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Cleveland Browns: 5 Players who will be key versus San Fransisco

By Leon West

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 17: Head coach Freddie Kitchens of the Cleveland Browns watches action prior to a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 17: Head coach Freddie Kitchens of the Cleveland Browns watches action prior to a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns huddles with his team during the second quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns huddles with his team during the second quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

4. Baker Mayfield…in the red zone.

Ok, one more obvious choice. Last season the Brown’s late-season success came mainly in part to Kitchens getting creative while focusing on what Mayfield does best. What Mayfield did best last season was shred opponents when it was money time. When it was time to cash in long drives, Mayfield and the offense were almost flawless.

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Mayfield completed 66 percent of his passes with 20 touchdowns and no interceptions in the red zone. According to Pro Football Reference, in 2019, Mayfield is only completing 25 percent of his throws inside the 20-yard line, good for 28th among starting quarterbacks. Mayfield does have three touchdowns to one interception, but he’ll need to be sharper moving forward.

The final four plays against the Los Angeles Rams come to mind, but that could have been a product of lousy play-calling as well.

Until facing the Ravens, Baker seemed hesitant to stand in the pocket and make throws. Often venturing outside of the pocket when stepping up could have yielded better results.

Looking at how good the 49ers’ defense has been statistically; this could come down to a final drive to win it. If it comes down to a situation similar to the one against the Rams, the best version of Mayfield in the red zone needs to make an appearance.

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