Cleveland Browns: What’s wrong with Baker Mayfield and how to fix it

Baking a new Mayfield

Baker needs to learn to play football in the NFL. This does not mean giving up on the long ball or even abandoning the deep option first mentality. He needs to learn the difference between NFL and college football.

First, Baker needs to recognize that he is not a scrambling quarterback. He is not Johnny Manziel. His college game was never based on leaving the pocket. Instead, he is at his best in the pocket using his strong arm, ability to read defenses and his deadly accuracy. Baker needs to focus on doing what he does well. He needs to be the pocket quarterback that got him drafted first overall.

Second, Baker needs to understand that if NFL teams want to take away the deep option, they will. No amount of scrambling or waiting in the pocket will magically wish those receivers open. The talent level is elite. This is not a league in which one team can out talent another team. Defenses are just as talented as the offenses. This is not the Big 12.

So what can he do to get better? I am glad you asked.

First, Baker needs to be Baker. Keep looking for the deep option first. But he needs to understand that if the defense takes it away, there is probably an intermediate or short option available. Avoid locking on the deep option. Deep shots need to be manufactured in the NFL. They will not be there simply because of superior talent, especially with the Browns.

Second, Baker needs to distribute the ball around the yard. If teams are taking away the deep option, chances are running back Duke Johnson, tight end David Njoku, or wide receiver Jarvis Landry are open in the middle or underneath. They can create big plays on their own. Trust them. Once they make a defense pay for leaving them open, the deep balls will reappear.

The good news is that Baker has the intelligence and talent to be extremely successful in the NFL. The bad news is he is a rookie going through growing pains. The real test will be if he can adjust from the loss to the Chargers and become a better NFL quarterback.

Regardless, the Browns have a chance to win on any given Sunday. Baker is already very good. But he has a chance to be special.