3 Keys to Victory for the Cleveland Browns
By Greg Newland
Key No. 2: Improved Mayfield
No one is looking forward to Florida weather more than Baker Mayfield. Last week it rained the entire game in Cleveland, and the prior two had wind gusts of 50 mph the entire game. While I have been as tough of a critic on Mayfield because of subpar performances, this could be his week to prove everyone wrong once again.
36-of-67 for 458 yards and 0 touchdowns are Mayfield’s stats from the last three games. There are quarterbacks in the league that has achieved more yards in just one game. The good news is, he hasn’t thrown an interception in the last three games and has only had one fumble.
Mayfield hasn’t had a ton of help either. In the Raiders game, his receivers dropped at least five passes, two of which could have been touchdowns. Houston was just kind of a nightmare game, and everyone was just happy to get the win. And although last week’s stats weren’t great against the Eagles, Mayfield made a couple of very nice throws on third down, which ultimately sealed the win.
Unfortunately, a few good throws aren’t what this organization needs from the No. 1 overall pick. The Browns need a consistent quarterback who can get it done in all weather conditions. I’ve far from lost faith in Mayfield, but he needs to show me in these last six games that he is the guy. The first step in that takes place on Sunday vs. a defense that isn’t great and in much-improved weather.
The Browns don’t need 400 yards and four touchdowns from Mayfield, but they do need 250 plus yards, a completion percentage above 60, and at least one touchdown with no turnovers. Those are big asks, but nothing Mayfield can’t achieve.