Baker Mayfield’s rage won’t be taken out on Browns, saving it for a different opponent

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 22: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns speaks with head coach Kevin Stefanski during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images Most, understanda

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What is the story about?

Most, understandably, believe that Week 2’s matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers is all about QB Baker Mayfield’s revenge. While there might be some of that, Mayfield has been more positive, in general, about his time in Cleveland in the ramp-up to this week’s game. The former Browns, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Rams quarterback has also noted previously that he grew from his experiences.

While a win would be big for both 0-1 squads, for Cleveland and its fans it might

be a little sweeter.

Where Mayfield seems to still hold a grudge is against Kevin Stefanski, his former boss and the current Atlanta Falcons head coach. According to Jonathan Jones, Stefanski’s departure is one of the reasons Mayfield’s rage won’t be on full display this week:

I can understand if you’d expect Baker Mayfield to have extra “oomph” ahead of his meeting with the Cleveland Browns, but multiple Tampa Bay Buccaneers sources tell me they have seen no change in his demeanor this week before facing his old team.

Mayfield has already faced his former team, in 2022 when he was with Carolina. This game isn’t in Cleveland. If you’re looking for a little extra from him, Week 8 against the Falcons, led by former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, is the one to keep an eye on.

Perhaps Mayfield and Stefanski didn’t have a great working relationship during their time together, or maybe Mayfield believes that his former head coach and play caller was the one who pushed for the Deshaun Watson trade. We know for sure that, according to Mayfield, Stefanski not texting or calling him after he was traded to the Panthers still lingers.

Are you surprised that Mayfield is at peace with the Browns organization? Besides the lack of text/call, why do you think he holds such ill will towards Stefanski?