The discussion around Baker Mayfield, and most quarterbacks, is a nuanced one. This offseason, with Mayfield possibly in line for a contract extension, the discussion has often led to strong responses.
Some believe the Cleveland Browns should try to work out a contract extension with Mayfield as soon as possible. They either believe he’s proven enough or are confident he will.
Some believe the Browns should wait until Mayfield proves himself more after one year in Kevin Stefanski’s offense after struggling the previous year.
Still, others believe that Mayfield is the result of Stefanski’s system and that he is replaceable. They argue that the play action-oriented system is set up for any base-level quarterback to play well and Mayfield is just that.
Extend now.
Wait.
Replace.
The conversation around Cleveland’s quarterback runs the entire gamut of thought and opinion.
Deciding whether a quarterback is good or not is a difficult discussion for most. There are always a few that transcend the discussion but that is often either due to extreme talent or a sustained period of success.
Patrick Mahomes is an example of extreme talent. Drew Brees, who had ups and downs in San Diego (including his injury), is an example of someone who was appreciated over time.
Schrodinger’s cat is a thought model created by Erwin Schrodinger in 1935. The premise of the model is that due to unknowns, a situation can be in two states at the same time. In his case, Schrodinger’s cat can be thought of as both alive and dead at the same time.
While that is a simplification explanation (you can read more if you would like), it also applies to the conversation related to Mayfield. Was Mayfield’s success due to his talent or due to Stefanski’s system? Yes.
It is impossible to separate the two but it is also impossible to talk about one without the other moving forward.
Could Mayfield be successful in another system? He played well as a rookie under Hue Jackson. Could Stefanski have as much success with a different quarterback? He had success with Kirk Cousins.
Much like the question for years was whether the New England Patriots’ success was due to Tom Brady or Bill Belichick, the answer was always both. With Brady moving on to Tampa Bay, we may now get to have an opinion of who gets more credit.
In the same way, the only way to know if Mayfield is good or is only good in Stefanski’s system would be to have Mayfield move on. No one connected to or cheering for the team wants that to happen. Instead, the discussion will remain in two states much like Schrodinger’s cat.