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NFL Notebook, Week 6: Cam Newton’s future, fun 49ers, awards and more

By Zach Cohen

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 19: Cornerback Jalen Ramsey #20 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks to the Tennessee Titans bench in the first quarter at TIAA Bank Field on September 19, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 19: Cornerback Jalen Ramsey #20 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks to the Tennessee Titans bench in the first quarter at TIAA Bank Field on September 19, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns Baker Mayfield
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 07: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks on from the sidelines against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on October 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

The Curious Case of Baker Mayfield

While Cam Newton’s future could be in jeopardy, Baker Mayfield is facing a different kind of future. After wrapping up a captivating rookie season last year, Mayfield was facing lofty expectations to bring Cleveland to the postseason (and maybe beyond). His response has been nothing short of disappointing.

Six of those interceptions have come in the fourth quarter, while Mayfield has yet to find the endzone in the final quarter. Part of the reason could be the offensive line’s ineptitude at protecting Mayfield, as they’ve surrendered 16 sacks, tied for seventh-most in the league.

Like I touched on earlier, a factor could also be the drops. The league’s second-worst completion percentage isn’t all on Mayfield. Seven of his 11 interceptions were dropped by receivers, which probably doesn’t soothe Cleveland fans.

I’ll admit that I haven’t seen every snap from Mayfield this season, but I have seen enough to offer an answer: It looks like Mayfield is simply holding the ball too long. This is common among young quarterbacks and often a reason as to why they tend to toss more interceptions than veterans.

While it’s easier said than done, Mayfield has to get the ball out quicker. That means relying on your receivers to get open and relying on your offensive line to protect you. I may be concerned about the Cleveland offense, and I may not have been a huge fan of Mayfield in the pre-draft process, but I’m not overly concerned about Mayfield’s struggles. Most of them aren’t directly attributed to Mayfield; rather, they are a result of an underwhelming supporting cast.

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