10 Reasons Browns backup Jacoby Brissett can win it all

7. Jim Plunkett, Raiders

Baker Mayfield fans take heed, because Jim Plunkett was the first overall pick by the New England Patriots in 1971, and proclaimed “franchise savior.” The Patriots were not a good organization at that time, and Plunkett compiled a 23-38-0 record in five seasons.

Of course, the cantankerous New England fan base blamed the team’s lack of success on the quarterback, and he was traded to San Francisco for two number one draft picks. As is usually the case, however, the team didn’t improve when the draft picks were traded away. Plunkett threw too many interceptions in his second year with the 49ers, and they decided to clean house and released him.

At age 30, his prospects weren’t looking too bright, but he caught on with the Oakland Raiders, which was sort of the NFL’s halfway house for derelict football players. For the next two years, he held a clipboard, but in 1980, Dan Pastorini went down and Plunkett became first string.

Browns fans will recall those Raiders with disdain, for they were the recipient of the Red Right 88 play that resulted in a Brian Sipe interception. Browns fans believe Don Cockcroft was certain to be able to kick a field goal on an icy field in a hurricane after missing two field-goal attempts, with one extra point attempt blocked, and another bad snap.

Cockroft was also playing with two herniated disks in his back. But we all knew he was going to make that kick and so a pass play should never, never have been called. In fact, we all called it at the time. “If a pass play is thrown at this point, it will surely be intercepted!” That’s what we all said, and we all have witnesses.

But let’s ask whether the Raiders beat the Browns because of dominant quarterback play. What a laugh. Plunkett was 14-of-30 for only 149 yards and two interceptions and two sacks. He played just well enough to win in freezing conditions.

In the Super Bowl, the Oakland defense held Philadelphia to 10 points. Plunkett was outstanding, throwing for three touchdowns on 13-of-21 for 261 yards. Here again, if the defense holds the other team to 10 points, you may not even need hero ball from the quarterback, though it’s undeniably great if you can get it.

The Raiders repeated in 1983. Plunkett was good but not really mind-blowing, with 20 TDs and 18 INTs. In all, he went 230 for 379 with 2935 yards and a 60.7 completion percentage. He was 11th in the NFL with 209.6 yards per game.

In the Super Bowl, they whipped up on Washington 38-9. Plunkett was 16 for 25 for 172 yards and no INTs. Once again the defense and special teams made the offense’s job easier by holding Washington to only nine points.

The Raiders scored on a special teams fumble recovery in the end zone; plus a defensive interception return for a touchdown. Thus the offense really didn’t need to do anything except not give up points.