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merlin
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moklerman
Right. I don't mean that Keenum is who should replace Mayfield, just that a backup level QB like Keenum was able to come in and function behind the dominant running game. Obviously, they don't want to get too complacent with a replacement and do what the Rams so often did with guys like Haden, Kemp, Brock, etc. Just because you have a good running game and defense doesn't mean you have to be completely passive at QB.
But to me, it shows just how ineffective Mayfield has been. 6 TD in 6 games this year is not enough. For that level of production, if you're going to settle for that, you don't pay the guy top dollar. If he wants to sign a contract that is commensurate with his production, fine. But, like the Rams have settle for the devil you know approach in the past, I think the Browns would be limiting themselves unnecessarily.
Stefanski seems like a good coach and would benefit from a better QB that could probably expand his offense. I'm really curious to see if the Browns feel obligated to keep Mayfield or make some kind of change next year? I'm pretty sure Mayfield is on a contract year and as much as he impressed early in his career, he hasn't taken that next step. IMO, he's holding back a really strong team.
You make fair points and I don't really know what I'd be willing to pay Mayfield. I do like him. But you're right, and there may be some fireworks with them trying to sign him because maybe they're thinking the same thing.
Also though I'm not too sure about Stefanski. And I don't look deep enough at that team to really have a good opinion tbh.
I'm not super up on his history either. His coaching experience is pretty limited and his mentors (Brad Childress) don't seem all that impressive. So far, he just seems to be one of those young coaches who gets it. 15-8 and a playoff win so far...for the Browns, is pretty impressive.
I basically like Mayfield. I think he is over hyped but I like his attitude. His production has just been too streaky and seemingly lacking. I'm critical of him at this point because he's had such a strong running game and defense to fall back on and he doesn't seem to compliment them as much as strain them. He's gutsy and I like that he didn't shy away from going to Cleveland but he needs to take that next step. I assume that Cleveland will stick with him unless his contract demands are outrageous.
But, even guys like Tannehill come back down to Earth even when they have a ton of advantages going their way. I don't watch a ton of Browns games but tonight seemed to illustrate to me that they just need a guy to, first and foremost, take what the defenses give. Don't turn the ball over. But Baker seems to try to do too much and winds up not even taking the positive plays sometimes.
