My issue isn't the stats. Those are one thing, especially when you consider the comparison to the offensive talent Baker had around him.
I watched every game of Mayfield's at Oklahoma, and goes without saying, everyone while he was in Cleveland. My response was based on a couple things.
- The lack of development from 2016 to Baker's final season in 2017. And I'm aware of his numbers being slightly better in his Heisman season, that isn't in question here. The weakness(es) in his game that were present in his first year starting, were not improved upon in the least during his 2nd (heisman) season and followed him all the way into the NFL where they tend to showed up at various points in almost every game. (The win over the Raiders his first start in L.A. was a fluke)
- Erratic ball placement. Yes, I'm aware of the completion percentage. However completion % does not = accuracy. Otherwise Graham Harrell would have been a pro-bowl player out of Texas Tech.
- Height. Baker isn't even quite 6'1. I saw him more than a few times in training camp and I'm checked in almost spot on at 5'11. McCord being a solid 6'3, let's even say by media guide bias that's 6'2 with some change, gives him a significant advantage in his throwing platform(s) from tighter spaces.
Now, would I love for Kyle to put up those types of numbers that have been listed? Sure, because that would probably mean the Bucks are contending and possibly winning a natty. But as Oklahoma State and ultimately Georgia revealed, Mayfield was very much elevated by the talent around him and not vice-versa. I have hope and trust, given what I've seen with Day and Stroud, that our HC is capable of developing NFL worthy passers. THAT is what I want to see done, because if it is then the wins and titles will follow.