Cleveland Browns Team Awards: MVP, Rookie of the Year, more handed out

MVP: Baker Mayfield, Quarterback

There’s no doubt about this one. Baker Mayfield led the Browns to all seven wins, even though he has only six wins on his record as a starting quarterback. Mayfield started the season behind the eight-ball as he was held back by a coaching staff that thought rookies needed to sit even when they’re ready.

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Then, that very same coach needed Baker to save them — and he nearly did. Sitting at 0-2 and struggling on Thursday Night Football, the Browns had to turn to Mayfield when Tyrod Taylor was injured against the New York Jets. And the job wasn’t going to be easy on the rookie.

Not only did Jackson not want to play him, but he wouldn’t even let Baker practice with the starters. This was clearly because he knew he was the superior player and letting everyone see that would undermine his plan. That foolish plan was nevertheless undermined as Mayfield came in and lit things up.

When he entered the game, Taylor was 4-of-14 passing for 19 yards. Mayfield eclipsed that mark immediately and finished the game 17-of-23 for 201 yards. More importantly, the Browns won their first game since Christmas Eve 2016. It was apparent from that moment how much he meant to this team.

Mayfield finished the season with 3,725 yards and 27 touchdowns against 14 picks. He easily would have surpassed 4,000 yards through the air had he started from Week 1 — as most No. 1 picks do. Even with the incompetence of those who handled the start of his career, Baker came back and became the leader of this team and runs away with the MVP award.