WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH MAYFIELD?

By STEVE KING

In almost every regard, this is very simple.

It really is.

Coming off a 32-28 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday in which they blew a 20-6 first-half lead, and with the fact they have dropped their second  straight, the reeling Browns, now just 2-4, need to figure out how to get better – and fast – as they head into their bye week.

They will get better if Baker Mayfield can get better. Quarterback is the most important position in team in team sports, so as the quarterback goes, so goes the team.

Mayfield improving will make the offense better. And, with the fact that the NFL is such an offensive game now, the offense getting better will make the overall team better.

And Mayfield will get better if he can stop throwing so many interceptions. He had three more against the Seahawks, all of which came at the most inopportune times. Not all of the interceptions are totally his fault, but he’s the quarterback so he has to stand up and take the blame.

This is where it gets dicey.

Very simply, why is Mayfield, who had no such problems last year as a rookie, throwing so many picks now?

Is he hurt?

Has his skill set eroded?

Are his mechanics messed it?

Has he lost his confidence?

Is he forcing things too much?

Is it just some kind of sophomore jinx?

That’s what no one can figure out, not even those in the Browns organization, including Mayfield himself.

At least that what the Browns are saying outwardly.

But what about behind closed doors? What are they saying there?

That’s impossible to determine, because the Browns would never say.

Fine, but something is not right. The offense, with all that talent, should be playing better. Mayfield should be playing better.

This is what everyone in Northeast Ohio – and beyond – is asking about, wondering about and focusing on.

It is so very perplexing.