Mayfield relies on Dave Matthews, not the band
Baker Mayfield hasn't missed a game since he became the starting quarterback of the Browns in Week 4 of his 2018 rookie season.
The secret to Mayfield's durability? Well, there are many factors, but the physiotherapist Mayfield has employed for his entire professional career is among them.
“His name's actually Dave Matthews — not the band,” Mayfield said Wednesday before the Browns (1-1) began practicing in preparation for Sunday's home game against the Chicago Bears (1-1).
“He's a big reason why I've been able to survive for the last three years.”
Mayfield flew Matthews to Northeast Ohio this week to help him rehabilitate from the left, non-throwing shoulder injury he suffered in a 31-21 win over the Houston Texans.
In Mayfield's postgame news conference, he revealed the shoulder popped out and back in after he tried to make a tackle on Texans safety Justin Reid's interception return in the second quarter. Mayfield didn't miss a snap, though. He has made 49 consecutive starts, including the playoffs.
“It's good. Hanging in there. Attached still,” Mayfield said of his left shoulder.
Former Browns quarterback Drew Stanton introduced Mayfield to Matthews.
“He's out of Arizona. He was with [former Cardinals stars] Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald pretty much their whole career," Mayfield said of Matthews. "So just one of those guys that I trust with my body, and a lot of our other guys see him, too. He's one of those guys that I'm fortunate to have..”
Strength coach CJ Mcfarland and nutritionist Angie Asche are vital members of Mayfield's support team, too. Their names just aren't as entertaining as Dave Matthews.
“He doesn't play any instruments,” Mayfield said. “He thinks he can sing, though.”
Has Mayfield seen Matthews perform?
“If you call that a performance, yes,” Mayfield said.
Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield leads NFL in completion percentage
Mayfield leads the league with a completion percentage of 81.6%. It's the third-highest completion percentage in NFL history by a player through the first two games of a season.
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater ranks second in completion percentage (77.1%).