PROVING GROUNDS – ALL KINDS OF PROVIN’ GOIN’ ON

By STEVE KING

So, how will Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield do in this, his season of truth – his season to prove himself – in 2020?

Before I can – before anyone can – answer a question like that, a picture of what’s going on – all the dynamics that are in play here – must first be painted, discussed.

Related to Proving Grounds

OK, for starters, the new regime of Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager (whew, that’s a long, long title) Andrew Berry and head coach (much shorter title, so thank you for that) Kevin Stefanski didn’t draft Mayfield. That was Berry’s predecessor, John Dorsey. As such, Berry and Stefanski don’t owe Mayfield anything. They have nothing invested in him. He’s not “their” guy. They simply inherited him when they arrived.

So, in that regard, if Mayfield succeeds great, then they have their man. And if he doesn’t, well, then, he doesn’t. Sorry. Thanks for the effort.

We all get that. Again, there’s the analogy of buying a house. If the appliances work, then you keep them. And if they don’t, then you don’t.

But at the same time, that’s a little bit – or a whole lot, honestly – of old-time thinking. This is 2020, not 1980. These are the Browns, and not the Miami Dolphins. There were two-, three- and, in some cases, even five-year plans given to new regimes. Not anymore. New regime or not, the order from the owner is to win now. Get it done immediately. That’s especially true with the Browns, who already have a lot of the tools necessary to win. This is not a rebuild in any way, shape or form.

And need I also mention that the fans have waited long enough? They want a winner right away, or they will come after owner Jimmy Haslam.

As such, then, while Baker Mayfield must prove himself to Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski, Berry and Stefanski had better realize that they to having proving grounds with Haslam.

Do you hear me, gentlemen? Do you understand what I’m saying?

OK, let’s try this again: What’s going to happen with Mayfield this season?

Stay tuned, and I’ll tell you.

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