In his post-practice press conference on Tuesday, Cleveland Browns coach Freddie Kitchens was asked if he has any worries about Baker Mayfield’s underwhelming performance in the preseason loss to the Buccaneers.
Mayfield completed just 10 of his 26 passes in Tampa Bay, missing several throws high and failing to lead the team to a touchdown in the first half. He did not play in the second preseason game and saw action in only the first drive of the opener. But Kitchens is not at all concerned about Mayfield’s progress into the quarterback’s second season.
“I have total confidence that (Baker) is going to be okay,” Kitchens said dismissively when asked if he is making a “leap of faith” in not playing Mayfield much in the preseason.
“Baker is substantially better at reading coverages, deciphering blitzes, fixing the protections, recognizing the blitzes,” Kitchens said of Mayfield’s progress from his record-setting rookie campaign. “I think he’s better in a lot of areas”.
Kitchens also gave a lengthy answer on Mayfield’s innate ability to escape pressure, clearly impressed with his young quarterback.
