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Last nights loss was heartbreaking for Browns fans, but it didn’t come without many signs of encouragement that this team will be a threat for a long time. One thing is for sure, you have found your franchise quarterback, your franchise running back and your coach for many years to come. Now you just need a better secondary.
We have been tough on Baker Mayfield this season, but he appears to have turned the corner. Here are the stats that jumped out to us the most from last night and also the season.
Last night he went 28 of 47 passing for 343 yards, 2 passing touchdowns, both in the fourth quarter and only one pick. He also didn’t take a single sack. Mayfield also ran for a touchdown, and led 3 consecutive touchdown drives in the fourth quarter with his team behind each time. It is clear, he is better, much better without OBJ.
Going back to his rookie season, he continues to win games late and never allows his team to give up. He went through a nasty slump last year, and it made us all forget just how good his leadership can be. That nightmare is now over and we’re starting to see the Baker of old.
On the season, Mayfield is now 233 of 373 passing for 2785 yards, with 23 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. 13 of those touchdowns have come without OBJ in the lineup. He has battled through injury and started all 13 games. He has led the Browns to a 9-4 record, and hasn’t cost them a game yet. He is also playing his best right before the playoffs. He may not be Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, or DeShaun Watson, all quarterbacks the team passed over on, but, be glad he isn’t Mitchell Trubisky, Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen either.
In the beginning of this season, if I had told you that Mayfield would start all 16 games, throw 30 touchdowns ( he is on pace), throw for 3,000 yards (he is on pace) and throw under 12 interceptions, (he is on pace), you would have taken it right? Mix in a dynamic back like Nick Chubb and those numbers will get you to the playoffs every year. The Browns are 7-2 in games Nick Chubb plays in this year and 2 and 2 without Chubb.
While his record in the division this year is not the best at 2-3, and his divisional record in his career is just 8-8, that is still a far better winning percentage than any quarterback before him since the teams return in 1999.
His record as a starter in the NFL is 21-21, also a 500 percentage and also better than any QB before him. However, you have to remember something, that 500 is very pedestrian now, but you have to believe with this roster, and this coach, they are about to tack on multiple double digit winning seasons. Also, his record without OBJ in the game, 11-9.
Give him his extension, let him play in this system for one more year, with this roster and let’s see what happens. To make a switch now would be insane. He has the heart and spirit of a winner, let’s see what happens next.
