Cleveland Browns: 3 Early predictions for 2019
By Randy Gurzi
2. Baker Mayfield breaks the team record for passing yards
Back in 1980, Brian Sipe threw for 4,132 yards in a season. Not only did he set the record for most passing yards in a season for the Browns, but he also was the league MVP. While we’re not ready to crown Baker Mayfield as the 2019 NFL MVP frontrunner, it’s not unfathomable that he could break Sipe’s record this season.
In all honesty, this isn’t a huge prediction if you look at what Mayfield did as a rookie. Despite not starting the first 3 weeks, Mayfield was able to throw for 3,725 yards as a rookie. He even did this while dealing with turmoil in the form of Hue Jackson being his head coach which led to a coaching change in midseason.
That ended up being a positive change for Mayfield as interim head coach Gregg Williams allowed interim offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens to revamp the offense to suit the rookie’s skill set (novel idea, wonder why the previous regime didn’t try that).
With Kitchens now the head coach, it’s safe to assume that the offense will continue to be Baker-friendly. Add to that the addition of a playmaking wide receiver in Odell Beckham, Jr. and it’s a safe bet to take the over on yardage for No. 6.