DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Mayfield Officially Named Starter

My jaw literally - not figuratively, literally dropped when watching this in real time. It took like 3 full seconds for my brain to grasp what it had just seen.

This was five seconds of my brain - in slow motion.

"Wait, what? That was a laser, we don't throw lasers, what is going on?
Wow he almost went up and snagged it, wait, I think he did snag it... no way... we don't do that. Wow, it looks like he came down with it!" I'm sure the ball came loose when he hit the ground... Whoahhh, they're calling it a catch! And look at that swagger! Am I dreaming??
Oh, I get it! There has to be a flag! Where's the flag... where's the flag..."

Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield has been named NFL Rookie of the Week.

For this upcoming week?

well deserved

Bake looked damn good last week.
Teams has to play better early, gotta start fast.

Everything happened much, much faster once Baker hit the field. I just can't see us slogging along with Baker under Center. I am sure that the Raiders will throw everything they can at him, but I am also sure that the Browns will have some new twists in store for the Raiders.

Let's not forget that Baker pretty much ran the Tyrod offense. Baker never practiced with the ones. He had no plays that he could fall back on, that he was extremely comfortable with.

I am extremely interested to see him go against the Raiders. That is a tough place to play on the road. It will tell us a lot if he is able to play really well there, as well.

We are three weeks into the season and we have had two different players earn Rookie of the Week.

Genard Avery ... Come on down!!
You're the next contestant on 'Yup, that Player is Rookie'!

Callaway will be soon ... ...

And if u want to venture to the far reaches of the Isle ...

Chubb will get there ... I said the FAR REACHES of the Isle .... *L* ....

13 questions for Baker Mayfield, whose 1st NFL start awaits in Oakland

Baker Mayfield prepared and prepared for a moment he knew would eventually arrive. The rookie quarterback thrived in the situation – a hectic, pressure-packed one, at that – because of it.

Ten days removed from his memorable debut against the Jets, Mayfield will be even more prepared when he makes his first NFL start Sunday in Oakland. His first full week of practice with the first-team offense is in the books, and Mayfield considered every last pass he threw to be invaluable in his pursuit to turn around the Browns franchise.

ClevelandBrowns.com caught up with Mayfield after Friday’s walk-through to gauge where he’s at heading into a moment he’s dreamt of for years and years.

CB.com: You’ve had a little bit of a longer week to prepare for your first NFL start. What have you done to maximize it?

Mayfield: Same routine for me other than when we come out to practice, I’m actually getting the reps. I’m not handling it any different. Same focus, same intensity, it’s just now I’m actually getting reps with the guys. It feels good to get out there and play.

CB.com: How valuable are those reps?

Mayfield: Unbelievable. I don’t think you can put any words to describe how truly valuable it is to get the timing down and the chemistry down. Also, just the talk in the huddle is the thing that goes beyond the scheme. It really matters. You’ve got to have your team together, you’ve got to believe in each other and you’ve got to trust each other. That’s the valuable stuff right there.

CB.com: When you look back at the win last week, what about it made you feel so comfortable stepping into that situation?

Mayfield: It’s just routine, getting into your routine, treating it the same every week no matter if you’re playing or not. Just knowing the game plan. It’s why I was comfortable with it. We’ve gone over our offense from OTAs to training camp, so I was prepared for it and now we’re building and moving forward.


CB.com: How does your experience in big games in college help you now that you’re being asked to thrive in big moments in the NFL?

Mayfield: It definitely helps out. I definitely had to grow and learn in those times where we traveled on the road on the big stage and hostile environments. It definitely helps. When I went in Thursday, I just felt comfortable to go out there and do my job and do it at the highest level possible.

CB.com: What did you hear from your family and friends after your first time playing with the Browns?

Mayfield: They were unbelievably happy for me. They knew exactly how I was feeling throughout the whole process. Human nature for me is I want to play, but at the same time, I want to help the team win. They were happy for me but then also just feeling the excitement for this franchise and organization that we deserved that win, and it’s only the start. They’re excited for what’s to come, not just happy for one win.

CB.com: When you’re out there playing, is that when your moxie comes out? Is it from the action you’re experiencing?


Mayfield: A little bit of that. It’s obviously more intense on game days when you’re playing. I like to pride myself on the fact I’m the same person every day. You’re gonna get that every day and those guys can count on that. When it comes to game days, it’s more intense and they know they can trust me. I want them to know that and I’m passionate about the game.

CB.com: What kind of potential do you see from this offense after three weeks?

Mayfield: We’ve shown potential throughout the whole season, not just last week. The way we finished the last two drives in New Orleans, we’ve shown streaks and little spurts of our potential and how explosive we can be if we just do our jobs. I’m excited now. We’ve got three weeks under our belt and we just got to keep getting better every week.

CB.com: How much did your chemistry with guys like Antonio Callaway and Rashard Higgins help when you were summoned to play, and how easy does a receiver like Jarvis Landry make your transition even though you haven’t thrown to him as much?


Mayfield: I think training camp with those other guys definitely paid off. Every rep paid off with getting the timing down and trusting them to know what they’re doing. I was able to communicate exactly what we want. Jarvis is just a baller, man. I know exactly what he’s going to do. There’s something about it; he just plays the game. We have our schemes and a lot of times plays don’t go the way you want them to. You’ve got to play ball at that point and he’s one of those guys that knows how to do that.

CB.com: Growing up, what did you think of when you thought of the Oakland Raiders?

Mayfield: Nasty defense. You hear about the Black Hole. There’s a lot of stories I’ve heard throughout the week. The big, bad Oakland Raiders, you talk about their reputation. All of it encompasses that.

CB.com: What have you seen on film of their defense?

Mayfield: A veteran group. A lot of guys that have a lot of experience and know what they’re doing. I’ve seen that so I’m expecting them to try to trick me and do a couple of different things they haven’t shown on film and rely on experience. I’m looking forward to this matchup.


CB.com: What do you like most about playing on the road?

Mayfield: The fact that it’s just us, just our team with our backs against the wall. You’ve got to love going to a place like Oakland where they’re screaming at you and throwing stuff. It’s a mentality of ‘it’s just us.’ We’re all we have and it’s us against the world. That’s what I love about it.

CB.com: Do you feed off the negative energy from road crowds?

Mayfield: It’s always fun to play in front of a crowd like that, but I wouldn’t necessarily say I feed off it. I think you see exactly what type of men you have on your team. You see what true character a guy has when his back’s against the wall and being tested. I love it and I love to see it about myself and am looking forward to that kind of environment Sunday.

CB.com: You weren’t here the last couple of years, but did you sense the overall relief getting a win meant for the franchise?


Mayfield: I definitely felt the energy and the relief. At the same time, I’m not focused on that. I want everyone to know here we’re trying to change the culture. We’re not happy just about one win. We’re stacking wins. We want to focus on that. It’s one week at a time. You win one, you’re on to the next. That’s the mindset we have to have and that’s the mindset I have.

https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/13-...medium=referral

thanks grateful .. love how he answers questons hoenstly

Poor Harrison. No matter how well he plays, he'll never be up for Rookie of the Week. Playing well means nobody notices him.

Avery is PFF's highest graded rookie edge rusher with a grade of 80.3, ahead of Marcus Davenport (Saints, 14th overall pick) with a grade of just 72.7. Bradley Chubb grades out at 67.6.

Desmond Harrison is the second highest graded pass blocker with a score of 73.8, behind Quinton Nelson (Colts, 6th overall pick) at 74.9. The only thing holding Harrison back from a great score is his run blocking, but over the first three weeks that has improved rapidly 46.7, 61.1 and 68.9.

Of course, it was only one game, but Baker Mayfield had PFF's highest graded rookie debut. 84.3. As it's only one game, it doesn't count, but he's the second highest graded rookie in the NFL. As it doesn't count for Mayfield, it does count for...

Denzel Ward. He's currently the 6th highest rated cornerback in the entire NFL with a score of 81.9. He's the top rated rookie CB and the second highest graded rookie overall.

Speaking of insane grades, Chubb hasn't had enough snaps to count, but on his limited snaps he's at 81.3.

Mayfield, Ward, Chubb and Avery all have fantastic PFF grades. Harrison is steadily rising, and could find himself in the top 5 rookies if the trend continues as he's only 7 points outside the top 5.

While his score isn't at flattering (63.4, 51# overall WR in the NFL), we've certainly seen a flash of Antonio Callaway.

As it stands, John Dorsey and the Cleveland Browns won the NFL draft. Again, it's limited, but the grades indicate high level additions at... QB, RB, CB and DE.

Pretty incredible. Any of these guys could find themselves on rookie of the week watch.

Exciting times.

think about the prospect of having Ward, Avery, and Garrett all together for a decade

I'll happily miss it. I mean... seriously, who cares?

I can say whole heartedly that I'm looking forward to seeing Baker's first start. Full week in practice as #1. Fully knowing his number is called. Fully prepared (hopefully.)

I can also say that I think he's going to shine. I really do.

Two of the things I least care about in the entire world: Trump Tweets, and Johnny 8-Ball's opinion on anything.

Plus, Manziel's letter didn't even say anything

Did Vegas have odds on this. Overjoyed to see it, but amazed as all hello to see it. Glad for him! Voted for him.

Let's go win it about six or eight more times

Worst judgment ever. Not a shred of interest in this loser or in his opinions on anything. He should take some lessons. A virulent pox on the idiot who felt this was a viable idea that the public wanted. Sack him. Can't even do well in Canadia. Still whining.

JFF learned from any of his mistakes. No proof of it. Go tell your mama she wants you.

The Harrison grade out is remarkable! Those run numbers are a wow! He learns and does it in games. Very macho impressed!

Let's get more of these rookie awards. I think Avery might.

I live here in Big 12 country seen every single snap Baker has ever played in college and many many Manziel snaps. There is no comparison. Baker is a Field General and more importantly a team player. Maziel was nothing more than a side show a one trick pony that played for himself only. When it comes done to it. Its not about their talent that makes them who they are. Its the upbringing that has made them them the player they are. One's parents made him earn everything the other's parents gave him everything. Maniziel went to a college program that was down in the dumps. He was the shining star and on the field he was 90% of the offense. The big celebrity...yes their savior and they never let him forget it and he bought into that lifestyle and embraced it. Mayfield was just one in a long line of great quarterbacks in a successful program surrounded with talent every bit as good as he was and he had to earn his way into it. Yes they have some things in common, Heisman and being #1 pick to Cleveland but that is where the similarity ends.

Is Mayfield the next savior of the town Lebron built? Will he even win his first start? Is he the QB that We Browns fans have prayed for? I hope the answer is yes to all of those. But Im willing to wait and see if this young man can continue to prove himself as he has the past years. Im not giving him anything and I hope he can handle all this media attention and fan adoration better than Johnny Football did.

In Barry Switzer's words now "lets go out and hang haf' a hunerd' on 'em!"

And now Baker is 0-1 as a starter...whoopee!

I suppose he is.

I would hardly say it was because of him, though.

Had a hand in it. Those fumbles were a factor. Not all on him, but he was part of it.

https://twitter.com/NFLMatchup/status/1047172365262774272

This is a really good sign for a rookie QB. Also, what I’m the world got into Andy Dalton?

I agree with both points

John Ross .... Tyler Boyd ... and Eifert healthy til now ..

Ross is a speedster and Boyd is a dang good WR ... he took a HUGE JUMP this year ...

They gots some weapons ... losing eifert’s gonna hurt some ...

Plus, I always think Benard is an underrated player. He's very shifty and his skillset can hurt us

Ross hasn't really done much this season. He only has 79 yards. He's also not playing many snaps. Is it possible Dalton just got good on his own?

It's September Andy Dalton. December Andy Dalton is right around the corner.

Ross opens things up .. they have to respect his speed ...

Boyd is REAL GOOD ...

I’m sticking with its the improved weapons .. *L* ..

Baker Mayfield Showing Decision-Making Skills on the Field Well Beyond His Years

https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/10/03/baker-mayfield-browns-joe-thomas-andrew-hawkins


By JOE THOMAS AND ANDREW HAWKINS October 03, 2018

Former Browns teammates Joe Thomas and Andrew Hawkins will be teaming up this year to provide analysis on the NFL season from the perspective of two former players. In this week’s ThomaHawk Thoughts, they share their opinions on Browns rookie QB Baker Mayfield.

Joe Thomas: I’ve always believed that it’s best for a rookie quarterback to sit and learn behind a veteran for a season, allowing him to take lumps with his helmet under his arm, not on his head. I played with eight rookie quarterbacks during my career (Brady Quinn, Colt McCoy, Brandon Weeden, Johnny Manziel, Connor Shaw, Cody Kessler, Deshone Kizer, Kevin Hogan), and many of them stumbled in their first year because they were thrown in before they were ready. Not only did it cause an erosion of their own confidence but it also caused an erosion of confidence between the owner, the coach and quarterback—and that creates a less-than-ideal environment for a rookie quarterback to develop.

I’ve seen this play out many times. A franchise with a history of losing, like the Browns, often only gives a new quarterback a very short window to prove that he can turn things around. It’s not fair to expect a quarterback to save the franchise in a year or two, and when he doesn’t, fire the coach—it’s a difficult cycle to watch.

That being said, Browns QB Baker Mayfield may be changing my opinion. He’s played well so far this season since entering Cleveland’s Week 3 game against the Jets, and he hasn’t fallen into any of the traps that I see so many rookie quarterbacks fall into with turnovers, penalties and taking sacks. If I had to point to one thing that sets him apart from past Browns rookies, it would be his confidence—confidence not only in himself, but in his decision-making. I think his decisiveness is something that is extremely rare for a rookie quarterback.



Andrew Hawkins: Before the start of the season, Joe and I agreed that we thought it would be best for Tyrod Taylor to start for the Browns, allowing Baker to learn and watch. We’ve seen Cleveland eat up and spit out quarterbacks. It is a tough place to play, especially for this fanbase who is longing for that guy.

The Browns have had 29—now 30 with Baker—starting quarterbacks since 1999, but when you watch Baker you can just tell, this guy is different. He executes differently, and I think most Cleveland fans can tell that Baker is wired a little bit differently. I think the Browns’ 30th quarterback is going to be the charm.

This isn’t the best metric to use, but anyone can see how much winning means to him. Elite equarterbacks want to win more than anybody else—they care about what the defense is doing, they make sure guys are primed to play their best, whatever it takes to put the team in the best opportunity to get a W. You can just tell Baker’s mind is fixated on winning. When you have a player with that attribute, you feel like you have a chance, and that's what makes Baker special.

The Browns’ other quarterbacks, when compared to Baker, often seemed to be overwhelmed by the moment—teammates could tell that their focus was elsewhere, whether that was trying to get the offense down, making sure they called the play call in the huddle properly, avoiding interceptions, hoping to not be booed out of town... Baker knows that he’s going to make the right decision. When he’s on the field, it’s clear Baker is ahead of the curve—it doesn’t seem like you’re watching a rookie playing in only his second NFL game.


Thomas: Baker exceeded my expectations for his first start. That two-day road trip to the West Coast can be challenging and add additional distractions that a geographically closer road game wouldn’t. And playing at Oakland in an old baseball stadium can hinder your play if you let it, but I didn’t see either of those things affect him at all. He was the same player we saw on Thursday night against the Jets. He threw the ball decisively, and on target. His receivers had a number of drops, or his numbers would have been significantly better. It seemed like he commanded the offense better on the road. A lot of times with rookies, you will see a lot of penalties in that environment. You didn’t see that, and all of that is a credit to him and his preparation.

Based on the offensive output against Oakland, this team is going to score a lot of points, which is thrilling for Browns fans. Baker looks like an All-Pro QB. He is decisively throwing the ball to a number of different receivers, and he is taking those calculated risks because he understands the concepts the offense is running and what the defense is doing to him, and so he is able to on the move calculate the chance of success of any move that he makes.

Hawkins: Baker has the physical tools needed to succeed in the NFL. The throw where he overshot rookie receiver Antonio Callaway early in the game could have been a touchdown if he had taken a yard off that ball, but being able to see that and fire that ball out there with that kind of arm strength, it’s special. Baker had two interceptions in the game, but that’s not a concern—I always say I want my rookie quarterback to throw a healthy amount of picks. You want a guy who is going to figure out when to take those calculated risks, and we’re seeing that with Baker.

Although the is playing well, he is still adjusting to the speed of the NFL. If you look at the last two games, there are two plays that have stood out in a negative way. He fumbled late in the game vs. the Jets, a ball security issue. And then in the red zone as well, he threw a pass that fell off the shoulder pads of a defender and probably should have been picked. In this last game, it was two similar situations. Late in the game, he fumbled snap and then took a chance on throwing into triple coverage to Callaway. He’ll understand as time goes when not to take those risks, specifically in the red zone, or late in the game when you still have an opportunity to win.



Thomas: Callaway could have given him a better chance on that ball.

Hawkins: I would have felt better about that last pass into triple coverage if it was Jarvis Landry, a guy who you can feel really good about saying, okay, if he doesn’t catch it, he is going to do whatever he has to do to break this football up and make sure it is not an interception. But as a rookie, Callaway is also still learning, and he might not understand that quite yet.

Thomas: His other interception was a tipped ball, and really, it was impressive for a rookie to go into an environment like that and play nearly turnover free, from an interception standpoint. A gunslinger like him could throw three or four interceptions easy, especially as the game wears on, but you didn’t see that from him. The one area that you could see room for improvement was that fumbled exchange between him and the center, but that’s not out of the ordinary for a QB starting on the road in a loud environment. Also, he didn’t play under center at Oklahoma and obviously didn’t play with the silent count, which can be a little tricky getting used to. Specifically, it looked like he had given the trigger to start that silent cadence and once he started it, he didn’t realize that once the center starts his head bob, there is no way to stop it. That was a good learning experience for him.

Hawkins: I want to see him get better at situational football as the season goes on. I want to be sure that when he gets to the red zone he is not throwing that pass off the safety’s shoulder pads. I want to make sure he is not taking that chance late in the game in triple coverage and instead decides it’s better to throw it away and give my team another chance.

Baker’s done better than most of the rookies we've seen in Cleveland, but I still want to see him get better from week to week. He was more in command in last week’s loss to the Raiders than he was against the Jets. If he can continue that trend and continue that trajectory, I feel like everyone can feel good about where he'll land at the end of the season and his career going forward.

Thomas: I want to see if he continues to make all the players around him better. That's what I saw in that Oakland game. You were seeing guys like Darren Fells, who is not your first tight end on the depth chart, and he scored. Baker is making everybody around him on that team better and that's a hallmark of a great quarterback.

Joe Thomas and Andrew Hawkins have their own football podcast, The ThomaHawk Show. Episodes post Mondays and Thursdays on Apple Podcasts or wherever podcasts are available.