Shannon Sharpe Wants to Slow the Hype Train on Baker Mayfield and the Browns After Winning Without Odell Beckham Jr.: ‘That’s a Tired Narrative’

Shannon Sharpe, who is now an analyst for the NFL Network and CBS Sports, was not impressed with how the Browns were able to win their game against Washington without Odell Beckham Jr. He wants people to slow down that hype train before it goes too far.

The “what team is odell beckham on” is a question that has been asked for years. Shannon Sharpe wants to slow the hype train down on Baker Mayfield and the Browns after winning without Odell Beckham Jr.

Over the last several weeks, the Cleveland Browns have dominated NFL headlines. Following a public spat between Baker Mayfield and Odell Beckham Jr., the Browns opted to part ways with the unhappy wide receiver. While Cleveland played excellent in its first game without OBJ, Shannon Sharpe, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, says there is reason to be cautious.

In their first game without Odell Beckham Jr., Baker Mayfield and the Browns looked excellent.

With all of the Odell Beckham Jr. news, the Cleveland Browns have had a rocky week. That didn’t stop them from taking it out on the Cincinnati Bengals, their cross-town rivals, in Week 9.

From start to finish, Baker Mayfield and the Browns overwhelmed Joe Burrow and the Bengals.

Mayfield threw for 218 yards and two touchdowns on 14 of 21 attempts. He wasn’t a world-beater by any stretch of the imagination, but he did play a decent, clean game. Cleveland’s running offense paved the way. On only 14 attempts, Nick Chubb ripped through the Cincinnati defense for 137 yards and two scores.

On the other hand, the Browns’ defense had their greatest performance of the season. The defense has a lot of great stars on them, but they’ve had some struggles in 2021. Joe Woods’ defensive unit finally delivered on its promise.

The Browns intercepted Joe Burrow twice and limited the Bengals’ offense to 16 points.

The AFC North is now one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, so this was a major win for Cleveland. It might also be a declaration that Baker Mayfield and the rest of the team are better off without OBJ.

Shannon Sharpe does not believe Cleveland is a better team without OBJ.

Former NFL player Shannon Sharpe talks about the Super Bowl on SiriusXM | Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM; Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns walks off the field after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals | Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

In terms of statistics, the Cleveland Browns have a superior record when Odell Beckham Jr. is not on the field. That, however, does not convey the whole tale.

Shannon Sharpe, a Hall of Fame tight end and Fox Sports commentator, recently commented on the team’s first win post-OBJ.

Sharpe remarked on FS1’s UNDISPUTED, “That’s a stale story.” Beckham Jr., according to the former eight-time Pro Bowler, couldn’t possible make that big of an effect from his wide receiver position.

“Well, if you get three turnovers and one of them is a pick-six, that’s a different story.” And your running back is averaging 10 yards per rush, which allows the whole offense to open up. The Cleveland Browns’ offense is built on play action.”

Sharpe claims that putting the whole football team’s success on OBJ’s shoulders is unjust, despite his inherent brilliance.

“The defense would be this team’s strong strength. It finally appeared. It took the ball away from the Browns and gave them more possessions. Odell isn’t involved in any of this. Odell isn’t a defensive player. It’s simple to claim Baker Mayfield was the superior player. Baker did a good job, although he only threw the ball 21 times. That’s an excellent recipe.”

Mayfield and Beckham Jr. are under increasing pressure.

Shannon Sharpe is absolutely correct. People have placed far too much guilt on Odell Beckham Jr.’s shoulders. However, it’s plausible that Baker Mayfield faced more pressure as a result of playing alongside a ball-dominant receiver like OBJ.

Beckham Jr. being released by the Browns will very certainly be the best-case situation for all parties concerned. Cleveland will be able to move on without the distractions. Mayfield’s shoulders may feel lighter as a result of the split. For the first time in his career, OBJ gets to choose his destination.

For the rest of the 2021 NFL season, all eyes will be on Mayfield and Beckham Jr. On the football field, these two guys couldn’t get along, according to the story. It’s time to put up or shut up now, separate.

Mayfield played well in his first game after OBJ’s release, but the season is still young. He has to accomplish more as a former No. 1 overall draft selection before the skeptics forget about him.

After clearing waivers, Beckham Jr. gets the last say. The three-time Pro Bowler is free to join with any club he wants. The LSU product, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, wants to join a contender.

The spotlight will shine even brighter if OBJ joins with one of the finest teams in the NFL. He wants the ball, and he’ll have to deliver when given the chance.

For Odell Beckham Jr., Baker Mayfield, and the Browns, excuses are no longer acceptable.

Pro Football Reference provided all stats.

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