5 Bold predictions for Cleveland Browns vs. the Eagles

1. Baker silences critics

Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield was once again mediocre in their win vs. the Houston Texans going 12-of-20 for 132 yards and no touchdowns. While the stat line is disappointing, the positive is he didn’t lose the team the game. He could have easily forced a pass that turned into an interception. 5-4 would certainly feel different than 6-3 and no matter how you slice it, Mayfield is a part of that.

The weather was once again atrocious, and truthfully, he was never given a chance vs. the Texans defense with only 20 attempts. Offensive coordinator and head coach Kevin Stefanski was determined to run the ball. Even in second and long situations with 8-man boxes, the Browns continued to try and stuff it up the middle with little success at times.

Although the national media won’t, I’m giving Baker another free pass. It’s not his fault he wasn’t given the chance to let the ball sling. With the weather and a backfield of Chubb and Hunt, Stefanski either doesn’t have the confidence in Mayfield or wants to run the ball that badly.

If the team continues to win games, don’t look for this to be an issue at all. In fact, look for Mayfield to prove his doubters wrong again with a solid game against Philly. I’ve already mentioned a huge day for the running backs, so don’t expect 300 plus yards. However, I expect a 75 percent completion percentage to go with 225 yards and two touchdowns. No, those aren’t All-Pro numbers, but it’s efficient and he is doing exactly what the team needs him to do. The day Mayfield throws for 350 yards is likely a game the Browns have fallen behind and will likely lose.

Tune out the national media and just enjoy Mayfield being a game manager and winning games for this club. This will be another week where the good guys get one and move to 7-3, what a thrill for Browns fans that have been through the gauntlet since 1999.