Cleveland Browns: Would you rather, Baker Mayfield vs. Colin Cowherd
By Greg Newland
Most Cleveland Browns fans have felt tormented for the last three years from Colin Cowherd, as he constantly has challenged the abilities of Baker Mayfield and if he is a franchise quarterback. On top of that, Browns fans have been battered for a better part of the last 20 years with poor quarterback play, and too often in the bottom five of the league.
Cowherd’s latest Baker-take was one where he looks at the next five years and decides if he wants Mayfield or other quarterbacks in the league — and this one has continued to shake up Browns fans.
Two things to remember Cleveland Browns fans. One, I’m not sure there is anyone better in the business than Cowherd. He knows his audience and knows how to get listeners and clicks. Who will admit you hate his takes on Baker, but you still listen every day?
Two, Colin is typically right in his takes. Most importantly, he often does admit when he is wrong as well. While many believe Cowherd hates Mayfield, there is a bit of a misunderstanding in my opinion. Cowherd just isn’t sure Mayfield can win you a Super Bowl, which doesn’t mean you aren’t a solid quarterback.
Let’s look at Cowherd’s decisions and see where Colin was right, and Colin was wrong.
Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens
Cowherd starts by taking division rival, Lamar Jackson, over Mayfield for the next five years. While I must agree with this one because for some reason Jackson appears to always be the best athlete on the field, I will challenge him on the five-year portion. Jackson is still very young, but his style of play could very well limit his career.
Jackson is in the NFL what small forward is in the NBA who can jump out of the gym. As soon as he loses his knees and quickness, he could quickly be on the slide downward. Where a guy like Peyton Manning can last so long because he is just relying on arm strength.
I’m down to earth enough to admit I would take Jackson over Mayfield, but I’m not willing to admit “this is not close” as Cowherd did in the article.