The Cleveland Browns went 0-16 in 2017. They had a massive turnaround in 2018 though – finishing the year 7-8-1. Wide receiver Jarvis Landry definitely played a role in the upgrade in his first season with the team.
In year one with the Browns, Landry had a solid overall year. The receiver racked up 81 receptions for 976 yards and four touchdowns.
Although those are nice numbers, they actually represent a major step-down from his last few seasons.
The 81 receptions are the lowest he's ever had in a season. Meanwhile, the four touchdowns receptions were tied for the lowest of his career. Finally, the 976 receiving yards were second-lowest of his career (758 in his rookie year).
However, there are plenty of reasons to believe he can have a bounce-back season in 2019 and return to his previous elite-level production.
Here are three way-too-early bold predictions for Jarvis Landry in 2019.
3. Tops 100 Receptions and 1,000 Yards
If the Cleveland Browns didn't make any extra moves this offseason – this wouldn't be a bold prediction.
Jarvis Landry was on a new team last year. Therefore, a learning curve was expected. No one should be that surprised his numbers dipped.
The Browns also had a rookie quarterback in Baker Mayfield. It's not surprising that he took some time to figure out his chemistry with his weapons. That will improve in 2019.
Speaking of Mayfield, he'll improve in 2019. He looks like a legitimate franchise quarterback and will make the weapons around him better.
All that combined means this isn't a bold prediction.
Then you throw in Odell Beckham Jr. though. Landry is no longer the number one target.
Obviously, Beckham Jr. is going to be the one garnering the most attention on offense. However, that means he'll also be garnering the most attention by the defense.
This should free up Landry nicely, as the two will play off each other fantastically. Having Beckham Jr. there might limit Landry's production a little bit. He probably won't break his career-high of 112 receptions.
However, a return to 100 receptions and 1,000 yards could definitely happen.
2. Lead the Browns in Receiving Touchdowns
Odell Beckham Jr. is the most obvious candidate for this. The Cleveland Browns top receiver getting their most receiving touchdowns makes sense right?
Especially because it's Beckham Jr., the man's a freak of nature and elite no matter where his team has possession of the ball.
However, there are a few counter-arguments to that.
First off, Mayfield will be more comfortable with Landry – at least at first. He's played with him for a full season now and don't be surprised if he looks his way quite often.
Second, the defense will be expecting Beckham Jr. a lot. Defenses aren't going to let Beckham Jr. beat them. While he's taking on the number one cornerback (or even getting double-teamed) that leaves the also-elite Landry to pick on someone else. He'll have the better match-up, meaning Mayfield will be wise to toss him the ball.
Finally, Landry's no slouch. As I just said, he's also an elite talent. It's not like the Browns would be stupid to consider throwing him the ball.
He has some of the best hands in football, and is a fantastic red zone option.
1. Return a Punt for a Touchdown
Jarvis Landry will by no means be phased out of the Cleveland Browns offense. However, there might be times where they feel like they aren't utilizing his talent. I mean look at how stacked that offense is.
Nick Chubb is the running back, and Kareem Hunt will join him after his suspension is up. Odell Beckham Jr. is a receiver, and David Njoku is the tight end. Baker Mayfield has plenty of toys to play with and it should surprise anyone if Cleveland felt they weren't using getting the ball to someone enough.
Landry's so good that he could rack up 100 receptions and the Browns could still feel like they need to get him involved more.
Due to that, the Browns could look for other ways to insert Landry into games.
He has 91 career punt returns – with one touchdown in the bunch. This season he'll get a few more opportunities. Maybe not a lot, but around one per game. With those attempts, he'll strike gold at some point.
Landry will take one to the house – reminding everyone just how dangerous he is.
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