For years, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been a team that has flown under the radar in the NFL. Despite consistently performing well and ruling the NFC South, they have often been overlooked as a true contender. However, under the guidance of head coach Todd Bowles, the Buccaneers have continued to prove their doubters wrong, even after the departure of legendary quarterback Tom Brady. And now, according to analyst Bucky Brooks, another team and quarterback could be ready to make a similar statement this season – the Cleveland Browns and Baker Mayfield.
In a recent interview, Brooks made a bold prediction about Mayfield, stating that the young quarterback could be a legitimate MVP candidate this season. While some may scoff at this statement, there are certainly reasons to believe that Mayfield could have a breakout year and lead the Browns to new heights.
First and foremost, Mayfield has shown significant improvement and growth since his rookie season. In his first year in the league, he threw for 3,725 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. While these numbers were impressive for a rookie, they were not enough to lead the Browns to a winning record. However, in his third season, Mayfield threw for 3,563 yards, 26 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions, leading the Browns to their first playoff appearance in nearly two decades.
But it’s not just about the numbers with Mayfield. He has also shown tremendous leadership and grit on the field, rallying his team and leading them to crucial victories. In the Browns’ playoff win against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, Mayfield threw for 263 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Additionally, Mayfield will have a strong supporting cast around him this season. The Browns have one of the most talented rosters in the league, with star players like Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Odell Beckham Jr., and Jarvis Landry. With a solid offensive line and a strong running game, Mayfield will have the weapons he needs to put up big numbers and lead his team to success.
But it’s not just about the offense for the Browns. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Joe Woods, the Browns’ defense has also improved significantly. In 2020, they ranked ninth in the league in total defense, a major improvement from their 22nd ranking in 2019. With a strong defense to back him up, Mayfield will have the opportunity to make big plays and lead his team to victories.
Of course, there will be stiff competition for the MVP title this season. Players like Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Josh Allen are all strong contenders for the award. However, Mayfield has shown that he has what it takes to compete with the best of the best, and with the right circumstances, he could very well come out on top.
In the end, it’s not just about individual statistics or awards for Mayfield. He is a team player who is focused on leading the Browns to success and bringing a championship to Cleveland. And with the way he has been playing and the support he has from his coaches and teammates, there’s no reason to doubt that he could have an MVP-worthy season.
In conclusion, while some may be surprised by Bucky Brooks’ bold prediction about Baker Mayfield, there are certainly reasons to believe that it could come true. The young quarterback has shown significant growth and leadership, and with a strong supporting cast and improved defense, he could very well lead the Browns to new heights. Whether or not he ends up winning the MVP award, one thing is for sure – Mayfield and the Browns are a team to watch out for this season.
