Browns: Chemistry no issue for Baker Mayfield, Odell Beckham Jr.

The Cleveland Browns didn’t throw a perfect game offensively against the Chicago Bears in Week 3, but importantly, there are no Baker Mayfield – Odell Beckham Jr. chemistry issues hanging over the franchise.

The chemistry issue was a big storyline to watch in Beckham’s return, because in the past, the offense would look clunky as it became evident Mayfield was trying to force Beckham the ball.

Not on Sunday, though. Beckham fit into the flow of the offense. Mayfield looks this way nine times and completed for fives to OBJ for 77 yards. Beckham’s most impressive catch came on a 26-yard toe-tapper near the sideline.

Mayfield also appeared to look his way on deep throws, but decided to check down, instead. These were probably wise decisions and a big sign the quarterback wasn’t trying to force the ball to his star receiver.

1. As for the offense, it wasn’t a perfect day. The game seemed way too close throughout the first half. The Browns failed to convert a couple 4th-down conversions and it didn’t help that Mayfield overthrew a couple receivers that would’ve made the score more lopsided.

If you’ll recall, Mayfield overthrew Demetric Felton on what would’ve resulted in a. 38-yard score. He missed tight end Harrison Bryant in the fourth quarter on what would’ve been a 34-yard touchdown strike.

When you win by 20, it’s easy to overlook those misses, but you can’t help but wonder what the decision-makers are thinking as Mayfield awaits a contract extension.

2. Nick Chubb didn’t have a great day–by his standards. We’re so used to see Chubb forcing missed tackles and extending plays when you think they’re over. He still led the Browns with 84 yards, but it took 22 carries to get there.

Chubb averaged 3.8 yards per carry. That seemed low, but it’s actually the 12th time in 40 starts that he was help under 4.0 yards per rushing attempt. Chubb’s career average is 5.2 yards per carry–the same as Jim Brown.

The Bears were a mess on offense, but they did a good job defensively. Up front, they made it impossible for Chubb to find room to run. It was suggested that Chubb be thrown a couple bones in the passing game to loosen up the box, via TheLandonDemand.com (subscription required).

This is the second-time in 15 games under Stefanski that Chubb wasn’t targeted, and we know he’s certainly capable of taking a screen pass to the house.