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