NFL
Browns' WR Jarvis Landry admits that OBJ's departure hurt
As the Browns face life after OBJ their other wide receiver believes they still have what it takes.
As OBJ begins a new chapter in his career with the Los Angeles Rams, some of his former teammates are left wondering about what could have been.
Browns' Jarvis Landry admits OBJ departure hurt
Wide receiver Jarvis Landry admitted on Tuesday that it "stung" to see his teammate and close friend Odell Beckham Jr. leave Cleveland earlier this month. Landry went on to add that he is in fact still unsure as to why the Browns and OBJ couldn't find a solution to the problem that developed. Speaking on the shocking turn of events, Landry was candid. "...Definitely was something that hurt," he said, "Still does."
A little more than a week ago, Beckham basically gave the Browns no choice but to release him, after his father posted an 11-minute video on social media just hours before the trade deadline. The video highlighted various plays during which Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield appeared to opt out of passes to Beckham or out rightly missed him when he was wide open. The Browns then excused Beckham from training on the same day, while the two parties tried to resolve their differences. In the end the star wide receiver was released, becoming a free agent at which point he was promptly signed by the Rams.
Landry talks Browns and QB Mayfield
While Cleveland manged to win their first game with out Beckham, they were not so fortunate on Sunday as they were visibly off the pace in their loss to the New England Patriots, 45-7. The Browns now sit with a 5-5 record. Indeed the performance was abysmal as Cleveland's wide receivers registered just a meager 42 receiving yards, the fewest in a game since 2016. Landry also weighed in on the present situation. "I haven't been able to get the ball so much, either." His response - it must be noted - was also in reference to a left knee sprain that that saw him sidelined for four games in the initial stages of the season. "..But at the end of the day I've been able to [make the most] with the opportunities I'm given. Yeah, I'm battling some things, but on Sundays I always give everything I have. And that will never change."
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Addressing the Browns under fire quarterback Landry was supportive, calling Mayfield a "tough man" who is "doing all the things necessary to make sure he can be out there with us." Mayfield for his part has been struggling with an injury to his left shoulder. The wide receiver went on to share that the season has been "frustrating," but he was clear about his belief that the Browns could still achieve their objective of a playoff spot. "We're just trying to stack [wins], get everybody as healthy as possible," he said. "That's where everybody's head is at. ...Just have to find a way to turn it around."