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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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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 23: Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens looks on during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

2. Trust those around him

This next one includes both the playmakers at his disposal as well as the coaching staff. Mayfield and head coach Freddie Kitchens have already shown great chemistry as he took off when the interim play-caller stepped in. Their ability to work together played a huge part in Kitchens getting his first crack as a head coach in the NFL.

Mayfield will need to continue to trust in Kitchens as a mentor and offensive mind. He’ll also need to get on good terms with new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who has a history of orchestrating plenty of yards through the passing game.

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In addition to trusting his coaches, Mayfield needs to trust the players around him ‚— which is something he did last year. As a rookie, Mayfield had no problem taking chances and throwing the ball into coverage. He trusted players such as Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, and Antonio Callaway to make the plays for him and they continued to step up when he did.

Looking ahead to 2019, there will be even more players who Baker can lean on. The biggest name is Odell Beckham, Jr. who was added in a blockbuster trade this offseason. He gives the Browns their biggest playmaking receiver in years and is capable of scoring from anywhere on the field.

Mayfield will also have Kareem Hunt on the field after he serves his eight-game suspension. Like OBJ, Hunt is a player who can explode for big plays, especially in the passing game. One thing that could really help the quarterback this season is being able to dump the ball off to a stud like Hunt when nothing is open deep. The young running back has always been good about taking those passes and turning them into chunk yardage.

Cleveland has a strong roster and one of the biggest things for Mayfield will be trusting them to do their job, which will make his easier.

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