CLEVELAND, Ohio – Something was missing during the Browns’ thrilling return to the playoffs last season. And it was a big something in the form of Odell Beckham Jr.
OBJ and Baker Mayfield didn’t show a tremendous amount of chemistry before the former went down with an injury last season, leading many to speculate on what his contributions will be to the Browns this season.
On Wednesday’s edition of ESPN’s “First Take,” Max Kellerman suggested the Browns are on the verge of being a Super Bowl team and Beckham could get them there.
“If Odell Beckham Jr. is healthy, he should be able to make that kind of difference,” said Kellerman. “Whatever chemistry issues they have will be worked out and Odell will be additive to the cause.”
But Kellerman’s counterpart Stephen A. Smith had a different take.“If I’m Odell Beckham Jr., I’m coming off injury, I want to re-establish myself,” said Smith. “I wanna get paid which means I’m going to be looking for the ball…
“I think a potential problem exists and I think the Cleveland Browns would be better off moving Odell Beckham Jr. to another franchise, a franchise that is going to target him heavily, feed him the football so he can be satisfied.”
Analyst Damien Woody, who won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, disagreed with Smith, saying this season is the perfect setup for OBJ.
“This is gonna be the best team he’s ever been a part of,” proclaimed Woody. “The Cleveland Browns’ identity isn’t Baker Mayfield. It’s not Odell Beckham Jr. It’s those two backs in the backfield.
“That’s where Odell Beckham Jr. can make his hay because when everybody is focused on that run game, Odell Beckham Jr. is going to be able to showcase what he’s been doing his whole career, making big explosive plays. I wouldn’t be looking to try to go anywhere. I’d be looking to try to ride this train with the Cleveland Browns.”
