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- Apr 28, 2017
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Baker has always struggled with reading defenses. Once he masters it Mayfield has the arm talent to light up defenses. That is why one or two years in this system and with the mentorship of Stafford on the nuances of reading a defense, will pay dividends when he hits the field. Unlike Kyler Murray, Mayfield is trying to improve. This is his opportunity to really take his development to the next level. Baker has a work ethic that with the right coaching and veteran mentorship around him should elevate him from a tier 2 QB into a solid tier one franchise QB.
Baker has the talent but is in need of a new paint job and a whole lot of polish. I bought a new '65 mustang in my senior year. My neighbor bought it for his son who never got to drive it as he was sent away to prison. So in 1967, I bought it from him. It was one of the most unreliable cars I've ever owned. But I kept improving it and polished the hell out of it. Don't get me wrong I drove it daily all the way through college (San Fernando Valley State College) LMAO it's now CSUN. My dad kept it under wraps on jack stands in his garage while I was in service. Eventually in 1980 when I returned to LA from living in Seattle, I wanted to start my own business so I sold the car to my brother on the condition it stayed in the family. His son overhauled the complete drive train and continued to use it. My nephew is career Army currently overseas deployed. The mustang is in my brother's garage in Vail, AZ. I still go there to wash it and polish it. My nephew has turned down huge offers to sell it.
What I'm alluding to is even a flawed machine with the proper support and TLC has become an incredibly valuable thing. I could have walked away from it a long time ago but didn't. Mayfield could be the same way. IMO he's been abused by the coaches he's played for. Some of it was Baker's own fault. But if he has truly matured as it seems to be, then IMO he needs an overhaul. If done properly, the Rams will have that diamond they covet. Even if they aren't completely successful, Baker will have accrued value either as a comp pick or in trade.
Usually, I would completely agree. However, maybe Mayfield could (really Should) be the exception.We all know Baker would be better off backing up Stafford. I'm sure he knows it too. But in the end its always all about money. If someone offers him more than we can pay, he likely would take it. Whatever happens they can't expect to go into next season with Wolford and/or Perkins.
Even though I posted the above, I mostly agree. And my glasses are certainly tinted with the Rams' colors.I think its Ram colored glasses in saying its better for his career to be a backup with the Rams.
If he isn't playing, it is detrimental to his career
It will probably be case by case. If the Jets are all over him for example he would be wise to stick around. Given the way his career has gone there is certainly value in playing for a coach who he trusts, and developing a bit under him. A year or two to advance his skills is not the worst thing that can happen to a QB, given how long they can play once they learn how to win from the pocket. If he can learn to do that.I think its Ram colored glasses in saying its better for his career to be a backup with the Rams.
If he isnt playing, it is detrimental to his career
Only way taking a backup deal works in Staff's favor is if Stafford goes down
Otherwise, playing in a place where he could compete and see actual game time would be more beneficial, provided its a legit system.
I know there are factors, but I look at a guy like Blake Bortles who rode pine for a year, got to digest McVay system, and then what happened? Never got another shot
Looks like you might be more right than wrong as it pertains to Darnold. Carolina may end up winning that division.Before Mayfield was released by Carolina, I threw out Sam Darnold as this type of one-year, re-set option. I thought Darnold was a reasonable option because he has flamed-out with two teams; and is a California-guy. Mayfield has also technically flamed-out with two teams but it can be argued not to the degree of Darnold.
You really know how to compliment a guy. I'm all choked-up.Looks like you might be more right than wrong as it pertains to Darnold.
I really hope we can find a way to hang on to baker. I honestly can’t see more than another year or 2 for Stafford and we don’t have a clear way to replace him with someone of mayfields talent level.