Odell Beckham's Wisdom Belied By Unearned Reputation

Thursday, Cleveland Browns receiver Odell Beckham brought some perspective to the Cleveland Browns situation from someone who understands just how hot the spotlight can be. In his media availability, Beckham touched on an array of topics, giving them their due gravity and providing thoughtful answers. For someone who is often unfairly associated with problems within a team, he has a chance to be a solution this team desperately needs.

Head coach Freddie Kitchens has always taken the blame for everything the team does since he's the head coach, whatever happens fall on him ultimately, so it's embedded. He spares the players as much as he can.

Baker Mayfield spoke about accountability after the game, but he always says it starts with him and his leadership. Beckham comes out and takes the next step, talking about it from the perspective of everyone else, particularly those on offense. He started with unity, saying first and foremost he would always have Mayfield's back, relating the situation with Baker Mayfield walking out of his media availability to himself.

Dating back to his time at Oklahoma and his Heisman Trophy winning season and everything that went along with it, Mayfield has been accustomed to being in the spotlight. And most of the time, he handles it well, always minimizing himself for the sake of teammates, often with a feisty wit, which can rub some the wrong way.

After being drafted out of LSU by the New York Giants, Odell Beckham was an immediate sensation because of his meteoric rise to stardom and highlight plays that have impacted how a generation of kids were introduced to the sport. With that stardom came media attention and he was a constant focus both in a massive media market and the country as a whole. Not always happy with how he was perceived, he is trying to use that experience to assist Mayfield as he goes through it.

In defending while relating to Mayfield, he also stressed accountability from the rest of the team. He started with himself, going as far as saying losses were on him. Beckham used that to transition into saying that he and by extension everyone else on the team is going to do everything they can to make sure they deliver what was expected from them this season, his confidence they're able.

It does seem that an element to what the Browns are experiencing is due to the players on this team pressing so hard to win that they try to make every play a game-winning one even when they just need a first down. They are trying to win entire games, future games on the schedule, win playoff games when all they need to do is focus on having a productive play, a productive drive and just win that day.

Perhaps this week can help them all take a deep breath and realize what's important right now; getting better and beating the Denver Broncos. And if what Beckham came out and said can help galvanize that group, get them to slow down to focus one play at time, it might help reduce some of the pre-snap penalties.

Beckham is never going to be the outspoken leader Mayfield is. He is more lead by example, talk with players in a one-on-one format, having a conversation as opposed to just telling teammates what to do. When he does talk, he is thoughtful and intelligent. People should listen to him.