,’’ Cruz had said.

Randle’s effort wasn’t an issue yesterday nor was his production.

Randle seemed to take the criticism in stride, saying he “wasn’t too bothered’’ by it and saying he “took it as advice’’ from the veterans.

“I wanted to go out and prove myself to my teammates and coaches,’’ Randle said. “There was a big point I wanted to prove.’’

The point was well taken by all.

“We said that this would be Rueben’s opportunity, that we needed him and we were counting on him,’’ coach Tom Coughlin said. “He was one of those guys that had to play well for us to win and he did play well. He got us going.’’

Randle did it with the help of quarterback Eli Manning — on and off the field.

“We needed some young guys to step up, and Rueben Randle made some great plays for us,’’ Manning said. “That’s what we expected of him, and it’s good to see it. He took some shots, took some hits and stayed tough and played well and that was exciting.’’

Manning reached out to Randle on Wednesday, inviting him to join him for a one-on-one film session Thursday. The two spent about 30 minutes together, and Randle said it did wonders for his confidence.

Asked what his reaction was when Manning reached out to him, Randle said, “Just get there. He’s our quarterback, the leader of the offense. As a young receiver wanting to get on the same page as him and gain confidence, I felt obligated to go in there and meet with him.

“It was my first time one-on-one with him. He texted me and said he was going to be watching film and to come join him. We watched a lot of [the Browns’] blitzes on third downs and got on the same page.’’

Cruz said he was “proud’’ of Randle.

“It was good for Rueben to get his hands on the ball a couple times and get his confidence up,” Cruz said. “He had a tough week of practice, worked hard and made some plays during practice week and it all came out for us on game day.’’