Baker Mayfield's poor season numbers are deceiving to offensive coordinator Todd Monken. (Newsweek)
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
Takeaways from Browns practice and interviews …
After a day off from practice, Baker Mayfield was back in the saddle again on Thursday.
He threw with a compression wrap protecting his swollen right hand and, according to coach Freddie Kitchens, “looked good … Baker will be fine.”
That is also the long-term outlook for Mayfield, from the viewpoint of offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
Since Monken’s are the only set of eyes new to Mayfield’s game this year, his perspective is unique inside Browns headquarters. Monken has seen Mayfield struggle through a difficult second year – he’s 33rd in completion percentage, 32nd in interception percentage, 33rd in passer rating overall, and 38th in fourth-quarter passer rating.
Mayfield and the offense have failed four times in trying to tie or win a game in the fourth quarter this year. He was successful only against Buffalo.
Fear not, Browns fans.
“There is no doubt [the numbers are deceiving],” Monken said. “I think he is a tremendous, tremendous football player – competitor, smart, tough, has a rare competitive quality and a rare want to be great. That is the thing that I think is going to continue to push him and for him to push the rest of our offensive group.
“There have been some moments where we have not played as well around him and we have gotten behind a little bit, and he is competitive.
“He is a guy that over his career, I will be stunned if he is a guy that turns the ball over a lot. He does not have that in him. He does not. He is not careless with the football.
“If you look at it, one of his interceptions is a shovel pass at New England for God’s sake. That is not his fault. It is our fault, my fault for the way we designed it and the way it turned out.
“Sure there are other [interceptions], but in my mind, we have the right guy going forward.”
The newest tight end: During David Njoku’s 10-game absence, various tight ends have enjoyed their moments.
Demetrius Harris … Ricky Seals-Jones … and now it’s Stephen Carlson.
The undrafted rookie from Princeton opened eyes in Pittsburgh with two catches for 28 yards, including one on which he extended the run after a catch for 21 yards with a strong stiff-arm in the face of Steelers cornerback Steven Nelson.
“Stephen is a good, dependable, you know where he is going to be, you know he is going to make the plays that are there to be made and he is reliable,” said Kitchens, who coached tight ends in his one season under Bill Parcells with the Cowboys.
“I am really, really happy with what he had given us offensively and from a special teams standpoint. Sometimes you need guys just to go in and do their job on special teams, as well, and he has done a good job in all areas. I am very happy with what Stephen has brought to us.”
Carlson’s play on special teams increases his value. He was the one who downed the Austin Seibert pooch punt inside the Steelers’ 1-yard line on a play that survived Mike Tomlin's coaches challenge. Carlson got both hands on the ball and then smartly released his hands before tumbling into the end zone, saving a touchback.
Some believe the Browns have been slow to re-activate Njoku because they wanted to get more looks at Carlson.
“I hope David comes back,” Carlson said. “He’s been looking good in practice and he’s been helping me out since I got here.
“Whatever the coaches ask of me this week I’ll be doing it. I’m not looking to take somebody else’s role or anything. I’m just here for what the coaches ask of me.”
Njoku has yet to be formally activated on the regular roster. He told TheLandOnDemand.com on Wednesday that he fully expects to play against Cincinnati.
Things happen: All summer, Kitchens was hailing the defensive line as the strength of the team. But attrition has taken a toll over the long haul.
Myles Garrett’s suspension, Olivier Vernon’s recent bout with a knee injury, and the release of Devaroe Lawrence and Chris Smith have changed the makeup of the position group.
Since Nov. 11, the Browns have added end Bryan Cox, tackle Brandin Bryant, end Porter Gustin and tackle Justin Zimmer.
“It is tough, but it is part of the league,” said defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. “I have been a part of it before. I was in the same situation last year in Arizona – shuffling guys in and out and guys coming in on a Tuesday and playing on Sunday. We can’t sit here and make excuses. We have to find ways to get guys in position to make plays.”
Brownie bits: Wilks said he sees no negative carry-over from the one-game demotion of safety Damarious Randall. “I don’t think so. We’re all professionals in what we’re doing. He’s locked in and focused. He’s very attentive in meetings. He’s practicing the way we want him to. He’s very vocal. I’m excited about his leadership and what he brings.” …
Tavierre Thomas had a tough game at kick return in Pittsburgh, causing special teams coordinator Mike Priefer to consider a change. “We have not had a ton of opportunities, but we have to make smarter decisions back there and he just has to keep fighting,” Priefer said. “I am not one to throw in the towel on a guy quickly. I am going to keep coaching him. Part of that is on me, and that is the way that I look at things. If they are not developing as quick as they need to, part of it is coaching.” …
Center JC Tretter (knee) and right tackle Chris Hubbard (knee) each returned to practice on a limited basis after staying out Wednesday, improving their chances of playing Sunday.