What Baker Mayfield must to do in final 8 games to lock up Cleveland Browns franchise QB spot
By Grant Puskar
How Baker Mayfield can lock up Cleveland Browns franchise QB position
Throughout Baker Mayfield‘s career so far with the Cleveland Browns, we have learned many different things about the quarterback. He’s a leader and a fighter. He has no quit in him. He has swagger, sometimes too much. But, even in learning all of that, my favorite thing about the young quarterback is that he is determined.
From the ego-boosting quote of “If anyone is going to turn that franchise around, it will be me”, to Mayfield lighting it up in his rookie season to what seems as if he entered this season slowly regressing, his last two games have been nothing short of solid. Based on Mayfield’s play so far this season, many people (including myself) have rightfully been critical of Mayfield and his play so far.
We are currently at the halfway mark, and Mayfield has the Browns at 5-3, and he has thrown for 15 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. So, what must Mayfield do to show the Browns front office that he is their guy for the long haul?
No. 1: Make the playoffs
Obviously, there are many different things that can happen that could derail what should be a season where the Browns make the playoffs for the first time since 2002, things like injuries or the defense continuing to be just as bad as they have been. That said, I really don’t see anything being a reasonable excuse for the Browns missing the playoffs yet again.
Cleveland has the easiest remaining schedule in the entire NFL, all the more reason why they should get in. The Browns are set to get possibly Nick Chubb and Wyatt Teller back after the bye week to play the Texans. If Mayfield continues to play how he did against the Bengals and even the Raiders, there is no way the Browns don’t find four or five more wins this season.
No. 2: Continue to limit turnovers and show up in the clutch
Last season, Mayfield had 21 interceptions in what was just an ugly season all around for the Browns. If he did the same thing in the second half of the season as he did in the first, he would only throw 14 interceptions, which would be a big improvement.
Mayfield has also shown up in the clutch a few times this season. Making a few big plays with his legs in the game against the Colts proved to be big-time, as he extended a few plays and bought himself more time, enabling him to make some clutch throws. Most notably, his game-winning touchdown drive against the Bengals. Franchise quarterbacks get paid to show up in big moments, no matter who the opponent is. If he can continue to do so, his chances of being here long term only rise.
No. 3: Beat the Ravens or the Steelers
Yes, Mayfield and the Browns can make the playoffs even if they lose to both the Ravens and the Steelers again to close out the season. That said, if Mayfield can defeat one of the two to close out the season, it will go a long way not only for the front office, but for the fans as well.
While I don’t really like to label myself anymore as someone who judges a performance-based off of the opponent, it really is time for Mayfield to step up against the big dogs in the division. Most of Mayfield’s wins in the division come against the Bengals, a team that he has dominated almost every time he plays. Outside the Bengals, Mayfield is 3-6 against the Steelers and Ravens in his career, a record that must get better.
Browns bye week report cards, OL. dark. Next
This year, Mayfield and the Browns have lost by a combined score of 76-13 when playing the Steelers and the Ravens. If Mayfield and the Browns cannot manage to beat the Steelers or the Ravens when they meet again this season, the score differential must be a lot closer to show he has at least grown in this area.