Baker Mayfield: Time To Shine (6-8-20)

By: Jonathan Mathis

Headline Photo Courtesy: CBS Sports

Just 25 years old, Baker Mayfield is articulating a clear perspective on his role as a leader, as he enters his second season as the Browns full-time starting quarterback. This is a time that as a man he most needs to achieve a higher maturity and, most of all, build his playing reputation as a transcendent talent.

Football, as he found out, is a grown-men league. This is a time that as the popular face he most needs to be big enough to handle himself in any situation, especially when the general public is watching his every move. Although he was taken No. 1 overall in the 2018, he’s also drawn criticism and concerns for his persona. Many would say that Mayfield is the next Johnny Manziel, but they are two different people.

Those comparisons are understandable and all, but that’s completely unfair to Mayfield. There’s still more polish he can add to his game, to compete at a level that would give the Browns an opportunity to reach the playoffs. In order for Cleveland to play better and get better, Mayfield has to get sharper with his throws, get the ball out quickly to his playmakers.

At the heart of great teams is a great QB. For Mayfield, it is now or never, sooner than later, playoff or bust. This is Mayfield’s year to step toward becoming an elite quarterback, with all the tools and weapons around him.

No excuses.

If Mayfield, who had an electrifying rookie season, is able to live up to his own hype, a primary threat like wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. could pile up ridiculous numbers and wideout Jarvis Landry could draw attention.

After a noticeable drop-off in production and concerns about his mental mindset, after taking a step back statistically, he has identified key areas where he wants to improve and says he’s done talking. With an offense as stacked as this one, this is looking like a make-or-break season for Mayfield. Freddie Kitchens and Todd Monken were both replaced this offseason, so there’s a new regime.

He had a solid first go-around with the Browns, and it was easy to see that he had the potential to be a superstar. However, he regressed significantly last season, throwing for 3,827 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions through 16 games.
He had the second-most interceptions in the league behind former Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston who threw 30 picks.

Still, as good as Cleveland looked on paper, the Browns have not shown up on game day. A year after his regression, Mayfield can only hope this team sees a historic turning point in its fortunes. He is definitely promising, but he is not a proven commodity. That’s something that could easily change, though, if he breaks out.