Cleveland Browns: Baker Mayfield matters most
The Cleveland Browns success, or lack thereof, in 2021 will hinge on the play — and the health — of quarterback Baker Mayfield
Sometime during Peyton Manning’s Colts tenure, offensive coordinator Tom Moore uttered two legendary sentences about the soon-to-be Hall of Famer and the team’s chances if he were injured:
“Fellas, if 18 (Peyton Manning) goes down, we’re f***ed. And we don’t practice f***ed.” Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt likely has similar thoughts pertaining to quarterback Baker Mayfield.
In line to be the Browns’ opening day starter for the third straight season, something that until 2018 seemed as unlikely as a sober Muni-lot, Mayfield is the unquestioned key to the Browns’ success. After last season’s bye week, the Browns finished their season 7-3 including a playoff win and Mayfield was arguably elite during those final 10 games, throwing just 2 interceptions.
When he wakes up feeling dangerous, the Cleveland offense is amongst the NFL’s best. As cliché as it may be, Baker has “It”. He’s the spark plug of not only the offense, but the entire team. As Baker goes, so do the Browns.
Entering the 2021 season as legit Super Bowl contenders, the Browns need to keep Mayfield upright now more than ever. Returning the entire starting offensive line and having the same head coach and offensive coordinator in back-to-back seasons should benefit the QB and keep the team from having to work through their quarterback depth chart.
Behind Mayfield are Case Keenum (10 pass attempts in limited duty in 2020) and Kyle Lauletta (zero career completions). Though Keenum had the best season of his career under head coach Kevin Stefanski when they were both with Minnesota, (Stefanski was the Vikings’ QB coach) he’s just 27–35 as a starter.
If Mayfield were to miss any significant amount of time, the QB position would immediately become the weakest link on a high-powered offense. The thought of Keenum or Lauletta under center brings up nightmarish memories of Browns signal-callers of yesteryear.
Names like Kevin Hogan, Austin Davis, Thad Lewis, and Connor Shaw. Browns fans have seen that movie before, and we know how it ends. Any plans for a Super Bowl parade through downtown Cleveland would immediately be put on pause.
Next. 3 remaining FA options for Browns ongoing need at CB. dark
Keeping Baker healthy gives the Browns their best shot at serious title contention since the Bernie Kosar era. And with Mayfield upright, they won’t have to worry about practicing f***ed.