The Cleveland Browns Need Baker Mayfield, Not Aaron Rodgers
I was not a Baker Mayfield fan when the Cleveland Browns took him first overall. I believed Josh Allen should have been the guy Cleveland took (and will die on that hill). However, I’ve been eating my words as of late. Baker indeed looks like the franchise QB the Browns have always wanted.
The talk about Aaron Rodgers being traded to the Browns. That’s going to make the Browns a contender (more than they are now). Yet, Mayfield isn’t a pushover. He shouldn’t be considered a stepping stone by the media. He’s is the guy to lead the Browns to the Super Bowl, not Rodgers. Judging by his improved play this past year, that’s a fair statement to make.
In 2019 (his second year) Baker threw for more yards than in 2020, however, threw 22 TDs and 21 INTs. Mayfield threw for over 3500 yards, 26 TD’s, and only 8 INTs for the 2020 season. The TD to turnover ratio alone shows the true growth of Baker. He was making smart decisions. Wasn’t forcing the ball (I’m firmly a believer that Odell Beckham Jr. was to blame for that). He looked comfortable on the football field.
More NFL: Which Rookie QB Will Have the Biggest Impact
When the Browns made their push for the playoffs in December, Mayfield was one of the best QBs in the league. He averaged 314.8 yards per game. That included an 8 TD to 1 INT ratio. No other QB (outside of Rodgers, the league MVP) was that efficient and was as big of a factor for his team’s playoff run as Mayfield was.
The breakout isn’t a coincidence. Kevin Stefanski knows how to coach his franchise QB. Baker had this misfortune of playing under some terrible coaching regimes in his first two NFL seasons. Given this good coaching staff, it’s no wonder Mayfield thrived last year. Stefanski used him right and really showcased what he could do as a leader and elite QB.
A lot will criticize Baker because of off-the-field issues. He’s had numerous instances of letting his mouth do too much work. That really changed this last year. The trolls (Colin Cowherd, Rex Ryan) weren’t getting to him. He focused his efforts on winning for the football team (Again, thank Stefanski and the culture he brought to the team).
NFL : Which Second Year QB Will Make the Biggest Jump
Baker is still a target for the local and national media. And thus far, he’s not fallen into the trap that is the Aaron Rodgers rumors. Those same rumors are something he’d have easily fallen prey to early on in his career. This hammers home that he’s matured as a QB, leader, and person.
If the worst thing to come from Baker this off-season is a supposed UFO sighting, that’s a big win for him and the Browns. What the team needs is for him to be 100% focused on the season. This is a big year for Cleveland. They have a chance at getting to the Super Bowl. If Baker steps up just as big as he did last year under Stefanski, he’s going to be the one to get the Browns back to the top of the NFL mountain. Not Aaron Rodgers.
Image Source: AP Photo/Ron Schwane
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
