Cleveland Browns vs. Chiefs: 5 bold predictions for Week 1
By Randy Gurzi
Cleveland Browns bold prediction No. 4: OBJ turns back the clock
It’s not just that he’s back to practicing, it’s that he’s back to practicing and looks nothing like a man who tore his ACL just 10 months ago.
Odell Beckham, Jr. suffered a devastating knee injury that prematurely ended his second season with Cleveland. He then had to sit and endure the talk which followed. That talk wasn’t in reference to his rehab either, but a question that popped up non-stop throughout the remainder of the season — and has carried over to the 2021 campaign.
Are the Browns better on offense without OBJ?
The question really is nonsensical. No team improves by getting rid of elite talent. Sure, there have been cases where the chemistry improves, I mean look at Terrell Owens during his career, but that’s not the case either with Beckham. He’s been a great teammate in Cleveland and shouldn’t get the criticism he does in that department.
Having said that, the question was there for a reason. Cleveland looked better once he was gone — but why?
The real reason likely had to do with quarterback Baker Mayfield having the preverbal light bulb come on. One thing that people tend to gloss over is the fact that he was in his fourth system in three years and had virtually no offseason. It was only natural for the offense to need time to jell. And once they did, it was a thing of beauty.
Bringing OBJ into the mix will enhance that, not hinder it. And on Sunday, we’ll see that up close and personal as No. 13 not only sheds the questionable label and plays but he also looks like his old self again en route to 100 yards receiving on the day.