I've been saying that the Browns major problem is their defense, that the offense is good.  Early in the season, I think that was true.  But the last couple of games the defense has played well.  They played well enough to beat the Ravens giving up only 16 points and intercepting Lamar Jackson 4 times.  But the offense only scored 13 points leading to a loss.  A lot of blame was placed on Baker Mayfield (me included).  He missed some throws and he looked like a foot injury was making it difficult to fully step into his throws.  Analysts and fans alike were blaming Mayfield for the loss.  

Kurt Warner has a very interesting YouTube channel in which he provides analysis.  This week he looked at Mayfield's play during the Ravens game and showed where the majority of the breakdown in offensive productivity for the Browns took place.  His contention is that Baker Mayfield played well enough in that game to win it.  Other players' errors were the real culprit in stymying the offense.  Warner breaks down the film and shows where Baker had his team in good position to score or get first downs and it was the mental and physical errors of his teammates that led to giving the ball back without scoring points.  Mayfield did have his own errors, like fumbling the ball when the screen was perfectly set up, but Warner says the criticism of Mayfield that lays the blame for the loss at his feet is not justified.  He challenges those who say it is his fault to make their case.  

What do you think?  Is it mostly Mayfield's fault?  The Browns have a difficult road ahead of them in the form of a 6-6 record and a tough schedule ahead.  Is Mayfield good enough to get the Browns deep into the playoffs?  

Here's a link to the video: 

 

I personally while not a Browns fan I  think that if Baker has a good running game is a good enough quarterback but if the running game is rolling I don’t think he can carry a team on his shoulders against a good team. JMO

i think the Browns may be thinking the same way since they have not offered him a new contract yet. 

For whatever reason, the WRs have not been producing.  The TEs and the RBs, yes.  But the WRs, no.  I don't know if it is the system Stefanski is running or if Mayfield's health makes it difficult to throw downfield, but teams don't have to respect the down field game and can load the box against the run.  

 

The Browns better come up with an answer to why they haven't been scoring or they will end up with a very disappointing season.  

Regarding Mayfield's contract, I don't think the front office is waiting to see how the season goes.  They already know what they have in Mayfield, a highly competitive, 2nd tier QB whom they believe they can win with.  They will give him an offer in the offseason commensurate with that expectation.  Will Baker think he can get more elsewhere?  I don't think he will find another team in the NFL that is more suited to what he does well.  This coaching staff and these personnel are tailored to what he can do.  

Baker Mayfield has had more weapons than most QB's during his time in the league. The fact of the matter is he's an average QB at best and a large number of people wanted to put him on a pedestal when he came in the league. The same Browns fans that are booing him now considered him the second coming because the Browns won a few games. 

lol @TheDeuce.  I figured you'd show up with your wet blanket.  ?  That isn't a dig at you, it's just that you are consistent.  From the beginning, your eyes told you Mayfield wasn't that good and you have to be true to what you think.  You are right that Mayfield isn't the QB every Brown's fan had hoped he would be and needs him to be...  we've suffered enough, already.  There have been stretches when he played really well.  And then there are a lot of games where you just wonder what he is doing.  This season, I believe health has a lot to do with that.  But to the point Kurt Warner is making, often those boos are misplaced.  He gets blamed when it is another players fault.  For instance, Nick Chubb went out for a short route in the left flat against the Ravens and Mayfield missed him though he was wide open.  I remember deriding Mayfield for that throw.  But Warner shows where the route was supposed to be run.  It turns out Chubb ran a sloppy route and Mayfield threw it to where he should have been.  It cost the Browns a significant gain and Mayfield is blamed.  That example also explains to me why Hunt replaces Chubb on most third down and long situations.  Chubb can catch the ball but, apparently, his routes aren't as clean as Hunt's.  You need a guy to be where he is supposed to be when you are in a "gotta have it" situation.  Any way, I posted the video because I can't quite figure out what the Browns are going to do this off season with Mayfield's contract.  I think they'll extend an offer commensurate with a second-tier QB.  Mayfield isn't a top QB like the fans wanted him to be, but he isn't nearly as bad as a lot of the analysts and others make him out to be.  We'll find out what the Browns' front office thinks in the off season.  

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