As the Cleveland Browns embark on what hopes to be an exciting season, the team’s offense has played very well in training camp so far. With Baker Mayfield under control of the offense for the second year, instead of learning a new one, things have been crisp.
With Odell Beckham Jr. back in the fold, the Browns return their top offensive weapons on top of one of, if not the, best offensive lines in the NFL.
Rashard Higgins has been one of Mayfield’s most reliable targets since his arrival in the NFL. While Higgins has never been a speed receiver or a receiver who wins with size, he runs good routes, has good hands and has a connection with his quarterback.
In Monday’s training camp, we saw Mayfield and Higgins hook up on another back-shoulder throw that was reminiscent of one from last year. Late in the Browns last-second win against the Cincinnati Bengals, Mayfield hit Higgins down the seam for a 30 yard gain that put them into position to score with very little time remaining.
Today’s highlight looked similar:
This looks kinda familiar to me except Higgins didn’t go to the ground and DPJ didn’t score a few seconds later pic.twitter.com/WKfuaXh1Yg
— Jared Mueller (@JaredKMueller) August 2, 2021
(Credit to the Browns media staff for the video.)
The dynamic between those two players is undeniable if unexplainable. Mayfield seems to know exactly where Higgins will be and Higgins has comfort with Mayfield’s ball placement. While Higgins may never be a 1,000-yard receiver, he has made a ton of big plays for his quarterback throughout the years.
Likely we see this route and throw at least once this season.