OBJ in, Landry out: Who does what in Week 3?

The Cleveland Browns got bad news shortly before getting good news. The bad news came when wide receiver Jarvis Landry was placed on the injured reserve following a knee injury in Week 2. The good news came later in the week when Odell Beckham Jr. was cleared to play in Week 3.

Best friends, Landry and Beckham were excited to come together this season with some stability for the first time as teammates. Their first year together in Cleveland was a struggle with Freddie Kitchens while the entire offense struggled to get on the same page in the first half of 2020 under Kevin Stefanski before Beckham got hurt.

Unfortunately, the players (and the Browns) will have to wait a few weeks for Landry to return and get up to speed before seeing an optimized version of the LSU pair.

The return of Beckham and the loss of Landry will draw eyes to the passing game under quarterback Baker Mayfield. It is also important to note that Landry has been a great blocker for the run game as well.

With Landry out, Beckham should not be expected to replace him. While Landry is far less explosive, his role in the Cleveland offense is vital. The former Miami Dolphin is a high volume, sure-handed receiver first down machine while the former New York Giant is a big play, yards after the catch magician.

In Week 3, Beckham is likely to be limited in both his route tree and number of snaps. While Stefanski may design a play to get him an open look, the Browns may use the threat of a big play from him to open up looks for others.

Training camp star Donovan Peoples-Jones has been on the field a ton in the first two games of the season but only has two catches to show for it. Rookie Anthony Schwartz had a very good first week but caused a Mayfield interception in the second week.

Neither are perfectly skilled to replace what Landry does but could get chances to shine in Week 3.

Replacing Landry may fall primarily on the tight end group. As indicated by Jordan Franks being added to the active roster for the game, Stefanski may have plans that involve using this group more in Landry’s absence. Primarily, Austin Hooper fits a lot of what the former LSU star did for the team. Hooper’s routes are strong, methodical and he has shown good hands throughout his career.

Running back Demetric Felton will be discussed as Landry’s replacement in the slot but the rookie plays the position far differently than Landry. Felton’s gifts are speed and shiftiness while Landry is a power player at the slot position.

At the receiver position, Rashard Higgins’ connection with Mayfield can’t be denied. Higgins, like Landry, catches almost everything thrown in his direction. While Landry has been a volume contributor, Higgins’ spots have been less frequent. If the tight ends are not getting the job done, expect “Hollywood” to have a chance to shine once again in Cleveland.