What Does 2021 Have in Store for Baker?

Author: Max Greenberg

Editor: Mark Awadallah

Baker Mayfield is entering what seems to be a crossroads year in 2021. The former first overall pick has struggled with consistency since entering the NFL in 2018, and his performance this year could dictate his future on the Cleveland Browns. But last year’s finish to the season showed that Mayfield is growing and is on the right track to live up to the hype around him. 2020 was the first year he had the opportunity to work with a coaching staff that knew what they were doing, and a team that was dialed in, which allowed us to catch a glimpse of just what he is capable of. So, the questions are why was he so much better later in the season, and why should that performance inspire confidence when his overall consistency is still an issue? Well think about it this way, in Mayfield’s previous three seasons in the NFL, he dealt with three different head coaches, and consequently, three different offensive lines, and that is not exactly an ideal scenario for a quarterback, especially in his first three years. To add to this, 2020 was the year of COVID, in which teams were not allowed to meet in the offseason, there was no preseason, and the only practice they had before the regular season was training camp. All of this compounded inevitably meant Mayfield and the Browns offense had to deal with chemistry issues at the beginning of the regular season. Once those issues were eventually fixed, his performance skyrocketed, and a big reason for that is throwing deep balls he did not throw earlier in the year. Mayfield gained more confidence in his teammates and the system as time went on, and we could see the drastic difference it made.

Potentially more important than any of that, however, is that his attitude and maturity seemed to improve in 2020. In 2019, the Browns were arguably the biggest disappointment in the league, and Mayfield’s inability to shut his mouth only added to what a mess the team was. In 2020, he kept his head down and focused on playing and improving himself as a quarterback. It goes without saying that the team culture and record contributed to this, but as the team’s quarterback, other players will follow his example, and seeing him be a better leader also contributed to the team’s much improved culture. It was especially refreshing to see the Browns upend an arrogant Pittsburgh Steelers team in the playoffs. Mayfield and company were the quiet ones going into that game, and instead of being shut up, they managed to shut their opponent up by embarrassing them on home turf.

Now, similar things were said about Mayfield going into the 2019 season, but the Browns and their fans have reason to be more optimistic than ever this year. Unlike years past, they have stability and pieces that have proven to be effective together. Mayfield has everything he needs at his disposal, such as a sturdy offensive line, an elite receiving core, one of the best backfield headlines by Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, and most importantly, a great offensive head coach. Not to mention that Odell Beckham Jr. is returning to full health, and Donovan Peoples-Jones, who Mayfield gained chemistry with last year, is bound to keep improving. Last year was the first time Mayfield had a real chance to be successful, and he absolutely made the most of it. With an even better situation so far this year, Browns fans have every reason to be confident in their signal caller, which is something they have not been able to feel in what seems like an eternity.

SPORTS ARE OUR UNIVERSE

What to Expect this Wild-Card Weekend?

Author: William Goldmark

Editor: Fran Attié

Saturday:

1:05 PM: No. 7 Indianapolis Colts at No. 2 Buffalo Bills (-6.5)

These are not your mother and father’s Buffalo Bills. This team is for real. Sitting at 13-3, (which would be 14-2 if not for a certain Arizona Cardinals Hail Mary), Josh Allen and his crew closed out the season by winning six straight double-digit games. Furthermore, Philip Rivers has a sub .500 record while playing in the postseason. So, while a tough Indianapolis defense should prevent this one from becoming a landslide, Buffalo’s offense is far too electric to bet against.

My pick: Buffalo (-6.5)

4:40 PM: No. 6 Los Angeles Rams at No. 3 Seattle Seahawks (-3.5)

For all the criticism Seattle’s defense has endured throughout 2020, the Seahawks have not given up more than 23 points in a game for the entire second half of the season. Additionally, they will now face a Rams offense that only mustered 9 points in their previous week 16 meeting, and struggled to materialize anything offensively against the New York Jets the week before—yes, the 0-13 Jets. Mr. Unlimited and wideout phenom DK Metcalf should be able to win this one comfortably in the Seahawks’ home building.

My pick: Seattle (-3.5)

8:15 PM: No. 5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-9) at No. 4 Washington Football Team

While Washington’s 7-9 record is far from intimidating, it is worth noting that they are actually 5-1 when future Comeback Player of the Year Alex Smith is under center. It is also worth noting that Tom Brady’s lack of mobility may be an issue against Washington’s disruptive front seven. It would be quite a surprise to see Tampa exit the playoffs after the first round, but Washington should be able to make this a defensive-minded game that comes down to the wire.

My pick: Washington (+9)

Sunday:

1:05 PM: No. 5 Baltimore Ravens at No. 4 Tennessee Titans (-3.5)

Baltimore will absolutely be playing with a chip on their shoulder on Sunday. Earlier this season, the Ravens blew a two-possession lead to the Titans before losing in overtime. Even worse, in last year’s Divisional Round, Tennessee shocked the NFL by manhandling Baltimore, raising tons of speculation regarding Lamar Jackson’s ability to perform in the big moments. It is likely that Lamar ‘took this personal’, and after very quietly ending their season on a 5-game win streak, the former MVP will be looking to pull off an upset.

My pick: Baltimore (+3.5)

4:40 PM: No. 7 Chicago Bears at No. 2 New Orleans Saints (-10)

The Chicago Bears rounded out the season with an 8-8 record and a +2 point differential, meaning they are the perfect definition of a mediocre football team. However, this Bears defense tends to keep their offense in games, as Chicago has not allowed more than 30 points this year to a team not led by Aaron Rodgers. Furthermore, the Saints’ inconsistent postseason play in recent years makes it difficult to be confident in them winning by double digits. In possibly his last opportunity to prove he can be a starting quarterback, expect Mitchell Trubisky to keep his squad in the game.

My pick: Chicago (+10)

8:15 PM: No. 6 Cleveland Browns at No. 3 Pittsburgh Steelers (-6)

Last Sunday, Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns defended their home turf and beat the Mason Rudolph-led Pittsburgh Steelers. Fast-forward one week: the Browns will be without their head coach after he tested positive for Covid-19; the game will be played at Heinz Field, where Cleveland has not been victorious since 2003; and of course, 2x Super Bowl Champion Ben Roethlisberger will be back in action after a week of rest. So, while Pittsburgh has lost 4 of their last 5 games, and Cleveland deserves plenty of credit for finally ending their 18-year playoff drought, this rivalry has been one-sided for decades and that will not change on Sunday night.

My pick: Pittsburgh (-6)

*Game lines accurate as of 1/7/21

SPORTS ARE OUR UNIVERSE

Baker Mayfield and the Browns Have Caught Fire

Author: Ryan Garcia

Editor: Aaron Mesco

*WRITTEN BEFORE WEEK 5*

When you think of 3-1, you don’t think of the Cleveland Browns. That’s for good reason- this team has been atrocious for decades. They’ve constantly been picking number 1 and have been consistently rebuilding. They never have had a good start that was sustainable, and never have had a solid QB they could rely on. Never have they had a mind-boggling offense either. This is a team that let everyone down last year and made them a laughing stock once again. Now this team is soaring, and they’ve finally caught fire again. The Cleveland Browns’ offense is a wrecking ball, and Kevin Stefanski has finally gotten it all to click.

Baker Mayfield’s Decision Making Is Much Improved

Who knew that giving Baker Mayfield the free-flowing offense he’s always thrived in with would work? It’s almost like making a guy who loves to create plays and roll out throws can’t function in a drop back and sling it system. Baker Mayfield being a shorter QB made staying in the pocket and just dropping back a hindrance on him. He can’t be asked to be something he isn’t. Does this make him a bad QB? No, but it means that he needs a good run game so he can be erratic in the pocket and generate offense. He has only one interception in his last three games, and has 23 TDs to 11 INTs in his last 13 games with an 88.8 passer rating.

Best Rushing Attack in the Sport

Nick Chubb is an elite running back, enough said. What’s that? They have a backup RB who’s a pro-bowl caliber back? Oh yeah, the Browns also have Kareem Hunt for their backfield, and that’s their backup running back. Nick Chubb will be out for about 4-5 games so Hunt becomes the primary back and their backup now is the youngster D'Ernest Johnson, who ran for 95 yards on 13 attempts against Dallas. They also have a great run-blocking offensive line that has held up against the Washington and Dallas defensive lines, two defensive lines that have some big names on them. Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin, and Jedrick Wills Jr. have changed the identity of that entire line. They can use Baker Mayfield’s sharp arm and accuracy to get huge gains and put up crooked numbers early on and then when they have a good lead, they get their rushing attack to really run out the clock and run up the score. Why throw the ball in the 4th quarter up by 14 when you can run down field and score just as easily? The Browns offense is clicking, and that rushing attack has led the way.

Having Something To Prove

Showing up on Sunday and pummelling the Colts would be a huge statement win to follow up the absolute beatdown they handed to Dallas. Having a healthier defense can help, as Vernon and Ward were clearly banged up against the Cowboys. Sheldon Richardson also came out of the game briefly towards the end due to injury. They can get healthy and show the NFL they’re legit with a 5-1 or 4-2 start against what was the toughest part of their schedule. Their next 5 games after playing the Colts at home and Pittsburgh at Heinz Field are as follows:

@Cincinatti

Las Vegas

Houston

Philadelphia

@Jacksonville

If the Browns go 4-2 and then take 4 of these 5 games that’s a scorching 9-3 start. Even if they fall to 3-3 and then take 4 out of 5 of those games they are 7-4. They have the Jets and Giants coming up towards the end of the year and their last game is a game at home against Pittsburgh they hope to win. They can have a nice record and get into the playoffs with 10-11 wins and show the world they’re legit. The Browns will play with a chip on their shoulders still, and continue their ‘all bite, no bark’ mantra they’ve thrived on.

SPORTS ARE OUR UNIVERSE