I'm not sure what it is you're seeing. Yes, against second and third stringers in preseason he looks pretty good. But then that's why fans all across the league call for their backup if they have an average starter that struggles. Because they "looked good in the preseason". He only had one start and that wasn't a fair test considering he had very little time in the league and didn't know he was starting until right before the game. And I get that. But when you throw 4int's you aren't reading the defense.
Speaking for myself, it's not about preseason at all. And he only threw 3 ints against Baltimore last year where all of the following were true -
1. Was a rookie.
2. Did not get starter reps all week at practice.
3. Found out he was starting right before game time.
4. Facing one of the best defenses in the league.
In my opinion, the Baltimore game carries very little weight. When he knew he was starting against Pitt, he played ok, but he did lead a game winning drive against one of the best defenses in the league, while making not only big time throws but big time reads (you have to know where to go with the ball or the whole QB thing comes crumbling down). For a rookie against that defense in a rivalry game, that was impressive. And I am surprised it seems to get swept under the rug amongst Browns fans. It goes back to "well, he's a fifth rounder, it's not possible he can be good". Look at the list of backup QBs in the league. It is pretty underwhelming and is littered with FAILED first round picks. I would take DTR over nearly all of them.
Skill set wise, he has everything you want as a starter ... plus level arm, above average athleticism, hard worker, smart. Nearly five year starter for a big time school. He's bright, that you can tell from preseason and from the Pitt game. IMO, he's a prime candidate for a guy you want to develop and get experience. He's slight, and that's a negative. That was one of Baker's best attributes. Stocky, could absorb punishment, and would be available. I think DTR would have to add a little weight. But his big thing is he needs reps and experience. Probably won't happen in Cleveland, unfortunately.
