The Cleveland Browns officially waived polarizing receiver Odell Beckham Jr. on Monday afternoon, marking the end of a drama-packed week that began with Beckham's father criticizing quarterback Baker Mayfield on social media.
Beckham's sudden exit didn't disrupt the team this past weekend, however. Mayfield and the Browns' offense ran just 46 plays in a 41-16 drubbing of the rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium, proving that their system isn't dependent on starpower or ball-hungry wideouts.
"I don't think it's as simple as, no OBJ, they're better. But I also don't think we should discount it," NFL on CBS analyst Charles Davis told the Reiter Than You show on Tuesday. "You give respect to Odell Beckham Jr. for his talent, what he's accomplished in the past, what you think he can potentially accomplish in the future. But this wasn't working, I don't care how you cut it...
"Can he prove to be [a No. 1 wide receiver] again? Of course he can. But he's got to prove it. That hasn't happened in a long time. He's been dinged-up... But I do think that this Browns team is better off moving forward without him. Because now, in another week or so, we'll quit asking these questions, won't we? Now it's just about this Browns team. That part is done."
Beckham's tumultuous tenure with the Browns lasted just 29 games, and he amassed 114 catches for 1,586 yards with eight touchdowns. Following the team's win on Sunday, Mayfield told reporters that he wishes Beckham well, and mentioned how he's only worried about the "guys in our locker room."
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Browns running backs Nick Chubb and Demetric Felton tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, which makes them questionable for Sunday's road matchup against the New England Patriots. Since both players are fully vaccinated, they could be cleared to play if two negative tests are produced 24 hours apart.
Cleveland (5-4) and New England (5-4) are scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. According to FiveThirtyEight's projections, the Browns currently have a 50-percent chance to reach the playoffs and a 19-percent chance to win the AFC North.
The entire NFL conversation between Davis and Reiter can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow the Reiter Than You show on Twitter @sportsreiter and @CBSSportsRadio, and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.