With Todd Haley as the Browns’ offensive coordinator for Baker Mayfield’s first six starts of his career, Mayfield was… OK. But that changed with a midseason shakeup that saw Freddie Kitchens take over the role. With Kitchens as offensive coordinator, Mayfield looked like a completely different player.
He completed 10 percent more of his passes, he threw for 35 more yards per game, and averaged a touchdown more per game, while his INT per game average remained the same.
We’ve seen in the NFL that good coaches can give their quarterback a developmental boost. Look at Sean McVay and Jared Goff. But we’ve also seen quarterbacks fizzle after their rookie season, or coaches succeed in a small sample size situation and going on to fail. So I wonder, can Freddie Kitchens and Baker Mayfield continue this hot streak – and, in turn, will Freddie Kitchens be considered one of the most brilliant offensive minds in the NFL?
The Browns offense looks poised to do special things in 2019. Add in the fact that they acquired Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason, and they’ll certainly be fun to watch all year long.
