Cleveland Browns Baker Mayfield continues to shine during playoff push

Baker Mayfield has played top-three caliber football for a month now

The Cleveland Browns went into MetLife Stadium and did what they were supposed to do. Not only did they win 20-6, but once again, Baker Mayfield shined.

The Browns are in a dog fight for a spot in the AFC playoffs and seem to be playing the best football of the year at the right time.

It’s no coincidence that Baker has been having the best run of his career over the same period. It’s about time the criticism that continues to be conjured up is put to bed. Yes, I am looking at you, Brandon Marshall.

Baker Mayfield has found his confidence

Anyone looking for that confident rookie that slung it everywhere expecting to complete it no matter what, look elsewhere. This version of Mayfield has surpassed that gunslinger kid into a complete force at quarterback.

He makes very few mistakes, two ints since the Bengals game week five by being aggressively smart with the ball. The one thing this Mayfield has on par with his rookie self is that he is exuding confidence. You can feel it in every throw, see it in the eyes of every teammate, and feel it jumping off the screen from home.

Mayfield has taken that confidence and been electric against some outstanding football teams. He has also had no let down against the lower level teams either. Though he would never take credit, coach Stefanski has helped Baker not only find his confidence; He has helped him channel it into the best version of himself.

There’s nothing better for Browns fans than seeing perfect throws, strutting down the field, and sliding into perfect camera work. You can see Baker has become the franchise quarterback we have all been waiting for. If that isn’t enough, maybe the stats will tell the story.

How good has Mayfield been?

The Browns have been in clear must-win mode the last five weeks. They have gone 4-1 over that time, only losing in a thriller to the Ravens. If you have actually watched every game, you know Baker has been huge in all of them.

Last night against the Giants, Baker set a career-best completing 12-of-13 against the blitz at 10.5 yards per attempt per Jake Trotter. Baker also broke the Browns record for completion percentage last night, completing 82.9 percent of his passes. Those stats are just a taste of what Baker has done since week seven.

Only potential MVP Aaron Rodgers has been better than Baker Mayfield during this incredible run. Baker’s great play has included some of the worst weather games we have seen in some time. Not only has Baker been great per these stats but ESPN also has him ranked third in QBR since Week 7. His fantastic play has also pushed him into fifth place overall on the season—the only quarterbacks better than Mayfield since Week 7, Aaron Rodgers and the phenomenal Patrick Mahomes.

Are we still calling this a hot hand? He has been playing at an elite level for eight games now. He has thrown for 16 touchdowns and only two interceptions while completing 66 percent of his passes. He has completed a pass to five different receivers in every game and seven or more in three of them, including last night.

He is using all his weapons and seeing the field better than ever. It is time for the hot hand narrative to stop and enjoy watching a franchise quarterback’s blossoming. It may have taken a detour for a season, but Baker Mayfield is back and better than ever. Enjoy it, Cleveland.