Time For BakerMania To Begin

By: Parnell Saint-Preux

Number 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield accepted the challenge and helped the Cleveland Browns defeat against the New York Jets, 21-17. Last night was the Browns first victory since Christmas Eve against the current Los Angeles Chargers, back in 2016. Mayfield finished the game completing 17-23 (73.9%) for 201 yards and a QBR, (grading from 0-100), a 94.9.

During the first half, Browns were trailing 14-3, while Tyrod Taylor was the starter. Throughout the game, Taylor struggled, ending the game going 4 of 14 (28.6%) 19 yds and a QBR of 5.6. Most of the fans were booing and finally had enough of Taylor’s performance. Once Taylor was diagnosed with a concussion, Mayfield got his call. Browns fans were ecstatic and chanted for Mayfield to step on the field.

Coming into the draft, some people were skeptical about Mayfield being the first overall pick. Most draft experts thought he was too small and unathletic to play the quarterback position, fresh off of winning the Heisman. Some went as far as analogizing Mayfield to another former Heisman Trophy Winner, Johnny Manziel, due to off-the-field issues. However, others put Mayfield in the same sentence with Drew Brees and Russell Wilson. Nevertheless, it didn’t hesitate the Browns organization selecting Mayfield with the first overall pick.

Mayfield established a unique ability to throw inside the pocket. Mayfield stood tall in the pocket, and able to throw in tight windows. Athletically, Mayfield is not the purest nor explosive athlete in the world, nonetheless, he is more than mobile to extend the play while eluding pass rushers. And last but not least, his arm strength. Mayfield has enough arm strength and velocity to make the requisite throws, whether in the pocket or on the run. One of the main reasons that Mayfield was the first quarterback drafted ahead of Sam Darnold and Josh Allen was his accuracy. Throughout his career in Oklahoma, Mayfield completed 68.5% of his passes, while throwing for 131 TD passes and 30 INTS. Meanwhile, Allen finished his career at Wyoming completing 56.2% of his passes. On the other hand, Darnold struggled last season protecting the football and was top three in turnovers.

If Cleveland wants to be a legitimate contender making the playoffs, they should give the keys to Mayfield. After all, they drafted him with the first overall pick to be the franchise quarterback and CEO. Taylor has proven he can be a starter, but somewhere else. Unquestionably, the Browns should have been 3-0. In the end, this is Mayfield’s time. Unfortunately for Browns fans, Head Coach Hue Jackson feels otherwise. When asked about whether he would commit to Mayfield being the starter, Jackson’s response: “I’m going to watch the tape and make the right decision, the best decision for the organization and for our team going forward,” Jackson said, via USA Today “That’s my job, that’s what I’ll do.”

Jackson needs to come to the realization of what is transpiring in Cleveland. In the past two seasons as the head coach for Cleveland, he is 1-31. This is a big year for Jackson because if he can’t get this roster to win at least six games this season, his future as a head coach is in serious jeopardy. In fact, that might be the case right now.

All that Browns fans know is that Mayfield is their guy. Not only the fans know, but also their players know, too. Star wide receiver Jarvis Landry gave high praise about Mayfield’s preparation, heading into the game. “He was so ready for this moment,” Landry said. Said Landry: “I promise you, it’s just a testament to how hard he’s worked since he stepped into the building and not having that backup mentality.”

Landry also discussed Mayfield’s confidence and personality.

“I don’t think there’s a coach or a player who has doubted him or felt like we were at a disadvantage when he came on the field,” Landry said. “That’s something you’ve got to love about him. That’s why he’s the first pick. That’s why he’s the Heisman Trophy winner. You saw it tonight, firsthand.”

Hopefully, with performances that Mayfield showed will be a sign of great things to come for Cleveland.