x
Breaking News
More () »

Odell Beckham Jr. impresses Cleveland Browns coaches with work ethic

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has impressed the team with a solid work ethic and commitment to the team while playing through injuries.

CLEVELAND — Admittedly, the 2019 regular season has not gone to plan for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

After being acquired in a trade with the New York Giants during the offseason, Beckham Jr. was supposed to be one of the crown jewels of an offense that was going to lead the Browns down the field and into the end zone on a consistent basis, but injuries have hampered him since training camp.

Despite the health issues, Beckham Jr. has made an impression on his coaches, particularly offensive coordinator Todd Monken, for his ability to fight through the pain and limitations in practice to be ready on game day.

“The year I have been around him, he likes to play the game,” Monken said. “He likes to play football. He is very competitive.

“He is a very prideful young man. It has been hard on him. It really has. It has been hard on him to not be able to play at the level he is accustomed to. He has worked his way through each week, gotten to the game and given us a chance to still be explosive.”

Credit: AP
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. runs a play during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. The Browns won 27-19. (AP Photo/David Richard)

RELATED | Baker Mayfield to be first Cleveland Browns QB to make all 16 starts since 2001

Acquired in exchange for safety Jabrill Peppers and selections in the 2019 NFL Draft, including a first-round pick, Beckham Jr. has played through the injuries and was productive enough earn Pro Bowl alternate status. Beckham Jr. has turned his 127 targets into 71 catches, 954 yards, a 13.4 yards-per-reception average, 41 first downs and three touchdowns.

Beckham Jr. is second on the Browns to only his long-time friend and former LSU teammate, Jarvis Landry, in most major receiving categories. Beckham Jr. has the second-most catches, targets, receiving yards and receiving average among those players with 15 or more receptions.

“There have been several guys playing injured,” Browns coach Freddie Kitchens said. “I said it back in training camp, you are never going to feel normal until March. That is the way the season is.”

Credit: Ron Schwane/AP
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. celebrates after a 35-yard touchdown during the first half of a game against the Miami Dolphins at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland on Sunday, November 24, 2019.

RELATED | Watch: Young fan cries tears of joy after receiving Odell Beckham Jr. Cleveland Browns jersey for Christmas

Despite questions about Beckham Jr.’s desire to remain in Cleveland, he stated in the lead-up to last week’s loss against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium that, “I want to be here” and wants to change the culture of losing that has plagued the Browns since their return to the NFL.

For the 17th consecutive season, the Browns did not qualify for the playoffs.

The Browns officially were eliminated from postseason contention with their 31-15 loss to the AFC North Division champion Ravens last Sunday, a game that allowed Baltimore to clinch home-field advantage for as long as they remain in the playoffs.

The Browns (6-9) last qualified for postseason play during the 2002 season and have the longest active playoff drought in the NFL.

“I think he has done a good job of continuing to fight through things pretty much all year,” Kitchens said. “He is a competitor. He likes to compete. When people like to compete, they are willing to pay the price just a little bit more.”

RELATED | ‘I looked like a goat.’ Cleveland Browns coach Freddie Kitchens laments end-of-half sequence of calls

RELATED | ‘He’s my guy.’ Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns teammates support embattled head coach Freddie Kitchens

RELATED | ‘I haven’t asked.’ Cleveland Browns coach Freddie Kitchens hasn’t requested assurances from management

Before You Leave, Check This Out