Just doing some late night stat checking. 7 games into the season - almost halfway. Yes, we've been riddled with injuries (everybody knows and acknowledges that) - but let this sink in.

Our leader in receptions is currently: RB Kareem Hunt - 20 catches (on pace for 49 if he wasn't going to miss time)

Our leader in receiving yards is currently: TE David Njoku - 284 yards (on pace for 690 yards)

Our leader in receiving TD is currently: WR Donovan Peoples-Jones - 2 TD, 1 being a hail mary (on pace for 5 TD)



Would you have believed that almost halfway in, our leading receivers would be a RB, a TE and our 2nd year 4th string WR, and that currently we have NOBODY on pace for over 50 catches, NOBODY for over 700 yards and nobody for over 5 TD???

Just goes to show how dominant our OLine and running game have really been, and how truly reliant on that aspect we are (not news but still eye popping IMO) to still be above 500 and winning games. I said it before and I'll say it again, boy do/did we miss Jarvis Landry combined with OBJ being a below-average JAG at this point in his career. We can basically count on our OL/RB every game, but it seems as Jarvis goes - so our QB and offense goes. Because outside of that we have....a RB a TE and DPJ.

The only other team that's winning games with as little production from their receiving core is Tennessee IMO. Even then, AJ Brown has been a stud to complement them riding Derrick Henry.

Ive said a few places, but I’d be good with the following:

Landry
DPJ
Higgins
2022 draft pick (2-3 rounder)


In retrospect maybe we shoulda kept Hodge IMO

Interesting.

Looking back though it is understandable. Odell and Jarvis have been injured.

Baker has been injured. The OL has had injuries.

Hopefully we will begin to see more production from the wideouts.

I am pretty sure that we are still balanced in offensive plays between the run and pass.

In the end in this offense it all begins with running the ball. That is what sets this offense up.

Most teams would love to be able to run the ball like the Browns.

We have the receivers to be effective but to date it has not happened. Jarvis is a slot guy who we depend upon.

Odell can stretch the field as can Schwartz. So far they have been ineffective.

I was expecting more from DPJ but in his case. It is lack of targets.

We do feature TE's. And we use all three guys.

At this time we have our playing personality. But it will need to change as the season progresses.

I think if Landry were healthy he'd be leading in receptions. DPJ leading in TDs is good, though maybe the number to get there isn't what we'd hoped.

Injuries suck.

j/c:

I think it would be good to trade for (and extend) the most underutilized WR for the past handful of years.....
The player who has had to deal with some pretty terrible QBs......
The player that has had to deal with some pretty terrible HCs......

....Allen Robinson.

From there:

- I'd say let both Landry and OBJ go. Maybe keep Landry if he restructures his contract.
- Extend Higgins to more than a one-year deal.
- Draft a WR early if the player grade calls for it.
- Extend Njoku.

#FreeAllenRobinson

Robinson would be an interesting choice, but he may be too expensive for us

Well, we're paying two WRs a total of $30M this season. So one WR at around half of that (who is arguably worth it) might not be too bad.

As a team, we only have 1,561 yards passing to begin with. Once you spread that around, and it's clear that we spread it around pretty evenly, you get individuals with mediocre-looking stats lines.

The fact that no individual has eye-popping numbers is not a problem, not at all. The fact that total team passing is so low IS a problem, or indicative of one. It's simply a symptom. One big reason is that the core of our WR corps has been either injured or out-of-sync with the QB the entire season. We had yet to field both Landry and OBJ at the same time this year until this last game against Denver. The rest of the issues are well documented: it's hard to pass effectively when your QB is broken and so are both OT positions.

We already have all the personnel we need; who we have is plenty good... we just need the parts that make it all go to get healthy AND for those WRs to actually produce when they get their opportunities.

It was evident last year that we had no pass catching player who could "take the top off a defense". No threat to take the ball all the way. We still don't have that player...and we still need that player.

We have a 6' tall QB throwing to 6' and shorter WRs - other than DPJ and Higgins.

Throw in an injured QB, two injured Ts and our best receiver being out for (3) weeks and it makes it hard to really determine what he have or what we need.

If they think Baker is coming back...I'd give up a lot to get Allen Robinson...not a 1st...but I'd consider a 2nd.

I agree this is likely how I see our core shaking out going forward as well, with the exception of possibly even adding a trade target. Higgins, however, is in his last year, so that would require re-signing him. See the list I compiled here -

Browns Free Agents

I know we drafted Schwartz, but he's been a nightmare. Between that, OBJ's fall-off and Landry's injuries...we're pretty darn thin. Even if we re-sign Higgy I think we target a WR fairly early in the draft, and we might need to draft more than one and/or trade for or sign somebody.

If Baker weren't injured, I think the FO might seriously consider adding someone at or before the trade deadline this year. Given Baker's injury I think they're not going to be as bullish on trading future picks and assets for this season. JMO.

Another thought is what about Demetric Felton? I wanted to see us feature him in the slot when Landry was out, but wonder if he might provide something here at an area of need?

I think we should keep Landry around. He's our only proven, bona-fide, producing WR at this point (DPJ might get there given time and chances). But given our production (or lack thereof) of our WR's to date (seriously David Njoku is our leading receiver in yards...) then I don't see how or why we'd move away from Jarvis. He's the straw that stirs our drink.

I'm not sure off the top of my head what our cap situation is, to know if we could absorb the addition of an Allen Robinson type.

The bigger question is what in the world do we do with OBJ and his albatross of a contract? I'd take a ham sammich, but not sure anybody else wants to pay that much for their own sandwiches.

After this year, OBJ can be released without any dead money.

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cleveland-browns/odell-beckham-jr-14421/

I agree, keep Landry, he brings so much to this team and offense that does not show up on the stat sheet. Next year is the last year of his contract. I would not be surprised to see Berry try and restructure and extend Landry this offseason.

Offseason WR FAs heading into 2022:

Davante Adams (29 years old at start of next season)
Chris Godwin (26 years old at start of next season)
Allen Robinson (29 years old at start of next season)

Personally, I'd be surprised to see the Browns spend big on a WR in free agency. DPJ could very well take over OBJ's spot next year. Re-sign Higgins to a cheap contract.

I also might look at Michael Gallup who is talented, but there is no room for him anymore on the Cowboys. He's a FA after this season. Should be relatively inexpensive.

I dont think this offense puts a emphasis on a big time pass catcher
At the WR position. Its a offense that has a run 1st mentality
Which has worked. The only issue is, is,that this is a offense
That cannot afford to fall behind by 14-pts or more.
It might be the worst WR crew in the North talent wise.
Schwartz to me looks like John Ross 2.0. A track star playing
Football.
I dont.see this front office investing big $$$$ in a FA WR.
Their analysis doesnt dictate it

Though I don't like the reasons why this stat is the case, I sure am glad he's been stepping up when called this season. For the most part, blocking decently and catching what's coming his way (especially in the absence of Landry). Like another poster said, I hope we figure out a way to extend him. I guess I'd prefer him to Hooper moving forward, but we've invested a lot of money in Austin.

I'm good with this - OBJ can be shipped for a bag of peanuts (if that).

Felton in the slot should be a winner

If the offense isn't there. The Wide receiver won't matter.

Our core at this point is DPJ and Schwartz. No one else is signed long term with guaranteed money. I’d expect OBJ to be on a different team next year. Landry will be on a different team if he doesn’t sign a new deal. Higgins could be around if the team wants him back, as we last off-season there isn’t really a market for him. My guess is that we invest some draft capital early in the draft on wide receiver and give out some low level free agent money to high upside guys.

I think I'll start sweating a bit if both Landry and Higgins are gone before next season. Those are Baker's 2 favorite WRs.

I think we are missing that big body, huge catch radius kinda guy, where you can throw in an area and he can go get it. A Mike Evans, Julio Jones, calvin johnson type.. A prime josh gordon..lol

Ideally that’s DPJ.

I think we have to consider the injury to Baker as to why we've passed so little and those numbers look that way. Last year when Baker was healthy we passed quite a bit more and the play calling was very balanced. I think looking at how much we spread the ball around also plays into those numbers.

... and Njoku?

Not under contract.

Schwartz inspires very little in me thus far. Speed, yeah … but his route running and body type leave a lot to be desired if he’s going to be a consistent threat.

We need to draft someone to go along with DPJ and Higgy

With both Landry and OBJ missing games, it makes sense. Also, running as well as we do doesn't help the receiving stats much.

I agree. One also has to consider that it is doubtful that both of landry and OBJ are even on the team next year.

I think he just needs times. Dude's head is probably spinning right now. He needs to go back on the DPJ timeline and we'll see what happens in a year.

Remember DPJ early on last year.. Seemed constantly lost.. Not so much the latter half of the year.. He hasn't found his footing yet.. He's a rook... Give it time

Yeah, we’ll see how he progresses here. I still kinda wish we kept Hodge too

The phenom from preseason Davion Davis was a better keep this August, JoJo Natson too for that matter, than Hodge imo; because Hodge already showed too many drive ending plays over a two year period.

And that ^ would never win a super bowl, except who? Joe Gibbs 80's redskins team?

Maybe the Ravens teams were that way too

I think OBJ when healthy is still a downfield threat. Schwartz will be too. He's still learning but the speed is there as we also have with Felton. With all the injuries the learning curve has slowed considerably and because of this I don't know how much we can achieve the rest of the season.

I liked Hodge and Davis also but at the end of the day, do either of them have the upside that Schwartz has? Do either have the kinda game breaking speed that Schwartz has? I'm perfectly okay giving him time. As of today, he's not a negative or positive..

He can definitely get better and probably will. He had a nice game against KC and helped us build a lead. He also stopped on a route against Houston (and last week) which resulted in Baker’s injury (albeit baker shouldn’t have tried to make a tackle)

I don't think Felton is all that fast. He is slippery, but not fast.

That mistake in the houston game is something a rookie might do,, I didn't like it but I understand it. This kinda stuff should be correctable..

Slippery- and quick.
There's a place for a guy like that on any team.

To be honest, I haven't seen enough of him to know if he's fast or not. Of the few glimpses I've had of him in open space, I haven't seen that 'second gear'- but that might also be due to the nature of the plays when he's broken that first tackle. Lots of times, he's juked someone near the LOS, and has to regain downfield momentum. I can't recall what he looks like when he's allowed to hit the hole full speed.

He ran a 4.58 forty which is pretty slow for a guy his size.

I agree. I kind of wrapped up the quick part in to the slippery comment. To me they are much the same. As for speed, i think he times around 4.58 in the 40. Not fast by todays standards. BUT...that is just a time in shorts. I think his playing speed doesn't change much, so my comment wasn't intended to make it sound like I think the guy is by any means slow. If it sounded that way, I want to make that distinction now.

I think the biggest thing we have to do with Felton is to better define his role, but that is a work in progress that time will reveal. I am not sure if running back is his position or if working more as a receiver is going to be his better role.

Either way, once that is determined, he will be a very productive player, and no doubt a player that any team would want.

But isn't his main value his versatility? He's a RB/WR hybrid (played both). I think his main selling point is he has a lot of versatility in where he can line up.

Maybe.

I am not sure if you are getting max value. At least for the short term, I could seem him playing nearly every play* as a receiver and limited plays as a running back. When you start mixing the two, does that give you max value??

* Obviously other guys are going to get some plays off the bench, but all wouldn't have to come at Feltons expense.

Obviously he's only going to give us so much this year (non-1st rounder in his rookie year). But I would think our scheme really benefits from guys like him (different plays off the same looks, and distributing the ball vs running the O through 1 or 2 dudes). I would think a hybrid guy could easily find a contributing role in this type of offense.

maybe so...probably no "right" answer.

Felton may not have straight line speed, but his quickness and ability to change direction is more than enough to compensate.

He plays a lot faster than his 40 time.

And that's what I think people should consider as valuable if not more so than straight line speed. I've seen different times reported at the 1985 NFL combine for Jerry Rice. The fastest one I've seen quoted was a 4.58. The slowest was a 4.7. His 40 time would leave many unimpressed. Yet he was one of the greatest WR's to ever play the game. I'm not trying to claim that Felton will be some great NFL player or WR. What I am saying is that basing his abilities to succeed on his 40 time is short sighted.

Someday, they can make rookie mistakes in practice, and then there will be no need to make excuses for the rookie mistakes they make in games. Because they will get it right in games.

Ok. I'm on board with this. I don't think any team in the AFC North would take our receiving corps. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati wouldn't start any of our receivers. Baltimore might.

It certainly seems this offense is about ball control. I don't know that it's run first, but it's emphasizing chunks of yards here and there whether it's pass or run.

I don't think we spend a ton on a FA WR. I don't know that we will use a first round pick on a WR. I think it's about finding the next Breshad Perriman.

There are other teams who would not start - or maybe even play - any of our WRs over their own. Did you see the three-headed monster that AZ throws out there? My goodness.

When KM gets pressured, he ducks his head and chucks up a Flacco/punt and Hopkins runs under it. When he checks down, Moore runs like Tyreek Hill. AJ Green turned the wrong way at the end last night - or Murray threw it the wrong way - but he still gets open and has an impressive catch radius with great hands. (Green might be like Landry...but he's a lot bigger).

Then they steal Ertz from the Eagles.

*L* … VG would start for every team in the league and be the #1 on a lot of them ….

Did Device or Memphis hack your account …

I think I'm the only person who thinks it sucks that our WR core aren't utilized more. I know if I were a receiver, I wouldn't be too happy knowing that I'm not exactly helping the team (outside of run blocking). At this point, they're just running their route and running back to the huddle. Nobody really shines outside of our rbs. Occasionally our receivers make plays but not the plays that really impact the game. How many WR tds do we have? 2? To me that's a shame. You can't flourish in this Browns system as a WR. I'd wanna go somewhere where I'm made useful if I were any of the top receivers. When it comes contract time, they have nothing to show for it when it comes to negotiating a contract for their worth. It sucks to be them right now and I personally feel for them. We have enough talent for everybody to share the wealth.

I wish i could put the YEA I SAID IT meme on here.

So, is it that they aren't utilized more, or is it that this is what defenses focus on taking away? That's an honest question.

I feel like our WRs have gotten a LOT of opportunities so far, but for a multitude of reasons, they just haven't connected a whole lot. Earlier in the season, we were tearing it up and getting huge chunks from them in the passing game; that is gone of late.
Is it the injuries to the WRs?
Is it the injuries to Baker?
Is it that defenses puckered a little and decided to focus on that?
Is it just unlucky things like Drops and errant passes?
Is it youthful inexperience?

Yes. It is.
Despite all of that, the offense still runs. Not nearly as well as it was at the end of last year, or even the beginning of this year, but it still runs.

I think the way Stef works is that we still try to do our thing in every game, but we also have a plan on how we want to attack an opponent and then there is what the opponent shows us early in a game with what they aren't going to have success taking away from us... and all of that intersects somewhere and that's what we roll with. We still try to get it to the WRs, but if the opponent is doing a good job of locking them out, or if they're just having a bad day as a group, or if Baker is just struggling with them, then we have gone elsewhere and occasionally come back to them, but the focus goes over to what works.

I think injuries to Baker and the OTs have severely affected our effectiveness on O. May or may not be linked, but Baker tends to work himself into (and then out of) a funk in the first half of seasons.

It's "possible" that passes are what the opposing D's are taking away, but it seems quite unlikely. They all know our prowess is in the run game and our OL's run blocking ability. Right now they know Bakers injury limits his ability. It would seem to me that our running game would be their priority. I agree with Oober that it has thus far this season been a combination of Bakers injury and our injuries at the OT position that has created what we are seeing now. When you combine that with the fact that we spread the ball around because we can, it limits production from any one single target. People seem to try and dismiss our WR's because they don't put up big numbers. I sort of see it the opposite way. We have so many often dependable WR's we can depend on all of them and it allows us to spread the ball around. What that does is prevent the opposing D from focusing on one or two targets which only serves to open the O up even more. When Baker is healthy that is....

Stefanski's preference is probally of that the WRs are not the strength of skill
Positions. The Browns WRs.are ok. They are dependable pass catchers. But there is
Really no consistant explosiveness. There isnt one Browns WR that commands a double team.
If the Browns have a lead the offense can lean on the run
But if the Browns fall behind by a big deficit they don't have the goods to rally

Good post Willie.


1. OBJ is not a star or a number one in this league anymore, both because of availability and diminishing skills, not some magical missed connection with Baker. That’s my opinion, based on that he doesn’t get open, at least quick, and he drops passes in bad situations. Baker is making reads and if he has moved on in progression, or the defense shifts in reaction to play movement and that puts OBJ out of the play it does not count (a lot of deceptive videos and reports out there). I guess when he moves on next year we will find out who is right.

2. The WR stars in this league allow absolute chuck up balls that turn into TDs. See Tyreke, Mike Williams, CeeDee Lamb, D-Hop, Mike Evans, Chase, etc. OBJ is not that guy, we have a poor mans version of that, his name is DPJ, and he rides the bench. DPJ needs to start.

3. Landry is a nice number 2, possession receiver. Not the best, but solid with great intangibles, but he is starting to show his age.

4. Higgins in a solid number 3, some explosive ability, unfortunately he also rides the bench.

5. Schwartz is a track star, not a WR. He is a backup in the NFL. Bad pick.

6. Our only true receiving star and mismatch is the Njoku. Please use him.

5. Additionally, the deficiencies in the WR core have been magnified by Baker playing like crap after injury, causing him to miss enough passes to redirect the spotlight on him as the cause of the problem.

6. Stefanski runs a QB neutering offense. Can you reach a Super Bowl like that? No one else is even trying. No downfield passing, again maybe this has been exacerbated by the injuries to both Baker and the O-line. But even in the Chiefs game, it was evident when we have to pass, the scheme is poor. Maybe Rogers could succeed in it, but not Baker.

7. Per number 6. Is it that much of a risk to 3 times per game launch a ball to DPJ? As Willie says, it has nothing to do with QB skills, just chuck it and tell the WR to make a play. Trust me there are plenty of times when the DBs will lose focus against our running game.

8. The Stefanski model is a bust if you don’t have at least a top 15 defense. It is deflating to methodically drive 80 yards, only to give up a wide open bomb.

9. My suggestion at seasons end, cut OBJ, keep Jarvis only at a discount and use your first or second rounder on a legit WR. 6’4” minimum, that actually was a star in college. WRs are a lot easier to hit on and produce immediately. Trade one of the TEs for another vet WR without significant injury history

10. The other side of the equation. Baker. He is a rhythm, fast paced, gunslinger, period (see his first year and college), and he can do it in the NFL too with the right offense (see Cards). They have tried to squeeze the round peg into a square hole, making him an uptight play action passing, game manager. It could work, see end of last year, but the offense is going to have to loosen up and take some chances. Personally, I think AVP needs to take over.

Another thing about our WRs (I believe we were last in the league fairly recently) is that they are terrible YAC. We get hardly any yards after they secure a catch

I have two theories on that (was a problem last year too):

#! - It''s because they simply aren't dynamic enough to get them selves as wide open as other teams' WRs';

#2 - With no deep threat to stretch the D, the back end of the defense essentially plays with a shorter filed. Easier to defend.

There is zero wrong with our WR core. This reminds me of all the terrible QBs we had and everyone saying the OL was bad. Couldn't be the QB.

OBJ is extremely explosive but he doesn't get the opportunities. How do you watch these games and come away with the takeaway that he's not explosive? This place is so weird.

We have a QB who is playing very average. There's nothing else. Mystery solved. The reason Arizonas big three seems "explosive" is because their QB is playing out of this world.

Having said all of that, I am always holding out hope that Baker is going to turn into a guy worthy of the1st overall pick. I'm glad he's starting on Sunday and will cheer my arse off for him and hope he has a monster game.

Rishuz,

You don’t think the scheme plays into Murray’s success? He’s running spread and gun offense like what Baker ran at OU. Plus three chucks a game to maybe the best WR in the NFL. Baker is running the redskins offense of the 80’s.

What do you think will happen in Pittsburgh? We will run, run, short pass. No long passes will even be tried. Is that Baker’s fault? Not that I think they should try for a “monster game” out of an injured QB. Maybe they will chuck it up to OBJ and we will see if he is a star, but of late he can’t seem to catch wide open 10 yards passes on 4th down that hit him in the chest. Or even not slip on a cut.

To nobody in particular...


I promise if the WR core hits it's stride on Sunday, Lots of opinions will change...

I hope so. As of right now, I'm sitting on a dead clock.

Bakers injury is the reason he's played so poorly. He's shown what he can do with our WR's when healthy and with a healthy O-line. One question I have. If Baker was chosen 15-20th in the 1st round instead of #1 would he get all this criticism?

Mine won't. The problem has existed for awhile now.

j/c the word is CORPS, unless you're talking about the one or two WRs who would be the heart of the WR Group, in which they would be the CORE of the CORPS.

::can rest in peace, now::

How many yards do they get before the ball arrives! That is the whole point of a pass in football.
Otherwise it would be a run.

I was sure this was a discussion on the abdominal muscle group of our collective WR. ( A giant imaginary wr, in figurative, which exists as a compiling of the production and potential of all the WRs that make up the Wr group.)

There's a reason I put it in parenthesis. And yes since I was looking at our individual statistical leaders in the passing game, I was specifically referring to the one or two "core" members going forward (or the lack thereof) of our receiving corps.

Quotation marks.

This isn't 'Nam; there are rules.

I think our receiving core, man for man is overrated.

Agreed. And obviously because it starts with the "Top 2" WRs... both their production and cost. I will also include Hooper here as well. What we paid and what he's delivered have been wildly off.

Purp, he misused "core" on purpose! That should be a permanent ban.

Landry is a stud - and he just this season missed his first game.

OBJ and Baker just have no repoire whatsoever. That is due to injury and timing of Covid BS...

Higgins for some reason has disappeared this season????

DPJ has bee excellent for his 6th round investment we need more of them.

Schwartz??? who knows - right now he looks a bit scared.

Hooper, is OK but nothing studly
Harrison has tiny hands for his size - I mean tiny. He has become an excellent blocker in his growth

Njoku started to get better in his blocking which got him more opportunities in receiving. This year however because of some small success he has taken a step back in those blocking skills - he still has the "potential" to be a stud but its year freaking 5??? and he is till grouped in that POTENTIAL bracket.

I agree our WR corp is over rated. but also they are way better than years past.

Passing game has no Character. Are we TEs to utilize their miss matches. Are we RBs to get in the pass game as well as run. All and I mean all have pass catching skills, Chubb, Hunt, Felton...I think this is on Ski as he has failed to develop a history of character in our passing game.

He is too stuck on his Playaction, and boot leg prowess because he has fallen into one of the best RUNNING attacks in the NFL which could survive in itself if only we had a top 3 Defense which we are trying to build but simply are not there yet. If he truly was who he portrays himself as - a Coach who would utilize the skill sets that are here...if that is true then he would simply make us great by simply going no huddle and spread the offense in the manner that Baker has shown Prowess in the past - and past I'm talking NFL my goodness build on what he did his rookie season...And in no way am I saying to abandon our great running game...I'm talking about - POOF shift gears and teams who are tired cause we just beat the crap out of them in our running attack, all of a sudden have to deal with our no huddle attack!! Keep it sharp so that when we get in some shoot em outs with Mahomes, Lamar, Burrow we have a history and skill set with this no huddle attack. Instead we got a no character air attack that we don't reallly know what we should do with it.

I can take this on for a novel if you wish but will stop here

Higgins hasn't disappeared. He just doesn't get as many opportunities. I'd take hoggins over every WR on our roster not named Jarvis. At least as long as Baker is our QB. Higgins has by far the best QB/WR rapport on the team IMHO.

You are spot on, Tab. And I agree with the no huddle looks. Ski has neglected our WRs (imo).

"
OBJ and Baker just have no repoire whatsoever. That is due to injury and timing of Covid BS..."

I was at the game and sitting where I could see the whole play develop. OBJ gets open, Baker either can't see him, or he isn't looking at him. I no longer will put any of the blame on OBJ. Our whole section was pointing out how open he was on several occasions, Mayfield just doesn't go to him.

Our Receiving "Core" SUCKS!

Our receiving 'core'/corp is pretty decent. However, our 'catching' group needs some work.

And as I used it, it was referring to our core receivers...namely Beckam and Landry. Neither offers anything that two others couldn't.

OBJ caught 1 ball for 6 yards yesterday. I am not kidding here, I could catch a slant for 6 yards, and all of my children are older than OBJ. I would do it for free, not the $million a game we pay the guy.

Someone is going to break their neck debating Landry like this. In the Denver game he was hailed as a conquering hero and soul of our offense coming back and us throwing to him on the first couple snaps of the game... only to turn around and call him replaceable ten days later.

Has has been injured, which is unusual for him... and had a poor game, which is also uncharacteristic. He'll get it straightened out.

I definitely would not say Landry is a bad player. He is a good player, who had a bad game. Unfortunately, he is only consistently good WR, so if he has a bad game it really shows. I don't think he is the pro-bowl slot man of several years ago though, he peaked his last year in Miami and has been on a slow decline.

OBJ on the other hand is average period. DPJ is much better IMHO.

See this article on OBJ for those that think he is either a star or even a legit #1 WR.

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/its-no...ll-take-him-at-this-point-034303160.html

I am not ripping Landry so much as saying he isn't doing so great he can't be replaced. I'd bet you a box of donuts a guy like People Jones could put of similar results if given equal chances.

Our "core" receivers are grossly overrated.

Landry has been hurt and then had an uncharacteristic game. IMO, he's shown enough here in Cleveland to give him the benefit of the doubt. If you want to argue that this year's performance is part of his age-related decline, then (IMO and FWIW) that's a conversation worth having. I'd like to get him back on the field a bit more to see how he bounces back.

As for what I think is the meat of your argument... I would actually be really bummed to see Landry go. I think that's throwing the baby out with the bathwater. I agree that there are some expensive pass-catchers that either need to see a dramatic turnaround in their numbers or organize their way out the door. OBJ hasn't lived up his salary, the hype, or really anything since he's come here. I don't know why exactly that is (probably not a single thing), but it's been long enough to say that we've tried and it's just not working. He's been a good teammate overall and I'd be interested to see how he does if a team were allowed to bring him in as a FA. I'd also be really really pissed if Hooper's contract and presence on the roster prohibited us from keeping Njoku. I've done a 180 on Njoku this year. He's been criminally underused while Hooper has been average at best.

In defense of OBJ, there have been reports that both of his shoulders are injured. That said, though, if he can't go, he shouldn't be out there.