5 Cleveland Browns who need to provide more down the stretch
By Randy Gurzi
No. 1: Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield
This one feels like a no-brainer.
Baker Mayfield joined the Browns as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and from the moment he arrived in Berea, he’s been a polarizing figure. He’s been beloved, doubted, and beloved again — but after a rough few months this season, there are more doubts than ever.
Even those who are 100 percent in camp-Baker have to admit that he hasn’t been playing to his potential this season. Heck, Mayfield himself will surely admit as much and we all saw how infuriated he was with himself after a poor outing in Week 11 against Detroit.
For the season, Mayfield has a record of 5-6 as the starter while completing 62.2 percent of his throws for 2,413 yards. He also has just 11 touchdowns against six picks. None of those numbers are what he expected and in the final five games, this offense is going to need more from him. A lot more.
While it’s true they’re at their best when Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are running the ball, Cleveland needs Mayfield to keep the defenses honest. We all saw the Ravens sell out to stop the run on Sunday Night Football and dare the Browns to win through the air — which they couldn’t do.
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Mayfield is set to enter the final season of his rookie deal in 2022 and he could use a great finish to this campaign to help him as he enters that crucial year.