Cleveland Browns: The Baker Mayfield vs. Tyrod Taylor equation

Since selecting Baker Mayfield first overall, the guessing game has begun for Cleveland Browns fans. Is there a quarterback controversy?

According to the actual definition, yes the Cleveland Browns most certainly have a quarterback controversy between Tyrod Taylor and Baker Mayfield.

The implied meaning of the term “controversy” however, does not quite fit the current situation.

Definition of controversy (via merriam-webster.com):

• a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views : dispute

When I hear the word controversy, I think argument, or a problem in need of a resolution. I prefer to phrase it as an equation. There are a variety of possible outcomes that strongly depend on a multitude of factors. There is no problem to solve, or solid arguments on either side thus far. The fact is that no quarterback currently on the roster has proven themselves — in Cleveland at least. Until they have, we must wait for said factors to steer us to a specific outcome.

With that said, Taylor has indeed proven his worth in Buffalo and we have a solid understanding of his abilities. He is a solid starting option. Many times, however, a quarterback may play well in one system, only to fail miserably in another, such as Brock Osweiler, for example. I will not go as far as comparing Taylor to Osweiler. I will not claim that Taylor will fail, miserably or otherwise, but there is no guarantee that Taylor will thrive, nonetheless.

Two questions should be considered:

1. Who is the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns?
2. Why are they the starter?

The starting quarterback is currently Tyrod Taylor. Hue Jackson has said it, said it again, and followed that by confirming his statements. Labelling Taylor as the starter makes perfect sense, for now, for several reasons.

With Taylor pencilled in at the top spot, Baker Mayfield can take the time necessary to learn the entirety of the system and adjust to the faster game-speed of the NFL. Taylor also has experience as a proven starter. He is a capable, plug-in-and-play, quarterback that can step in and secure the position. After a clean-sweep in the quarterback room, re-establishing stability is crucial. If your boat has a hole in it, find a capable plug and fix the problem. Once you have stability, efforts can then be focused on upgrades and improvements.

The issue now turns to timing, which is where our controversy equation takes shape. How long should Baker Mayfield be kept on the sideline?

Taylor will likely start Week 1, but that doesn’t mean he should, or that he will maintain the role if he does. When Mayfield proves to the coaching staff that he is up to speed he should get a legitimate shot, regardless of when.

There certainly is a benefit to allowing patience, but forcing it could prove detrimental. Taylor is under contract for 2018, but beyond that the future is Mayfield’s to lose. If Mayfield is denied an opportunity for live-action opportunities, we will find ourselves with an unproven quarterback as our top option in 2019.

I am a firm believer that Mayfield will prove worthy of the top pick, and Taylor could certainly sign for a longer duration. But it makes more sense to keep Taylor as the starter, only until Mayfield is ready to go. I add the caveat that Mayfield must be thoroughly ready, in every aspect.

I do expect, and advise, the coaching staff to prolong the grooming process as long as possible, forcing Mayfield to be excellent at crawling before being permitted to walk. He may be forced to master each challenge he faces before progressing to the next one.

Whatever plan the Cleveland Browns have in place is certainly not etched into stone. They must provide options for any number of scenarios. It must be decided that our theoretical boat needs an upgrade and it must be seen as an improvement before we pull our plug and make the change.

Following the secrecy leading up to the NFL Draft, I feel confident that they will not be tipping their hand publicly. In order to maintain stability, there should be absolutely no mention of a change until the time comes to make one. An issue like we saw last year with the whack-a-mole starting quarterback should not be a possibility under any circumstances.

We must also consider the players. Practice after practice, these guys get a first-hand view of both quarterbacks. Privately, each will gather their own impressions and form their own opinions. If they see Mayfield playing better than Taylor in practice, yet Taylor holds the starting job, it is only a matter of time until resentment grows across the locker-room like a cancer.

A best-case scenario is one where Mayfield progresses quickly and Taylor plays extremely well. The decisions then get tougher, and our equation extended, but two solid options is a vast improvement over the struggles a year ago.

In such a best-case scenario, efforts should be made to get Mayfield live-game reps whenever possible, while assuring Taylor that he is still secure as a starter. That, of course, is a tightrope of controversy talk in its own right.

A worst-case scenario is one where injury or inadequate play forces Mayfield into action before he is ready, thus causing errors and issues that could have a long-standing effect on his confidence. I believe we saw that with Deshone Kizer as the season progressed last year.

Mayfield’s confidence appears to be a non-issue and players can do just fine learning on the fly. In order to insure his confidence and force a slow progression however, we may see Drew Stanton in that worst-case situation. A decision such as that would be based upon what the coaches have seen to that point, although I see this as the most likely scenario.

I have absolutely no doubt that most-all scenarios have been considered. I also have little doubt that all efforts are focused elsewhere for the time being. There is no point of playing out possible what-ifs until those what-ifs become reality, unless insanity is the goal.

For now, Taylor is the starting quarterback and the situation will be re-assessed once Mayfield is deemed ready to play. Fans will grow impatient, crazy with curiosity, but in the end the object of the game is to win and whichever quarterback shows most capable of winning should get the nod. Until then, any claim of a specific timeline is inaccurate at best.

Next: NFL 2018: Ranking the 50 best pass rushers

If I could issue a word of advice to those involved in the starting quarterback decision, it would be to completely forget the last two years. Craving a win so badly that they force the envelope would be the biggest mistake they could make. You cannot alter an equation to expedite a desired outcome and expect it to work.

I am confident that a similar mindset is in place in Berea. Many wonder what role Cheif Strategy Officer, Paul “Moneyball” DePodesta, plays within the organization. I would suggest that he is indeed the man behind the curtain and the brains behind the equation.

One thing is fairly certain, however. Head coach and fall-guy, Hue Jackson, will catch hell for any misunderstandings by the uninformed public, albeit earned to some degree.