Cleveland Browns: 5 matchups to watch in week 4
Cleveland Browns Matchup No. 1: Odell Beckham Jr. vs Patrick Peterson
This is the most intriguing matchup on the docket, Patrick Peterson versus Odell Beckham Jr. While we are not getting these two players at their physical peaks, we are getting to see this matchup at maybe their most compelling points in their respective careers.
On one hand, you have Peterson, a future Hall of Famer who is looking to extend his career on a new team. Gone is the 4.31 speed that was his calling card early in his career, but Peterson’s football IQ and savviness are still at an all-time high. As all veterans to do that play past their physical primes, Peterson has had to trade athleticism for technique and physicality.
On the other hand, you have Beckham, a player that still has a ton of work to do if he wants to end up in Canton. Although he may be a tick slower, it is not enough to consider him out of his physical prime window. But Beckham is coming off multiple injuries that make you question whether or not his best days are already behind him.
Beckham made his return last week against the Bears. He sure looked like OBJ, catching five of his targets for 77 yards, as well as one rush for 10 yards. Not bad considering he tore his ACL just shy of 11 months ago. Now with a week under his belt, OBJ will look to increase his workload and his output.
Baker Mayfield will need to use caution when targeting his number one receiver when Peterson is on coverage. Peterson will look to bait Mayfield into risky throws, as he did when he intercepted Baker in their first meeting back in 2019.
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Beckham definitely has a speed advantage against Peterson at this stage of their careers, but one would be foolish to count Pat P out. As long as he is out on the field, he is still dangerous. The Browns need to scheme as many free releases for Beckham as possible, and make Peterson play to their strengths.