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Cleveland Browns: Baker Mayfield’s 3 keys to success as a sophomore

By Randy Gurzi

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 09: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 09: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 15: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after a first quarter touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 15: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after a first quarter touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Baker Mayfield had a lot of success as a rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns but what are the three things he needs to do to find success in 2019?

Last season, Baker Mayfield was supposed to sit on the bench and watch veteran Tyrod Taylor lead the Cleveland Browns. There was never a doubt he was going to be the face of the franchise but due to their inability to develop young quarterbacks in recent seasons, the plan was to take things slow with the No. 1 pick out of Oklahoma and let him watch from the sidelines and hone his skills in practice during the week.

Mayfield ended up throwing a wrench in those plans as he filled in for an injured Taylor in Week 3. That was a Thursday Night Football game against the New York Jets and it started the era of No. 6 in Cleveland. Taylor was struggling in that game, going 4-of-14 with 19 yards and Mayfield coming in injected some life into the offense.

The rookie led them down for a field goal before half to cut the Jets lead to 14-3. He then led them to their first win since Christmas Eve, 2016 by a score of 21-17. It felt like a huge weight was lifted off the fanbase — and locks were removed from victory fridges allowing fans in the Cleveland area to enjoy some free Bud Light.

From there, Mayfield only got better. He finished the season by setting a Cleveland record for rookie passing yards with 3,725. He also set the league record for touchdowns by throwing 27 on the season. That has hopes higher than ever heading into this season and their ability to match those expectations falls on the shoulders of their new franchise quarterback.

Looking ahead to the 2019 season, these are the three keys to the sophomore quarterbacks success as he looks to continue to pump life into this sports town that’s desperate for a winner.

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