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3 Cleveland Browns grades at the bye week

By Noah Weiskopf

Nov 28, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) runs onto the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) runs onto the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns, Baker Mayfield
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 11: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns meets with head coach Kevin Stefanski in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

The Cleveland Browns are sitting at an even 6-6 record at their bye week, yet it seems as if the Browns are 0-12 due to their recent struggles.

The Cleveland Browns record is .500 but due to the team’s recent offensive struggles, the vibe around Cleveland would point to a losing record even though this is not the case.

At the beginning of the season, the Browns defense was extremely inconsistent and seemed to be the biggest problem. Many believed that once the defense got into a grove, Cleveland would be back to looking like a true Super Bowl Contender.

Well, the defense has finally found their grove but now the offense can’t produce and execute. But who is to blame for this?

Cleveland Browns QB: Baker Mayfield Grade: D

There’s no right answer on who to blame for the team’s recent offensive struggles. However, at least part of the blame has to be on quarterback Baker Mayfield.

At the end of the day, it all starts with the coach and the quarterback. It seems as if Kevin Stefanski and Mayfield are not on the same page and some of this inconsistency is likely due to Mayfield’s injuries.

Baker is playing week-in and week-out with a torn labrum, a bruised heel, and a knee bone bruise. It seems that after every play, Mayfield limps back to the huddle. However, backup quarterback Case Keenum has only seen one start this year in which he beat the Broncos.

The Browns are paying Keenum $6 million (the most in the league for a backup quarterback) so why not use him? Keenum not only led a Vikings team to the playoffs but also earned a postseason win for Minnesota four years ago.

Currently, Mayfield is set to play 2022 on his fifth-year option and the Browns have a decision to make on their potential future quarterback. Mayfield seems to struggle to push the ball downfield, especially in the two-minute drill when games are won and lost. Is that really what the Browns want as their franchise quarterback?

Mayfield is just 1-5 this season against opposing teams that are above a .500 record, and 7-19 in his career. He seems to just simply miss throws to open receivers and if he is unable to beat good teams, how will Cleveland ever get where they want to go?

Well, many say that Mayfield is the best that the franchise has had in a long time so why move on? The Browns roster is built to win now and bringing in an above-average veteran quarterback could be the dealbreaker for the Browns and they could be looking at their first Super Bowl win ever.

Is Baker Mayfield that guy? Should the Browns sit in inconsistency and mediocrity or should they consider bringing in an Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson if possible?

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