Breakout candidate for each NFL AFC North team in 2020
By JD Bagley
Browns: QB Baker Mayfield
Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Baker Mayfield enters 2020 with his future as their franchise quarterback on the line. After breaking the rookie passing touchdown record in 2018, Baker took a step back in 2019, throwing 22 touchdowns to 21 interceptions, leading Cleveland to a measly 6-10 record after many pegged them as a breakout team.
While Mayfield did not play well last year, he was not the only one to receive blame, as the coaching staff and offensive line were both subpar. The Browns have since been upgraded both of these areas around Mayfield, in hopes of giving Baker everything he needs to succeed.
Not only did the Browns part with one-and-done head coach Freddie Kitchens, but they spent big money on right tackle Jack Conklin, and drafted left tackle Jedrick Wills with the tenth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
It seems like a positive presence around him from the coaching staff could make a world of difference after the two biggest voices in his ear a year ago were Kitchens and former quarterbcak Ryan Lindley. Here is what Mayfield’s new mentor and coach had to say:
"“We’ve outlined some things we’re going to help him with schematically and maybe technique-wise, but it’s never a one-man show. Baker knows that and our team knows that. I think these guys are putting in the work to make sure we’re ready to hit the ground running when we get together” (Stefanski via CBS Sports)"
There are no more excuses for Mayfield as he enters a year in which the Browns will decide whether or not to pick up his fifth year option. The new offensive system brought in by new head coach Kevin Stefanski should benefit Mayfield by taking pressure off of him and putting more focus on the run game with two dynamic backs in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.