Game plan for Baker Mayfield says keep in the pocket, can’t see

That Baker Mayfield struggled mightily from the pocket last season in a clunker of a season for the Cleveland Browns really isn’t news.

A big-dive into analytics would’ve revealed what your eyes could tell you: Mayfield isn’t good from the pocket and is best at rolling out, as he did a lot in 2020.

So while there’s nothing earth shattering there, it was sobering to read a recent column in The Athletic, in which Jason Lloyd cites an anonymous assistant coach in the division who revealed the game plan to beaker Mayfield the Browns.

Keep him in the pocket, because he flat out can’t see.

Here’s what Lloyd wrote, via The Athletic (subscription needed)

"“…I spoke to an opposing assistant coach who said their entire game plan against the Browns last season on defense was to contain Mayfield to the pocket because he can’t see. More than one team felt that way…Defenses often spread five across the line against the Browns and played so wide on the edges that they wouldn’t let Mayfield get outside. They’re daring the quarterback to make a play from the pocket, which Mayfield couldn’t do.”"

I think it was Mike Tomlin, who after the Halloween debacle, basically said the same thing, about how the whole plan was to keep Mayfield in the pocket. Tomlin’s been saying that since Mayfield’s rookie year, though.

If you’re looking for another take, here’s what former Browns GM Mike Lombardi said about Baker, via Audacy. I know, we love to hate on Lombardi, but still interesting.

"“…You watch the game, Mayfield can’t see. Mayfield can’t see from the pocket. Guys are open but when he runs on drop-back passes, he can’t see them. The line gets pushed back into him and he can’t find the receiver to make the throw.”"

You read this and you can’t help but have a helpless feeling over Mayfield’s future at the position because if everyone’s being honest, the fact is you’ve got to have someone who can make plays from the pocket if you’re going to have a realistic shot to win the Super Bowl.

Unsolicited Baker Mayfield observations

1. It was a good week for Baker Mayfield because the combine didn’t tip off a lot o the quarterback movement around the league that everyone was speculating on. Look like Aaron Rodgers is staying with Green Bay and Russ Wilson will be in Seattle.

2. Since the Browns can’t do better than Mayfield in 2022, it sounds like he’s the starter.

3. To me, quarterbacks who have confidence are looking outward, with their jaw on an incline when they drop back to pass. I felt like with Mayfield, it was the opposite–a quarterback looking down.

3. I think a quarterback will be in play for the Browns earlier than many think. Maybe even the second round. They have someone on an expiring contract. They have to be prepared for life without Mayfield in 2023.