Browns: 5 best offensive players through 12 games

Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield has been the best player on this offense for 12 weeks. To those paying attention, you agree. To those not paying attention, you can’t really deny it anymore. Firstly, he’s yet to miss a game. Even when he had such badly bruised ribs that he couldn’t sleep, he still went out and played. Granted, ill-advised. That was a mistake on Kevin Stefanski’s part because a severely bruised core affects how a quarterback throws and sleep deprivation can affect one’s ability to process things correctly. Seeing as how Mayfield was unable to sleep well, it’s not unfair to say he was probably sleep deprived.

Secondly, he’s beaten some of the best defenses and scored points on them too. Remember when everyone thumbed their noses at Washington and how well Mayfield played against them? Well, Ben Roethlisberger went 33 of 53 (62%) for 305 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in a loss. Mayfield, against a healthier version of that defense, went 16 of 23 (69.57%) for 156 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in a 14-point victory that was never as close as the score would lead you to believe.

Mayfield threw for 76% and four touchdowns against the Titans with zero interceptions to his name, and 334 yards. Roethlisberger? 65% for 268, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.

Thirdly, look at his play over the year. He’s been as consistent as possible, has eliminated turnovers greatly from his 2019 campaign, and looks calm and poised. He does have a footwork issue, but that’s correctable.

He’s putting up impressive stats, completing 63% of his passes, for 2,442 yards, with 21 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. All while only being sacked 17 times. Part of that is great line play, yes, but the other part is his ability to extend plays by leaving the pocket.

He’s come a long way and has done just about everything one can ask of him to warrant not just a fourth year, but a second contract.