The Cleveland Browns expect to be competing for more than just a winning record in 2021 but is Baker Mayfield’s connection to Odell Beckham Jr. the team’s “x-factor”?
The concept of x-factors can mean a variety of things from specific players that could break out, scheduling intricacies and injuries, which are always significant factors for NFL teams. Often, we are able to identify the x-factor after a season. For example, Bill Callahan’s ability to bring the offensive line together in 2020 was a big x-factor.
In 2021, the Browns ability to bring together all their new defensive pieces together will be important. How the team’s rookies are able to contribute could also play a huge role including how Anthony Schwartz’s speed provides a different dynamic.
According to ESPN’s subscriber piece, it is Mayfield-to-Beckham that will be that x-factor:
X factor for 2021: The Browns have been unable to make the Baker Mayfield-to-Odell Beckham Jr. connection work through its first two years. Mayfield has a passer rating of just 72.4 when targeting Beckham over those two seasons. That number jumps to 89.9 when targeting any other player since 2019. Theoretically, the return of an elite talent at wide receiver from injury this season should elevate this offense. But 2021 may be the last season for Mayfield, OBJ and coach Kevin Stefanski to figure things out.
While the Browns offense was very good at the end of last season, the lack of big plays limited their ability at times. If Mayfield and Beckham are able to find a connection, that problem goes away.
With the need to compete with teams like Kansas City, Buffalo and Baltimore, the Browns will need to be able to score with ease. In year three together, Mayfield and Beckham have one more chance to make things work. If that fails to happen, it is likely that moves will have to be made following the 2021 season.
All of that sounds a lot like an x-factor that could decide the final destination for the Browns 2021 season.