Analysts pointed out the Browns offense was better without Odell Beckham Jr. in the lineup, and apparently, the team took note of it, too.
Baker Mayfield’s numbers improved substantially without OBJ on the field, possibly because the Browns quarterback was locking in on the star receiver as his first read, but then being stuck if he needed to go through his progressions and throw the ball elsewhere. As soon as OBJ suffered a season-ending ACL injury, though, Mayfield’s efficiency improved, and he got into a rhythm, targeting guys like Jarvis Landry and Rashard Higgins. The Browns then found a nice run-pass balance, and snuck into the playoffs.
But Beckham is back, even though rumors were swirling about him getting traded throughout the offseason. So it’s now on the Browns to make it work with their No. 1 receiver in the lineup.
Apparently, Mayfield is taking that upon himself, and is working on developing more chemistry with OBJ.
“When it comes down to the chemistry stuff, it’s every rep matters for us, but then, just the terminology and speaking outside the building, not just about football, that goes such a long way when it comes to chemistry that trust factor,” Mayfield said, via ESPN.Â
“And I know he feels the same way,” he added.Â
Mayfield went on to say the two have taken “huge strides,” so we’ll see if that translates to success on the field this season.
