Cleveland Browns: 5 players whose stock is up after Panthers nail-biter

Baker Mayfield

If Baker Mayfield doesn’t win the Rookie of the Year award, it will be shock.

The Browns’ starter was stellar again, completing his first seven passing attempts. Overall, he went 18 of 22 for 238 yards and two touchdowns.

He completed deep ball of 66 yards to Breshard Perriman early in the game, and add a 51-yard touchdown strike to Jarvis Landry.

Something interesting to note is Mayfield’s usage in Cleveland’s last three wins. He’s attempted 26, 20 and 22 passes during the Browns wins over the Falcons, Bengals and Panthers.

It goes to show that offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens is calling a more balanced attack for the rookie and not piling up too much on his shoulders.

Mayfield’s always being tested as a rookie, but he passed a big exam today, winning on a cold day down by the lake in First Energy Stadium.

Plus, he was coming off three-interception performance against the Texans. The Browns couldn’t afford to be put down early, and by hitting that early strike to Perriman, Mayfield ensured that wouldn’t be the case.