Follow us:

The offense has fallen off a cliff. From Week 6 on, the Browns' offense ranks 24th in efficiency, 25th in expected points added (EPA), 19th in yards per play, 24th in third-down conversion rate and 26th in first downs per game. Baker Mayfield's injuries have clearly impacted his performance all season. Now, the running game is beginning to sputter, as well. Cleveland, mathematically, is still alive in the playoff race. But the way this offense is playing, it's difficult to see the Browns making a serious push. -- Jake Trotter

First, it was Odell Beckham Sr. sounding off on Baker Mayfield. On Sunday night, it was Kareem Hunt's old man who went public with his opinion that the Browns are incapable of running their offense with a physically compromised starting quarterback. Mr. Hunt makes a fair point: Mayfield deserves credit for gutting through multiple injuries, but he's not making enough plays to justify his continued inclusion in the lineup. In Case Keenum, the Browns have a highly qualified (and well-compensated) backup who once nearly took the Vikings to the Super Bowl with Kevin Stefanski as his quarterback coach. Yes, benching Mayfield could lead to hurt feelings and possible estrangement, but if winning football games is the top priority? It's time.

If the playoffs started today, they would be home watching. The passing game is just too limited right now.

Better get better during the bye week, Baker. Afterward, Cleveland is set to face the hardest remaining gauntlet (.634 opponent winning percentage) in the league.

Problem area: Baker Mayfield's durability. Finally, the Browns get to rest this week. They've been battered this year, and no player is dealing with more aches and pains than Mayfield. It's obvious in his play. He's completed less than 53 percent of his passes in each of the past three games and is averaging less than 7 yards per attempt in that span. He has also thrown three interceptions and fumbled twice (one lost) during this current rough stretch. Mayfield deserves credit for his toughness and willingness to play through pain (in a contract year), but coach Kevin Stefanski will have to decide soon if this is really the best course for the team as it tries to remain in the playoff race.