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Cleveland Browns: Who is really to blame for Odell Beckham Jr.’s struggles?

By Matthew McFatridge

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 08: Odell Beckham #13 of the Cleveland Browns can't pull in a first half pass prior to going out of bounds next to William Jackson #22 of the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 08: Odell Beckham #13 of the Cleveland Browns can't pull in a first half pass prior to going out of bounds next to William Jackson #22 of the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 08: Head coach Freddie Kitchens of the Cleveland Browns watches from the sidelines during the first half of a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 08: Head coach Freddie Kitchens of the Cleveland Browns watches from the sidelines during the first half of a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Who is to blame: The coaching staff

Freddie Kitchens did wonders in his eight games as the interim offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, and many expected he would do well after being named the head coach heading into the 2019 season.

The numbers he was able to get out of Baker Mayfield and Nick Chubb in the last half of their rookie years was impressive, and with the addition of Odell Beckham Jr, many expected it would only get better.

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However, Kitchens’ lack of playcalling experience has been evident many times this season, and he has looked lost at several points this season at the helm of a full team. He and new offensive coordinator Todd Monken have made puzzling decisions all season, including at several times taking their best playmakers off the field in situations that could help decide the outcome of the game.

OBJ has always been a receiver who does his damage after the catch. He has the speed to beat guys deep, but his footwork allows him to run great routes underneath, get the catch, and make something happen in space.

The offensive scheme of the Browns this season, however, has been to run deep routes on seemingly every passing play. Beckham can make plays downfield, but he isn’t a jump ball receiver by nature.

Because Kitchens and the rest of the coaching staff refuse to put Beckham’s route running and explosiveness to use after the catch, he has had a slightly down year overall. Will this season be enough to have OBJ wanting out of Cleveland, or can they salvage the situation by making changes to the coaching staff?

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