Freddie Kitchens: vaguely employed

[Urban]

We all agree Baker is playing like shit, but this is after he absolutely destroyed teams last year.

First and foremost, I'm still a staunch believer in Mayfield going forward

But I think this is really hyperbolic to say we destroyed teams

Look at the teams that we beat last year in the 2nd half of the season: The Bengals, twice, with the worst defense in football and their backup QB. The Panthers towards the end of their 7 game, spiraling, losing streak. The Falcons, where Mayfield was good but Chubb was fantastic. The Broncos, wHere the offense somewhat stalled after their opening drive. The Browns lost the games vs. good teams- as expected, they were young and outmatched- and Baker had his struggles in those games.

I think those games along with having a good QB play for the first time ever clouded people's judgement that this is still a young team that needs work. And then factor in a rookie HC...

 

[Jordan]

Why not bring in an early-mid round QB?

1. You're protecting yourself if, in fact, Baker continues to suck as bad as he has, and we inevitably run out of excuses.

2. If he's great, then you've upgraded from Garrett Gilbert and protected yourself in case Baker, who gets regularly crushed by a terrible offensive line if he holds onto the ball, gets hurt.

3. Long-term, if Baker establishes himself, then you have a young backup QB in an elite offense which usually turns into future draft capital anyway.



Where is the downside? Baker's psyche? Not buying it.

Ahh, got it. I thought you meant a first/second round QB. My bad.

I think drafting a QB is a possibility regardless of how Baker ends this season, mainly because of reason #2. If Baker continues to look like this, drafting a fourth/fifth round guy like Minshew or Grier this past year - someone that has a very tangible skillset even if they are raw, unathletic, short, etc. - makes a lot of sense. Hell, even if Baker plays great from here out, Browns make the playoffs, I do not think that is the worst idea. You can trade the young guy after a few years for value, especially if he ends up getting game-time and looks good.

 

[chrisrich91]

I'm sorry, but this is just excuse making for a level of play that has been unacceptable for a QB.

Get rid of the ball, stop being gun shy and NOT throwing it as we've seen on tape. If you're that skiddish about the offensive line plan, then he wouldn't be so hesitant to let it fly as often as we've seen.

It's just a terrible excuse that would signify, if nothing else, a mentally fragile QB who has been completely unable to adjust his game to the point that elevates his play to an acceptable level.

Why do you assume I'm making excuses for him? I'm just trying to provide a reason for why he's playing like trash. I'm in no way absolving him of his shitty play..

It's simple problem solving. If you have a problem, you need to identify the root cause of the problem, and then address said root cause. The root cause for Baker playing like poop in my opinion is clearly his lack of faith in the offensive line and the capacity that concern is taking in his brain when he should be processing.

Now fix it. It's up to Baker to fix it in the short term. It's up to the organization to fix it in the long term.

Are you suggesting that all we should do in this thread is point out that Baker is playing like steamy turds instead of trying to pinpoint the reasons for him doing so?

I'm not exactly sure what your issue is with my post.

 

[Binkster]

Shake your dicks, gentlemen. This pissing contest is over.

 

[JDailey23]

I'm sorry if a logical, reasonable argument using recent history and video is so offensive to people just because they're also Browns fans.

Stop being so emotional over a sports take.

That would be my advice to you, in this particular situation.

You're a big boy, you can take it.


When and if Mayfield plays well, like he did in Week 4, I promise I'll say lots of nice things.

Again, it isn't bothering my Colin, I'm good, I was just trying to tell you what the other people on here who keep responding to you. Its all good bud. Im dropping from the conversation now.

FYI, we're gonna beat Seattle Sunday, the D is gonna dominate and Chubb will go for 120+ and 2tds and we win it in the 4th.

 

[AZ_]

Why do you assume I'm making excuses for him? I'm just trying to provide a reason for why he's playing like trash. I'm in no way absolving him of his shitty play..

It's simple problem solving. If you have a problem, you need to identify the root cause of the problem, and then address said root cause. The root cause for Baker playing like poop is clearly his lack of faith in the offensive line.

Now fix it. It's up to Baker to fix it in the short term. It's up to the organization to fix it in the long term.

Are you suggesting that all we should do in this thread is point out that Baker is playing like steamy turds instead of trying to pinpoint the reasons for him doing so?

I'm not exactly sure what your issue is with my post.

We do not know that the root cause is the OL. Its not clear, and that is evident because of his hesitancy to throw early within the offense.

This is, in itself, a deflection of blame for play onto someone who isn't Mayfield.

The blame for Mayfield's play lies with Mayfield. We don't know what it is, its certainly not clear, but we all agree that we want it fixed.

 

[chrisrich91]

We do not know that the root cause is the OL. Its not clear, and that is evident because of his hesitancy to throw early within the offense.

This is, in itself, a deflection of blame for play onto someone who isn't Mayfield.

The blame for Mayfield's play lies with Mayfield. We don't know what it is, its certainly not clear, but we all agree that we want it fixed.

I changed it to add that it's my opinion but it must have been after you clicked to quote it. In my opinion the offensive line is mucking up his approach. I understand your point that the poor protection should make him want to get rid of the ball quicker, not hold it longer...but I do not see it linearly like that. I more so think he's processing slower because he has other things on his mind.

I see what you're saying and I do NOT mean to deflect blame from Baker. Plenty of other QBs deal with poor o-lines. Some poorer than ours. He needs to man up and deal with it.

I'm just taking a shot at trying to explain his regression like everyone else. No absolution or deflection.

 

[BlessEm]

Why not bring in an early-mid round QB?

1. You're protecting yourself if, in fact, Baker continues to suck as bad as he has, and we inevitably run out of excuses.

2. If he's great, then you've upgraded from Garrett Gilbert and protected yourself in case Baker, who gets regularly crushed by a terrible offensive line if he holds onto the ball, gets hurt.

3. Long-term, if Baker establishes himself, then you have a young backup QB in an elite offense which usually turns into future draft capital anyway.



Where is the downside? Baker's psyche? Not buying it.

What a terrible take. "you dont see teams like Patriots doing this!"....


Patriots have drafted 10 qbs since Tom Brady...

including a 2nd rd pick on Garoppolo, 3rd rd picks on Ryan Mallett, Jacoby Brissett, Kevin O'Connell. etc.

Its just the smart thing to do, regardless of your current QB.

 

[Soda]

Going into the 6th game in Year 2 for the #1 pick a year prior, we're discussing moving on??

 

[Triplethreat]

What a terrible take. "you dont see teams like Patriots doing this!"....


Patriots have drafted 10 qbs since Tom Brady...

including a 2nd rd pick on Garoppolo, 3rd rd picks on Ryan Mallett, Jacoby Brissett, Kevin O'Connell. etc.

Its just the smart thing to do, regardless of your current QB.

I’d rather work on the OL

 

[Bob_The_Cat]

Going into the 6th game in Year 2 for the #1 pick a year prior, we're discussing moving on??

I know, right? This has to be about the longest we've made it as a fan base.

 

[BlessEm]

Going into the 6th game in Year 2 for the #1 pick a year prior, we're discussing moving on??

I dont think anyone is saying move on, it was in response to if he continues this trend the whole season and into 40-50 games. Was just making the point even no matter your Qb, it's so important that even the best teams with the best QBs still take early mid fliers on qbs.

 

[Juice is Loose]

Remember when we were arguing about Kizer? Great times only 2 years ago. We’ve come along way since then. Let’s pump the brakes on “moving on” already.

 

[AZ_]

Going into the 6th game in Year 2 for the #1 pick a year prior, we're discussing moving on??

We’re discussing the possibility of the current trend continuing and what would need to be done.

People who have largely been desperate to make excuses have been misconstruing that to say that people want to give up on him now.

Why? Well, I don’t really know...

 

[Kbiz]

Baker can make all the throws and looks the best of any QB that has been in a Browns uniform in decades. He just needs to get better. Pump the brakes in here. Sheesh.