Rueben Randle

Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle was benched for the first quarter against the Washington Redskins on Sunday.

((Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images))

EAST RUTHERFORD — They mystery as to why Rueben Randle was benched for the first quarter in the Giants' victory over the Washington Redskins is no closer to being solved.

Given another opportunity to shed light on his decision to bench Randle, Tom Coughlin once again declined to go into detail, instead giving a vague answer on his expectation that every player on the team should work diligently to improve themselves, on and off the field.

"As I said, [the decision to bench Randle is] between me and him," Coughlin said. "He made a heck of a play the other day to put the ball down at the 6-yard line. There’s always things that I would want for each individual to improve upon that’s on our team, and all of us to improve upon. Different things in our lives, different parts of our game, to be honest with you. I’m always after Rueben for that because he’s a talented young man."

Coughlin was pressed again on whether he was pleased with Randle's preparation this series, responding, "Except for the issues," without going into detail on what those issues are.

Randle had two catches for 30 yards during his three quarters of play, one of which was the aforementioned third down catch that helped set up the Giants' third touchdown of the game. His targets have steadily decreased as the season has progressed, and the Giants have been making a more concerted effort to involve receivers Preston Parker and Kevin Ogletree alongside rookie Odell Beckham Jr.

Nick Powell may be reached at npowell@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickpowellbkny. Find NJ.com Giants on Facebook.