Daily Dawg Tags: Browns ‘scared’ to unleash Baker Mayfield
By Randy Gurzi
Do the Cleveland Browns trust Baker Mayfield?
Until he has a breakout game against an elite opponent, there will be plenty of questions about Baker Mayfield as the leader of the Cleveland Browns offense. Even after he and the Browns moved to 6-3 on Sunday, the questions continue to come.
Despite there being terrible weather (even Deshaun Watson was under 200 yards with just 163 on the day), critics are claiming Mayfield was an issue in Week 10 after going 12-of-20 for 132 yards. Those naysayers are not only ignoring the weather but also forgetting how many times No. 6 had a third-and-long to deal with as the team continued to run the ball into stacked boxes on second-and-long.
In fact, there are some who don’t think the weather was as much of a factor in the Browns forcing the run. ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky looked back at the game and said that head coach Kevin Stefanski and the team might be scared to run their offense through Mayfield.
That story and more can be found in today’s Daily Dawg Tags.
Cleveland Browns News
"“The first four first downs of this game were passes. Every first down but one for the rest of that game were runs,” said Orlovsky. “It looks like the Browns’ offense is trying to protect Baker Mayfield like they’re scared to run their offense through him. It looks like they’re scared to go, ‘Baker, we’re going to put the ball in your hands and let you lead us to victory.”"
Smith points out that Orlovsky has been critical of Mayfield this season, but he has also had high praise for the Cleveland signal-caller in the past. Orlovsky isn’t a typical “doubter” who just likes to fan the flames, so his words have merit. They’re also fair questions as it has felt as though the Browns are trying to make things as simple as possible on their quarterback. Hopefully, this will improve as the season goes on and he earns more of Stefanski’s trust.
"“Fullback Andy Janovich was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list later Monday. He played 26 snaps on offense and special teams in Sunday’s 10-7 win over the Houston Texans.”"
The Browns head coach said they are trying to keep everyone safe, which is tough to do during these times. Here’s to wishing a speedy recovery for Andy Janovich, who has been a solid, but unheralded, addition this season.
Browns aren’t in playoff picture right now, but will be soon
Despite being 6-3, the Browns wouldn’t be in the playoffs if the season ended today. Justice Sunderland doesn’t think it will remain this way for long, especially when looking at the team’s upcoming schedule.
Next. Browns Week 10 studs and duds. dark
Five 2021 NFL Draft QBs to consider if Cleveland Browns pull plug on Baker Mayfield
Like Dan Orlovsky, Sam Penix thinks the Browns coaches aren’t 100 percent sold on Baker Mayfield. That’s why he thinks we should start getting to know some of these collegiate quarterbacks.