3 reasons Baker Mayfield could succeed or fail in 2022
By Jacob Roach
Reason No. 1 Baker Mayfield could succeed: Arm Talent/Arm Strength
When you watch the tape of Baker Mayfield when he is successful and winning it is easy to see, he has the arm to make all of the throws. He has the arm strength to make the hard-out breaking throws and in 2020 was one of the league’s best deep-ball passers.
This year against the Cardinals he threw a 57-yard hail mary to Donovan Peoples-Jones that traveled more than 60 yards in the air. When he’s on like he was in the playoffs against the Steelers and Chiefs his accuracy is really impressive.
Looking at Mayfield’s second half in 2020 he was fitting balls into some really tight windows, making throws that not every quarterback can make. You can also see some beautiful touch passes like the touchdown to Rashard Higgins against the Titans when he dropped it in the bucket more than 20 yards downfield.
When he is on and playing well his pure arm talent and arm strength is that of a top 15 quarterback, this is one reason he could succeed going forward.
Reason No. 2 Baker Mayfield could succeed: Confidence
There is one thing that most people would agree about Mayfield and that is he has all the confidence in the world in his ability. Now some may argue that can not always be a good thing but it also helped him be a two-time walk-on and Heisman trophy winner.
Mayfield will throw interceptions but he will always believe in himself when he steps back on the field. Some find his confidence and swagger annoying, but when he’s successful teammates gravitate to it. If Baker continues to believe in himself it might get him past the mental hurdles of the past struggles and help him find the winning touch again.
Reason No. 3 Baker Mayfield could succeed: Familiarity
The start to Mayfield’s career in Cleveland was riddled with instability and constant change with coaches and play-callers. Finally, there has been some stability in the building and that could be a massive advantage for Mayfield and the Browns next season.
Next year will be the third in the system, he understands the in and outs as well as the overall goals of the scheme. He doesn’t need to spend time learning the offense this offseason and can instead focus on rehab and cleaning up the struggles in his game.