The Cleveland Browns have been adamant about quarterback Tyrod Taylor's status as the starter going into the 2018 NFL season. As a result, it was a foregone conclusion that rookie Baker Mayfield would be named the backup.
The moment in which head coach Hue Jackson made this declaration was caught by HBO cameras on the season finale of Hard Knocks. According to Nate Ulrich of the Beacon Journal, Jackson wanted to be the first to let Mayfield and quarterback Drew Stanton know:
“I think it’s important that I address both of you guys together first. I’ve made a decision to make Baker the backup quarterback,” Jackson said.
“I wanted you guys to hear it from me instead of all the stuff that flies out there and all that (explicit). I think it’s important that you hear that from me. OK?
″(It’s) a lot of responsibility for you (Mayfield). Doesn’t change for you (Stanton). Still got to be ready to play, ready to go. But that’s the direction I want to travel. So I wanted you guys to know that.”
Jackson's decision should come as no surprise. Although Cleveland may have invested the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft on Mayfield, they feel that handing the keys to an established veteran like Taylor gives them the best chance to compete right away. It would have been a bigger concern if the rookie was unable to at least secure the backup job.
It goes without saying that Cleveland has endured a rough two seasons under Jackson's tenure. While he has not been fired for his disastrous start, it is safe to assume that his seat is hot going into the regular season. That said, Jackson will need to show some signs of promise early on otherwise he could risk getting canned during the 2018 campaign.
His decision to start Taylor is certainly understandable. However, it will only be a matter of time before he is forced to hand the reins over to Mayfield.
Follow Us
Subscribe