The Cleveland Browns appear to be in great hands with Baker Mayfield as the franchise quarterback.
Well, he is still not technically the franchise guy because he does not have a long-term extension in place.
But him not getting one next year would be a monumental shock barring a total collapse in play this season.
He is going to get paid, and neither side is in too big of a rush.
A key problem for the Browns in the past was a lack of cohesiveness on offense.
Talent could be brought in, but nothing ever seemed to gel.
That has all changed with this current group coached under Kevin Stefanski.
Just look at this picture for proof.
Mayfield getting in a little getaway with his top targets is a great sign entering the season.
Team Chemistry Remains Important
The idea of chemistry is something those deep into analytics may dispute.
Yet the idea holds true more in football given the way the game is played.
One small step out of time could lead to an interception and a game being lost.
That is why this getaway was so great to see.
It would be one thing if the receivers took their own trip, or if Mayfield took one and threw to someone not on the Browns.
The fact they all went together is bigger than just football too.
Mayfield, Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, and Austin Hooper all got to bond off the practice field as well and likely talk about the upcoming season.
And if not, general bonding is always great to build friendships and relationships.
The fact the team’s top three targets went out west with Mayfield is a big statement as well.
It proves the stars of the team are ready to win in 2021 and are getting in even more work at a time when they could have sat at home and just rested.
Of course, they were at a resort, but the point remains the same.
They are taking no days off and Browns fans are hoping that shows up Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Mayfield is doing all the right things off the field.
And he showed plenty of talent on the field last year as the Browns fought hard with the Chiefs in the Divisional round.
A win in Week 1 over Patrick Mahomes may have the Browns front office wanting to get a deal done soon to avoid the price going to astronomical levels.
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