Success is not a spontaneously combusted event, even for leaders. Leaders cannot self-generate success. They need help around them. I was never more reminded of this than when the brilliant NFL analytics expert Warren Sharp was a guest on the July 25th The Herd With Colin Cowherd Podcast.
One of the many things they discussed was the past performance and future potential of Baker Mayfield, the 3rd year quarterback of the Cleveland Browns. Sharp thinks he could have a very successful 2020.
The following are 6 Ways To Setup Leaders For Success: A Case Study Of Cleveland Browns Quarterback Baker Mayfield I gleaned from his thoughts:
- You Can Setup Leaders For Success By Using Data To Evaluate Their Strengths And Weaknesses – Sharp is under the impression the 2019 Browns did not use analytics when evaluating player performance. In weeks 1-9, 84% of Mayfield’s passes came from 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end) even though he was continually subpar with only five people protecting him.
- You Can Setup Leaders For Success By Removing Unnecessary Pressure – Sharp said, “He’s terrible with pressure. We need to keep Baker clean.”
- You Can Setup Leaders For Success By Placing The Right Leader Above Them – After the removal of head coach Freddie Kitchens, the Browns hired Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski. This seems to be a great move from an analytics perspective. In 2019, Stefanski used much 12 (one running back, two tight ends), 21 (two running backs, one tight end), and even 13 (one running back, three tight ends) personnel. He used the least amount of 11 personnel in the league last season. This means Mayfield will play to his strengths and have more protection this season.
- You Can Setup Leaders For Success By Placing The Right Personnel Around Them – Sharp said, “You need personnel to operate this (Stefanski’s) offense.” On March 20, the Browns traded for fullback Andy Janovich and also signed tight end Austin Hooper. During April’s NFL Draft the team acquired tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. with No. 10 pick, another tight end Harrison Bryant with No. 115 pick, wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones with No. 187 pick, and center Nick Harris with No. 160 pick.
- You Can Setup Leaders For Success By Surrounding Them With Proven Veteran Talent – I have previously written about value of veteran talent in the post 12 Things Talented and Experienced Leaders Bring You Cannot Replace. On March 20, the Browns gave Mayfield the gift of signing former All-Pro tackle Jack Conklin.
- You Can Setup Leaders For Success By Placing Them In Positions To Succeed – In 2019, the Browns played the #1 toughest schedule in the NFL for opposing defenses, the#3 most difficult in the NFL for opposing pass defenses. They are forecasted to face the #1 easiest pass defenses in 2020, moving from #3 hardest to #1 easiest.
Sharp concluded, “This team in the offseason, in my opinion, did more to help their quarterback than any team in the NFL did and their scheme is more setup with the coaching staff to help Baker Mayfield than any team-change in the NFL is going to help that quarterback.”
If you have not purchased Sharp’s 2020 Football Preview, click HERE and do so TODAY. It is simply the finest book I have ever read on football from an analytical perspective. Trust me, this will be your football bible during the season.
There is no reason for Baker Mayfield to not succeed in 2020. May we setup the leaders in our organization just as well as the Browns did this offseason.
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