Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said his defense will need to come ready to play against Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
Harbaugh praised Mayfield's escapability in the pocket and noted the former No. 1 pick has the talent to make some difficult throws. He also stated former Oklahoma players in Baltimore's locker room speak highly of their old college teammate (via Jake Trotter of ESPN).
Ravens coach John Harbaugh on facing Baker Mayfield: pic.twitter.com/e4BcmmVA79
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) September 9, 2020
Mayfield will face a tough challenge in the Ravens as he hopes to have a bounce-back season in 2020.
Baltimore ranked fifth in DVOA on the defensive side of the ball last year, then added pass-rushers Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe in the offseason. The Ravens' front seven should pose quite a test for Cleveland's new-look offensive line, who will likely start rookie Jedrick Wills at left tackle.
However, the Browns are hoping their own changes up front will make a big difference for their third-year quarterback.
Mayfield struggled to build upon his promising debut season this past year, completing under 60 percent of his passes and throwing 21 interceptions. But he also had little time in the pocket, and was sacked 40 times.
Cleveland signed former All-Pro right tackle Jack Conklin in free agency, then used their first-round pick to select Wills, who excelled at Alabama. The Browns also added to Mayfield's weaponry, signing Pro Bowl tight end Austin Hooper.
Baker might also benefit from a full season of Kareem Hunt, who figures to play a larger role in the passing game as a slot receiver and even in two-back sets.
Mayfield hopes to prove his rookie results were not a fluke. But he already has the respect and admiration of the team who finished last year with the best record in football.
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