Wade Phillips is widely considered to be one of the best defensive minds in football, and it is certainly noteworthy when someone who has been coaching in the NFL for over 40 years refers to an opposing quarterback as “worrisome.”
That is how Phillips described Baker Mayfield while speaking with the media about the Los Angeles Rams’ upcoming matchup with the Cleveland Browns. Phillips had extremely high praise for Mayfield and said people don’t appreciate what he has been able to accomplish at such a young age.
Wade Phillips on Browns QB Baker Mayfield: “I’m not sure anybody realizes how good this young player is, early in his career.” pic.twitter.com/sFlJQhExY5
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) September 19, 2019
“I’m not sure anybody realizes how good this young player is, early in his career,” Phillips said. “There’s been a lot of great ones that haven’t done what he’s done in the first however many games he’s played. … He has tremendous ability and has really done well. I think they expect so much of a first-round pick, but I think he’s played well and continues to play well and is getting better.”
Mayfield has struggled through the first two games this year, as he has just two touchdown passes compared to four interceptions. With more NFL tape to study on him, he’s bound to have a tougher time against some teams this year than he did during his rookie season. He’s also still just 24, so mistakes are to be expected.
Going up against Phillips will be one of the toughest tests Mayfield has this year, and the longtime defensive coordinator clearly isn’t taking it lightly.
