The Cleveland Browns are 3-2 in 2021.
If you listen to the media inside and outside of Cleveland, you might assume they are 0-5.
Rumors of dysfunction, discontent, and more have filtered the airwaves since the Browns lost a tight one in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
As a result, no one should be surprised that it is time to trot out the annual rumor that the Browns want to trade wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
It is true that he has not been effective since rejoining the team in Week 3.
OBJ has caught nine passes through three games for a total of 124 yards.
He was targeted 19 times so there has been a lot of talk about his drops.
Last week, he dropped a fourth down pass that appeared to be right in his hands.
This is unacceptable. Odell Beckham Jr. has got to catch this football.#Browns pic.twitter.com/TVobCBXLsO
— Marcus Harvey (@MarcusHarvey_) October 10, 2021
The Browns offense can be successful with him back in the lineup.
Here are four ways to get him more involved in the game.
4. Long Passes
Despite the continuity in coaching and players that everyone on the Browns offense was grateful about, the offense has not looked the same in 2021.
It is difficult to figure out what is different though many have speculated.
Regardless, long passes must still be in the playbook.
Beckham is an ideal target in the long game.
This connection once established this season will pay dividends.
.@bakermayfield finds @obj FOR SIX! 😱
📺: https://t.co/xCYUKnVxnh pic.twitter.com/PXLKQI8WDB
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 18, 2020
3. Trick Plays
This qualifies as both a long pass and a trick play.
Last season, it was executed to perfection with Jarvis Landry.
OBJ is a deep threat so sending him out long and forcing defensive players to keep up with him can produce excellent results.
LANDRY ➡️ OBJ
Browns pull out the trick play early 🔥
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/w6FFgVO6et
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 4, 2020
2. Running Plays
Despite coming back from an ACL injury and surgery, it does not appear that Beckham has lost a step.
Plugging him into the running game is always a sure bet to gain yards and move the chains for the Browns.
Thus far in 2021, he has two rushes for 14 yards.
He only played seven games before getting injured in 2020 but managed to accumulate 72 yards rushing in that timespan.
#Browns Top 5 Plays of 2020‼️#2️⃣: Odell Beckham Jr game clinching TD vs the #Cowboys. 🧨#NFL @obj pic.twitter.com/81KnvfXEgc
— The Hottest Take (@Hottest_TakePod) November 11, 2020
1. Stop The Trade Talk
As mentioned above, the trade rumors were resurrected this week.
The Browns, under Kevin Stefanski, have never made any public overtures indicating they wanted to trade Beckham.
The trade talk needs to stop or at a minimum be shut out of the locker room because it is counterproductive to anything the Browns want to accomplish with Beckham in their lineup.
It is foolish to think that the Browns would consider trading him during the season especially with Landry injured.
Maybe the best way to stop the trade talk altogether is to win games where Beckham is an integral part of the offensive success.
The Browns had him involved in 2020 before his injury.
Stefanski is an offensive mind.
With the help of offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, they certainly can scheme up interesting plays for OBJ.
It does seem like a little patience may be required given that he has just returned from a devastating injury.
In the next few weeks, we should expect to see more Beckham in the Browns offense.
NEXT: The Browns Have These Major Questions To Answer