Browns coach Freddie Kitchens says Baker Mayfield needs to work on making 'better decisions'

Ameer Tyree

Browns coach Freddie Kitchens says Baker Mayfield needs to work on making 'better decisions' image

Cleveland dropped to 2-4 this year after suffering a 32-28 loss to the Seahawks Sunday, and quarterback Baker Mayfield has continued to struggle in his sophomore season.

The young signal-caller gave up three interceptions to Seattle, and first-year Browns coach Freddie Kitchens told reporters Monday that he'd like Mayfield to make smarter choices.

“I think each and every interception kind of has its own story," Kitchens said, via the team's official website. "To simply answer your question, I want Baker to continue to work to make better decisions and then we need to work around him to make sure that we are where we are supposed to be, how we are supposed to be there, catching balls and all those things.

"I have said it from the beginning that quarterback play is dictated so much by the people around him, being on the same page, being where you are supposed to be, how you are supposed to get there and things like that. We need to make sure that Baker is continuing to get better with his eyes, his reads and his throws."

Mayfield leads the league in interceptions with a total of 11 through Week 6 and has completed a lowly 56.6% of his passes in 2019.

Kitchens is taking some of the blame for Mayfield's lack of production though, and wants to give the quarterback more quality opportunities. 

"I have to continue to do a better job of continuing to put him in a better situation," Kitchens said. "We have to do a better job around him in protection, in where we are supposed to be and then catching the ball.”

Mayfield has an elite receiving corps that includes Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry at his disposal. But the two wideouts have combined for 875 yards and one score in 2019 and haven't quite lived up to expectations. 

That's something they'll have to correct if they hope to make a postseason appearance for the first time since 2002.

The Browns have a bye this week and will get a chance to sort out their problems before facing the undefeated Patriots (6-0) Oct. 27. 

Kitchens wants to make sure all his team's players are "doing their job" before then.

 

Ameer Tyree