Cleveland Browns: Hold off on thinking the Tyrod Taylor plan changes

It is still early to think the Cleveland Browns change their quarterback plan.

Think back to 1999 and increase each year’s Cleveland Browns roster. There were countless failed quarterback draft picks and the veterans they brought in could not provide good enough stability until the team could fix the issue.

Now get to 2018 and compare Tyrod Taylor to the past veterans. Taylor is not a star quarterback but he has done more than enough to be a serviceable starter. He is between the 17th-22nd ranked starter in the NFL and for Cleveland, that is fine until Baker Mayfield is ready.

While it is understandable following Taylor’s poor regular season debut to push for Mayfield to start, it is not the right call… yet. His running ability is fine as displayed on Sunday when he rushed for 77 yards but his passing game is the concern: 15 for 40 says everything one needs to know.

Oh and then there was the horrible weather where future hall of famer Ben Roethlisberger also struggled mightily. Adding to the fact that Hue Jackson is still the head coach who can’t get out of his own way, jumping to assumptions should be held off.

The plan should not change after one game as David Njoku‘s drop issue can be resolved, the running game can be more impressive as long as the offensive line does its job, all while Taylor gets more accustomed in Todd Haley’s offense.

Besides, are you prepared for Mayfield to struggle because he will struggle? It may not be the first game but he will. While he has looked the part, Mayfield has not checked out of certain plays into a run or pass that are best suited when audibling to. This is one small but important detail that with more understanding of the NFL’s game will be something Mayfield can do in no time successfully.

Taylor has played in just one game for the Browns. They did not send a third rounder to Buffalo just so he could start the opener. Should however similar continues, especially those that are caused by Taylor, that will impact Cleveland’s chances of success. So, with that in mind, the plan cannot be dismissed just yet but if it does, Cleveland could very well be sitting Taylor halfway through the season.

Should Cleveland be winless or just has one win following the New York Jets game, the Browns would benefit from playing Mayfield in the games right after. As we wait for Week 2 to get here, let’s see how Cleveland adapts on Sunday and in the coming weeks and go from there.