Cleveland Browns: 5 Studs and duds in playoff win

Stud: Baker Mayfield, Quarterback

Fun stat of the day, Baker Mayfield is undefeated in the playoffs. Not only is that exciting, but his progress over the last five weeks has also been phenomenal. Some were concerned with Alex Van Pelt calling plays for the first time this season, but the two didn’t miss a beat. I would argue that Van Pelt was more aggressive than Stefanski, and in this instance it was beneficial.

I’m not sure if this was Van Pelt calling plays or just the focus of the week, but Mayfield was getting the ball out quickly. The Browns never gave the Steelers pass rush a chance to affect the game. And on top of that, in the few plays he did see the pressure he made the correct call.

He scrambled on a few plays and got positive yardage, and also found his outlet pass to Chubb and Kareem Hunt, which was extremely effective.

Mayfield finished the game 21-of-34 for 263 yards, three touchdowns, and zero turnovers. In this offense, this is what you call a perfect game. There were two series where he did miss on one or two passes to begin the second half, but other than that, he was near perfect.

I’m done doubting, and ready to start believing 100 percent in Mayfield who has now accomplished so much for the Browns. Winning record, check. Playoffs, check. Playoff win, check. This guy is doing it all right now. Enjoy it Cleveland, but let’s start getting ready for a tough task vs. the Super Bowl favorites.