Browns try to squash theory they're better without Odell Beckham Jr.

Third-year quarterback Baker Mayfield got off to a rough start at Cincinnati, as he missed on his first five passes and threw an early interception that led to Beckham's injury. The 27-year-old went down attempting to make a tackle on that play. 

Mayfield got hot without Beckham on the field, though, and he finished the day with 22 completions on 28 attempts for 297 yards and five touchdowns, including a game-winning throw to rookie receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones with under 15 seconds remaining in the game. 

Mayfield earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors but was among those who lashed out at Beckham's supposed detractors during the midweek. 

"I think it's completely insensitive to a guy who just tore his ACL," Mayfield said on Wednesday, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "I'm not even going to comment on it."

According to the Akron Beacon Journal, fellow receiver Jarvis Landry, one of Beckham's closest friends going back to their time together at LSU, defended his teammate during a Tuesday appearance on local radio station 92.3 The Fan.  

"I would say that's not true at all," Landry said of the Cleveland offense not needing Beckham. "I think a lot of our offense has been solely based on having Odell on the field. And a lot of the things that have opened up for us as an offense has been because of the threat that he is. Now we've just got to find a way to adapt and adjust and make plays."

Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters on Wednesday the offense is "much better" with Beckham on the field.

Heading into Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Beckham is second on the team in receptions (23) and receiving yards (319) and tied for second in touchdown grabs (3) with rookie tight end Harrison Bryant, who caught two of his scores in the 37-34 win at Cincinnati.