Looking ahead: Baker Mayfield vs. Kyler Murray Round Two

Baker Mayfield will square off with his friend and former teammate Kyler Murray again in Week 6

Week 6 of the NFL season holds one of the most exciting matchups of the year. Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns will take on the Arizona Cardinals and Kyler Murray for the first time since 2019.

Fans have an eye on this game because of the history of each team’s quarterback. Both Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray won a Heisman Trophy in their respective times as Oklahoma Sooners.

Not to mention, the two both went No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft.

Mayfield won his in 2017 and the following year, Oklahoma quarterbacks repeated as Heisman winners when Murray won in 2018.

The two are good friends and have spent time as teammates, but they’ve become rivals in the league. Well, maybe not rivals, but you can’t be friends with your opponents on Sundays.

Baker Mayfield vs. Kyler Murray Round 1 review

On December 15, 2019, the Browns traveled to Glendale, Arizona to take on the Cardinals. In a year of ups and downs, the Browns struggled immensely against Arizona. Kenyan Drake dominated the Cleveland defense with four touchdowns on the ground.

The Browns had trouble getting really anything going on offense and started out very slow. Nick Chubb finished with over 100 yards and reached the endzone once, but Kareem Hunt was held in check.

Mayfield was forced to throw 43 times and only reached 247 yards in the air with two touchdowns and an interception.

Cleveland didn’t have quite the talent and coaching that they do now, though. This year, with a seemingly much more loaded roster, and returning to the field with the reigning coach of the year, the Browns will likely be the favorite against Arizona.

Baker Mayfield vs. Kyler Murray Round 2 preview

The media will talk about the matchup between Baker and Kyler, and yes, this will be exciting, but there is a lot more to pay attention to in this game.

The Cleveland defense has been bolstered and reloaded this offseason. With the return of Myles Garrett and company, as well as getting some guys healthy and adding pieces from the draft and free agency, the Browns could have a top defense.

I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I think it is certain that this is a stronger defense than those from the previous two seasons. This defense is built to slow down high-powered offenses with all of the hybrid players that can fly all over the field and play multiple positions.

The focus in this year’s matchup against Arizona will be containing Kyler Murray and slowing down DeAndre Hopkins. This is easier said than done, but doing so will be the key to victory in week six.

Ideally, Mayfield will not have to pass 43 times and the Browns can stick to their bread and butter with Chubb and Hunt. The defense will need to be all over the field and win the turnover battle.

Cleveland will face former Steeler running back James Conner in Week s6, as well. He’s the likely starter for Arizona and will be forced to face a familiar foe.

Arizona reloaded its offensive line and added some intriguing players on defense, including rookie Zaven Collins and veteran J.J. Watt. We will be treated to seeing Watt vs. Jadeveon Clowney in this matchup barring any injuries.

Baker Mayfield is losing the battle to his former college teammate in Kyler Murray, 0-1. On October 17, we will see if Baker Mayfield and the rest of the Browns can even the count with a victory in Cleveland.