Well, no one should be surprised that Colin Cowherd was going to weigh in on the Baker Mayfield situation that has unfolded this week.
Cowherd is notoriously critical of Mayfield, but his latest take on the Cleveland Browns quarterback might shock some.
By the way, Cowherd hilariously calls himself “America’s Honesty Broker.”
“My opinion is the only one that’s ever been right. Everybody was too high and unrealistic on Baker initially and now they’re beating the crap out of him and it’s not fair.”
"The only reliable opinion on Baker Mayfield in America has always been mine…
My opinion is the only one that's ever been right. Everybody was too high and unrealistic on Baker initially, and now they're beating the crap out of him and it's not fair." — @ColinCowherd pic.twitter.com/5BB5DFBZ1t
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) November 23, 2021
Here are the key takeaways from Cowherd’s latest rant on Mayfield.
1. Mayfield Can Be A Franchise Quarterback
The disclaimer is that Mayfield can be a franchise quarterback, but he needs to have supporting talent around him.
Cowherd has long maintained that Mayfield was an overrated first-round pick, but in the right situation, he can succeed.
He is not an Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, or Patrick Mahomes who can carry a team on his back even if the talent around him is subpar.
2. Cowherd Thinks Mayfield Should Be Benched Against Baltimore
The handling of Baker Mayfield's injuries has been baffling and the story of the Browns' 2021 season.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) November 21, 2021
He is not suggesting this for disciplinary reasons from skipping out on the post-game press conference after the Lions game.
Cowherd thinks he should be benched because of his laundry list of injuries.
He believes Mayfield is playing at about 40% right now.
Cowherd says no NFL quarterback can play well at 40% even Patrick Mahomes.
He thinks Keenum will probably lose the Ravens game.
However, Mayfield can rest for two weeks (including the Week 13 bye) and come back for the second Baltimore game.
He thinks a healthier Mayfield can get this team to 10-7 and in the playoff discussion.
This means Cowherd believes the Browns can go 4-2 in the remaining six games of the season.
He predicts losses to Baltimore in Week 12 and the Green Bay Packers in Week 16.
Conclusion
Cowherd thinks everyone overestimated Mayfield’s abilities when he was the first overall pick.
Now that he is hurt, they are too critical.
By resting him, the Browns will get the healthiest possible Mayfield to evaluate.
The Browns definitely have a looming decision to make about Mayfield and a potential extension as his fifth-year option expires at the end of the 2022 season.
NEXT: Kareem Hunt Reveals His Thoughts On Ravens Game