A day after head coach Freddie Kitchens rebuffed reporters forcing the narrative that Odell Beckham Jr. might be unhappy with his relatively meager amount of touches, Beckham himself showed no issue with his role in the Browns offense.
Speaking to reporters after Thursday’s practice, the Pro Bowl wide receiver quietly explained that he doesn’t care about anything else but winning. When asked if he was disappointed in the volume of his touches in the offense, he quickly shot that down.
“Whatever to win,” Beckham responded. “I just want to help. I feel like I was brought here to help. If it has to be handoffs…it’s more about having success within the game, the team.”
Beckham has consistently reiterated this point, including in comments prior to Monday night’s game. He had just two receptions in the loss to the 49ers, the second week in a row he’s had that total–a career-low.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield tried to explain what Beckham might be thinking and expressed a desire to get him more involved,
“It’s frustrating when teams take him out of the game, but it’s also an opportunity for other guys to make plays,” said Mayfield in his press conference. “We’ve got to do our job getting him the ball as many times as we can. He’s a game-changer, that’s why he’s here, that’s why he’s one of the best in the league. So we’ll do our part and we expect him to do his, as well.’’
But as of yet, Beckham has not complained or shown up any teammates or coaches. It seems those wanting to sow discord will have to wait.
