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Where Baker Mayfield ranks in Browns history

By John Suchan

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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Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 13: Frank Ryan #13 of the Cleveland Browns in action against the New York Giants during an NFL football game October 13, 1963 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Ryan played for the Browns from 1962-68. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

The competition: Frank Ryan 1962-1968

If you’re looking for one of the smartest quarterbacks in Cleveland Browns history, then  look no further than Dr. Frank Ryan.

Following his initial studies, Ryan went on to earn a doctorate in mathematics at Rice University. While he started out being a backup for his first NFL team, the Los Angeles Rams, he was eventually traded to Cleveland in 1962. This is where he made a name for himself on the football field.

Ryan played for the Browns for seven seasons and finished with an impressive 52-22 record in that span. He’s also the quarterback credited with Cleveland’s last NFL Championship which came in 1964. Dr. Ryan finished his career by throwing for 13,361 yards with 134 touchdowns against 88 interceptions.

Of all the quarterbacks in this storied team’s history, Ryan was simply one of the most consistent when it came to winning — and the club stayed very competitive throughout his tenure. The Browns had winning seasons every year that Ryan was starting under center.

It helped that he had Hall of Famer running back Jim Brown in his backfield, but Ryan, using that mathematical degree, was just a very smart player and made the right move on most plays. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.

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