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Cleveland Browns surprises and disappointments from first quarter of 2019

By Dan Justik

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns stands with his teammates during the national anthem before playing against the Los Angeles Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns stands with his teammates during the national anthem before playing against the Los Angeles Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 29: Jarvis Landry #80 of the Cleveland Browns stiff arms Earl Thomas #29 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 29: Jarvis Landry #80 of the Cleveland Browns stiff arms Earl Thomas #29 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Surprise – Jarvis Landry

After the Browns traded for Beckham in March, it was known Jarvis Landry was going to be playing as the No. 2 wide receiver, a role that suits him much better than being the No. 1 receiver. And so far, the role has suited Landry perfectly.

Landry is Cleveland’s leading receiver with 328 yards and ranks 10th in the NFL in yards. He has caught 18 passes and is averaging 18.2 yards per reception. It is unlikely he’ll continue with that high average, but he has created explosive plays by gaining yards after the catch.

Landry’s numbers were helped with a massive performance against the Ravens, catching eight receptions for 167 yards. But the Browns have needed a player to make plays early in the season, and Mayfield seems to be targeting Landry.

He may not have a touchdown yet this season, but Landry is thriving while defenses focus their attention on Beckham. He is getting one-on-one matchups and is creating enough space that Mayfield has been able to deliver throws into the windows.

The Browns are going to need Landry to continue his momentum from Week 4, especially with Beckham not making as big of an impact. But Landry is finding a home in the middle of the field, and is providing some pop when he gets the ball.

Landry could be more consistent with his targets, but he seems to be in good position as the Browns have tweaked their offense. Now that Cleveland is focusing on short and intermediate throws, Landry should be able to continue to make plays.

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