Insider Reveals Why Baker Mayfield Failed In Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns have been searching for a franchise quarterback for nearly the entirety of their franchise history, including in 2025, as 40-year-old Joe Flacco won a four-man QB competition this offseason and has four turnovers through two games.
It seemed like Cleveland finally had its guy when it selected Baker Mayfield out of Oklahoma with the first overall pick in the 2018 draft, but he was tossed aside after four years so the Browns could trade for Deshaun Watson, which has worked out as poorly as anybody could have ever imagined.
Mayfield is now leading a perennial contender with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Watson can’t stay on the field, and Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot recently provided some context on Baker’s time in Cleveland and why things didn’t work out during her recent appearance on The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima.
“I think he got off to a very, very tumultuous and toxic start here. So many things went downhill. Baker, himself, he was a little bit of a trainwreck when he was here. I think he needed to be humbled. He needed to change. His marriage was on the rocks. He had family issues with his father and his father’s company. He was not in a good place, and he readily admits he needed to have his career taken down to the studs so that he could build himself back up.”
🚨 "Baker landed in Cleveland in the most dysfunctional period in Cleveland Browns history. So many things went downhill... Baker was a bit of a train wreck when he got here. "
@MaryKayCabot on why Baker Mayfield and the #Browns didn't work out.
🔊: https://t.co/8IYRkGbYkL pic.twitter.com/QYvWuD5okr — 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) September 18, 2025
It’s probably a bit harsh to paint Mayfield in this light as if he were Johnny Manziel, and it overshadows the fact that Mayfield set the rookie touchdown record with the Browns and led the team to a blowout playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at one point.
In his final season, he played through injury and didn’t look like himself, and Cleveland saw what it believed was the shiny new toy with Watson.
Mayfield may have needed to be humbled, but there were never issues with his work ethic, and he never had any sort of legal troubles.
This topic has come up quite a bit lately after Mayfield threw 41 TDs for the Bucs last year and has them at 2-0 after a pair of stellar late-game performances, and while some may try to paint him in a bad light, the Browns were the problem much more so than Baker was.
It has to hurt Browns fans to wonder what could have been, but everyone should be happy that Mayfield seems to have found his permanent home.
Lions’ X-factor for blockbuster Week 3 clash vs. Ravens
The Detroit Lions have been knocking on the NFL elite’s door for years, only to be labeled perennial ‘almosts.' In 2025, however, the tone feels different. After dismantling the Chicago Bears in Week 2, Detroit enters Monday Night Football with swagger and momentum. Of course, now comes the real test, which is a primetime trip to Baltimore to face a Ravens team that looked equally dominant in its latest victory. For the Lions, one star stands out as the X-factor who could tilt this heavyweight clash in their favor. That's wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Previewing Lions vs. Ravens
The Lions and Ravens square off at M&T Bank Stadium in what feels like a playoff preview disguised as an early-season matchup. Both teams silenced doubters with explosive Week 2 performances. The Lions dropped 52 points in a 31-point demolition of Chicago. Meanwhile, the Ravens rolled past Cleveland, 41-17.
This primetime clash brings together two franchises long regarded as perennial ‘bridesmaids.' Detroit has covered the spread better than any team over the past three years, and its offense looks as sharp as ever. Still, playing outdoors in Baltimore under the lights is no small task. The Ravens’ run defense has shown cracks, though. That could open opportunities for David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Of course, Baltimore’s own star duo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry presents an equally daunting challenge. With firepower on both sides, this Monday Night Football showdown has the makings of one of the season’s defining games.
Here we'll try to look at and discuss the Detroit Lions' X-factor for blockbuster Week 3 clash vs. Baltimore Ravens.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: playmaker and offensive catalyst
Fresh off a dominant performance against the Bears, Amon-Ra St. Brown enters Week 3 riding a wave of momentum. The Lions’ receiver torched Chicago’s secondary with nine catches for 115 yards and three touchdowns. He also added seven rushing yards for good measure. His efforts earned him FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week honors. That further cemented his place among the NFL’s elite playmakers. It was a good bounce-back game for him after a lackluster Week 1 performance.
Through two games, St. Brown has totaled 160 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 13 receptions. His combination of precise route-running, sticky hands, and ability to create after the catch has made him Jared Goff’s most trusted weapon. In an offense loaded with balance, St. Brown sparks momentum with big plays and keeping defenses on their heels.
Why St. Brown is the Lions’ X-factor
Against Baltimore, the matchup sets up perfectly for St. Brown to be the difference-maker. The Ravens rank 31st in the league in passing yards allowed. They have given up nearly 300 yards per game. Yes, Baltimore has long prided itself on defensive discipline. That said, their secondary has been inconsistent in 2025. They have often been susceptible to versatile receivers who thrive on timing routes and quick breaks. That is precisely St. Brown’s specialty.
If the Lions are to beat the Ravens, St. Brown will have to consistently win one-on-one matchups. This is especially true on third down. His ability to stretch the field opens opportunities for Montgomery and Gibbs on the ground. Meanwhile, his knack for tough catches over the middle sustains drives. In a hostile environment like M&T Bank Stadium, nothing steadies an offense like a reliable receiver who can move the chains and quiet the crowd.
The ripple effect of St. Brown’s impact
What makes St. Brown such a critical X-factor isn’t just his stats. It's how his presence shapes the entire Lions offense. When he’s cooking, Goff gains confidence and efficiency, often completing high-percentage throws to keep drives alive. Defenses are then forced to shade coverage his way. This opens up opportunities for Jameson Williams on deep shots or for Gibbs to slip out of the backfield into space.
Baltimore’s defensive coordinator knows St. Brown is the focal point. However, stopping him is another matter entirely. His versatility means he can line up inside, outside, or even take carries on jet sweeps. That unpredictability makes game-planning against him a nightmare. If he commands extra attention, Detroit’s complementary weapons thrive. If he wins his matchups outright, the Lions’ offense can roll up points in bunches—just as it did against Chicago.
The Ravens’ challenge
For Baltimore, containing St. Brown will be one of the toughest tasks of Week 3. The Ravens boast a proud defensive tradition. Still, this isn’t the same shutdown unit of years past. Their secondary has been vulnerable, and if St. Brown gets into rhythm early, it could force them to adjust by sending extra help his way. That, in turn, weakens their ability to load the box against Montgomery and Gibbs.
The Ravens will try to counter with physical press coverage and disguised zone looks. Of course, St. Brown’s polish as a route-runner makes him difficult to slow for four quarters. If Baltimore fails to keep him in check, the Lions’ offense could control tempo and put enormous pressure on Jackson and Henry to match them score for score.
Final thoughts
The Lions have long been searching for an identity as contenders. In Amon-Ra St. Brown, they’ve found one of the league’s premier playmakers and the heartbeat of their offense. Monday night’s clash with the Ravens is more than an early-season test. It's a chance to prove Detroit belongs in the championship conversation.
If St. Brown delivers another performance like he did in Week 2, the Lions won’t just have a shot to beat Baltimore. They'll send a message to the entire NFL that their time has arrived. For Detroit, the path to victory in this primetime showcase runs straight through their star wide receiver.
