Breaking down the 2020 Cleveland Browns: Quarterback
By Greg Newland
The Cleveland Browns offense struggled in 2019 with head coach Freddie Kitchens. Can Baker Mayfield make a comeback and return to rookie form?
After a breakout rookie year, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield was the talk of the NFL offseason. Running back coach Freddie Kitchens was promoted to offensive coordinator, replacing Todd Haley after being fired by the organization.
Interesting side note, Kitchens was only on the Cleveland staff because of his ties to Haley from their time in Arizona together. Who knew, one day Kitchens would replace his fired mentor.
After winning six of his first 13 starts in the NFL, all eyes were on the Cleveland Browns and Baker Mayfield. In 2018, Mayfield completed 64 percent of his passes with a rookie record of 27 touchdown passes and over 3,700 yards. After an 0-16 season in 2017, Browns fans were easily captured by the littlest success, but then let down once again in 2019.
Kitchens impressed as the offensive coordinator in 2018, and it appeared he and Mayfield had a real connection. Given the offensive success in 2018, general manager John Dorsey decided to hire Freddie Kitchens as the head coach over experienced candidates like Gregg Williams or Mike McCarthy. This decision would lead the organization to a 6-10 record in 2019, and eventually cost Dorsey and Kitchens their job.
Since then, the Browns have re-built their entire front office and a portion of their rosters. Chief strategy officer, Paul DePodesta, is the only piece that continues to survive regime changes. It finally appears owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam have bought into DePodesta’s beliefs and have assembled an organization that is fully aligned.
New general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski connected previously when the Browns interview Stefanski before the 2019 season. At that time Berry was still vice president of player personnel for the Browns, before leaving for the Philadelphia Eagles. Small world with them both ending up together a year later in Cleveland.
Quarterback play will need to be drastically improved in 2020 for the Browns to stand any chance at making the playoffs. Let’s break down the Browns current depth chart at quarterback and analyze if any can take the Browns to the next level.