why are our WR unhappy? why did OBJ walk? why do we anticipate landry leaving?
SHOULD BROWNS DRAFT A QB IN 2022?
It's an interesting question, because it wasn't production. It can't have been.
2020
Browns - seven games - 23 receptions, 43 targets, 319 yards, 3 TD.
2021
Browns - six games - 17 receptions, 34 targets, 232 yards, 0 TD.
Rams - eight games - 27 receptions, 48 targets, 305 yards, 5 TD.
So, not a whole lot difference. Except the touchdowns, but being the second read from Cooper Kupp helps.
Also, I want to get this off my chest:
The Rams were tied 31st in the NFL for rushing touchdowns, with just 10. We were tied 5th, with 20. Despite our struggles on offense. Despite Chubb missing 4 games and Hunt missing 8. That's because the majority of NFL touchdowns come in the red zone, and we've got two phenomenal red zone backs. While they are on the roster, it's unlikely we'll keep pace with pass-first NFL teams. Everyone knows Marshawn Lynch should have got the ball on THAT play, but we'll forever have it held against us that we pound the rock.
I'm not trying to say our offense was fine. It wasn't. But we were 16th in scoring (43), and 9 touchdowns out of the top 10. For comparison, we had 9 more touchdowns than Pittsburgh and two more than the Ravens. Let's trade for Derek Carr, whose LV offense had 6 less total touchdowns than ours. I never stop reading about how awful our offense is from the same media who'll relentlessly praise... less productive offenses which were actually healthy.
But, I digress;
For all the "Baker was the problem" commentary which followed, Odell never looked like a $20M receiver - even on the Rams prolific passing attack. He looked like a #2 receiver whose best days are behind him. And I could forgive that. What I can't forgive is a guy who quits on his team because he watches his stats. Because he demands a level of production he hasn't earned.
We're better off without Odell. Better off without the drama, the narcissistic approach to play and his utterly insane contract. I have no doubt in my mind that Baker Mayfield will be better next year. Maybe not the guy, but much better than he was. I also have no doubt in my mind that Odell isn't worth $20M and we're better off without him.