3 outlandish predictions for the Cleveland Browns in 2020
By Greg Newland
3. Baker Mayfield goes wild
New offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Alex Van Pelt has already been working on the mechanics of Mayfield. After being high on far too many throws last year, the focus has been 100 percent on increasing accuracy. However, in the first few scrimmages of training camp, the defense suffocated Browns receivers and Mayfield was picked off multiple times.
After 22 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in 2019, the Browns finished the year with a disappointing 6-10 record. Mayfield has since devoted himself the entire offseason to become a better NFL quarterback. He reported to training camp trimmer and motivated to learn under the new coaching staff. After a tremendous rookie year in 2018, Mayfield appeared to be humbled last season, and there is still reason to believe big things are yet to come in 2020.
Stefanski will set Mayfield up for a big season with a high completion percentage. He may not have 500 plus attempts like last season, but there will be an opportunity for huge plays off play-action. With weapons like Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, and Austin Hooper, look for Mayfield to excel in this offense once it is fully installed.
Behind the strong running of Nick Chubb, look for Mayfield to quietly have a 65-68 percent completion rate, along with 4,000 plus yards to go with 30 touchdowns and only 16 interceptions. With defenses focusing on Chubb, receivers and tight ends will be running free, which will allow Mayfield to get into a groove early.
Once Mayfield can get his mojo back, look for this team to be a force in the NFL. With weapons on each side of the ball, the Browns will have a serious shot at making the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Let’s just hope COVID-19 won’t have a shot to interfere.