Browns: 3 players who need to step up against the Steelers

Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield had a great first half against the Colts, then the line broke down in the second half and Mayfield got tagged twice while throwing the ball. Ironically both passes he got hit on were turned into interceptions. It wasn’t just the hits that Mayfield took, as the Browns quarterback was hit big several times against the Colts as well. Partly because Wyatt Teller was out with a thigh injury. With Teller looking like he won’t play, star running back Nick Chubb still out for the Steelers, and Kareem Hunt not being the best runner between the tackles, it looks very much like Mayfield will need to step up against the Steelers.

Mayfield can play in the NFL. He’s been accurate in a lot of his games this year, and when he’s not being forced to deal with a one-dimensional offense, he’s shown to be very efficient. The problem is against the Colts and Ravens, for vastly different reasons, the Browns offense became very predictable. Both teams made Mayfield the only offensive threat and Kevin Stefanksi’s scheme relies on being able to share the workload. If not, then the whole plan falls apart. Establishing Mayfield early with some good play calling and making sure he’s protected is paramount to a Browns’ victory.