5 Key matchups for the Cleveland Browns vs. Washington

1. Mayfield vs. Haskins

The quarterback matchup won’t be as magnified as last week, but unfortunately, after a sluggish year in 2019, Baker Mayfield’s performance will be looked at through a magnifying glass each week. Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins was the 15th pick in the 2019 draft and has started his career with a 3-6 record.

Although Mayfield has had the better start to careers with a 13-18 record, both are still out to prove they are worthy of the first-round pick. Mayfield had a tremendous showing in Week 2 after a disappointing Week 1. But now is his time to show some consistency and break his eight-game streak of throwing an interception.

There’s no doubt that Mayfield has better weapons with Nick Chubb, Odell Beckham, Austin Hooper, and Jarvis Landry, but it’s time to not only talk the talk but walk the walk. Haskins cast consists of Antonio Gibson, Terry McLaurin, Steven Sims, Jr., and Logan Thomas — weapons some fans have never heard of.

Let’s hope week two was a sign of things to come, and the extra week of practice is what was needed for the Stefanski system and Mayfield to mesh. A strong run game should favor Mayfield in this matchup, not to mention having Garrett chasing Haskins around all game.

Look for this to be a major statement game for Mayfield. Yes, it’s a win vs. a team that is likely in the bottom half of the NFL, but the Browns didn’t make the schedule, and winning in the NFL is tough.

Expect Haskins to be chased around all day and the Browns defense to finally make a statement that they are a playoff-caliber unit. A big Sunday in Cleveland as the Browns head to Dallas 2-1.