CLEVELAND, Ohio -- At 9:43 p.m. Thursday night, 147 days after the Browns chose him as the quarterback of the future, Cleveland welcomed Baker Mayfield as the quarterback of the present.
The Browns can't go back.
Facing the New York Jets at 1-32-1 in their last 34 games, yet favored by three in this one, the Browns were trapped in another cycle of their own incompetence, with a game plan that made it look as if they discovered minutes before kickoff Thursday that they weren't playing Sunday.
Thrust into this quagmire, the flag-planting star of own reality series took the field like he needed a spotlight and a theme song. Of course Mayfield was going to shine. But he didn't just bring energy, he brought a level of quarterback proficiency missing Thursday from veteran Tyrod Taylor, who held the ball too long, missed deep shots to Antonio Callaway and served as the square wheel on this broken down ox cart of an offense.
Hue Jackson can't go back.
Mayfield will make mistakes, and maybe lose the Browns some games as a rookie, but in his four-throw debut at the end of the first half after Taylor exited with concussion concerns, everything just looked sharper. Taylor was 4 for 14 for a sleep-inducing 19 yards while in the game for 28 plays. His longest completion went for 12 yards.
Mayfield's first three throws were completions for 14, 17 and 16 yards.
The receivers looked more open. The linemen seemed to block better. The cut-rate RC Cola in the stands tasted like Coke or Pepsi.
Jackson, who yo-yoed rookies Cody Kessler and DeShone Kizer in and out of the lineup in the previous two seasons on strings of desperation, needs to cut the line on this one. Taylor's time is over. Mayfield's time is here.
The fans can't go back.
The quarterback decision this season needed to focus first on what was best for Mayfield. The decision around him is a 10-year choice. The decision around the quarterback for this Browns this season is a one-year choice.
But if you were in FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday night, the sense of dread as the Browns fell behind 14-0 just 23 minutes into the game meant you weren't worried about the next decade.
Just fix this. Now.
And honestly, two choices hung in the air.
Change the quarterback. Or change the coaching.
So unless the Browns had a No. 1 draft pick at coach in the building, it was gonna be Mayfield.
Standing 20 yards from the line of scrimmage during the first half, Mayfield watched Taylor and the offense with his helmet on, his eyes fixed. After Taylor came off the field following another third-down failure (the Browns were 2 of 9 on third down with Taylor in the game,) Mayfield started warming up as Taylor walked slowly following a big hit.
Taylor went into the blue injury tent, and Mayfield hit the bench, checking plays on a blue computer tablet. By the time the Browns prepared for a final series at the end of the half, Taylor was walking gingerly toward the locker room, where he'd be ruled out for the rest of the game. And Hue Jackson's decision was made for him.
Baker Mayfield can't go back.
When a Jets penalty on third down kept a Browns drive going in the second quarter, Mayfield was among the first on the Browns sideline to notice. Taylor was off the field and nearly toward the bench as Mayfield ran over and told him the drive as alive.
Mayfield, No. 1 draft pick, No. 2 quarterback, was locked in, living every play from the place he never wanted to be - on the sideline while his offense was out there without him.
As the Browns bogged down again, gaining 73 yards, scoring no points as Mayfield waited, you got the feeling Mayfield might just run on the field and insert himself into the game.
And then his time arrived.
His brief first-half appearance led to a field goal, after a third-down pass to Callaway missed on a back shoulder try. As Callaway talked to offensive coordinator Todd Haley after the play, Mayfield arrived and talked it out with Callaway, raised his fist in the air as the field goal went through, walked to the bench, fist-bumped Jarvis Landry, sat down, took a drink and owned Cleveland.
In the second half he kept plays alive with his feet, but ran to throw, with his eyes downfield. He got lucky a pass to the end zone wasn't picked, then on a later drive put a ball in a perfect spot for Landry to make a play. When that led to a touchdown, Mayfield looked ready to take off down the sideline for a 30-yard celebration, before realizing the Browns were going for two to tie. Then he caught the 2-point conversion on a trick play, and hit the sideline, waving his arm in the air and shouting into the night, looking like a man in search of a flag to plant.
On Sept. 9, 2017, Mayfield led Oklahoma into Ohio Stadium, beat Ohio State, launched his successful Heisman Trophy campaign and famously tried to plant an Oklahoma flag at the 50-yard line of the Buckeyes home turf.
On Sept. 20, 2018, Mayfield took the field at FirstEnergy Stadium and led the Browns to a 21-17 comeback victory over the Jets, their first win since Dec. 24, 2016. His 15-play, 75-yard, nearly 7-minute game-winning touchdown drive is how he planted his flag this time.
Baker Mayfield is the Browns quarterback of the future, and the future began at 9:43 p.m. Thursday night.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For the Browns, there's no turning back.
They have to begin to build for the present and the future with Baker Mayfield.
That was the biggest message for the Browns game against the New York Jets Thursday night at First Energy Stadium.
Yes even bigger than the 21-17 victory, the first for the Browns since December 24, 2016.
It's far too early to know exactly how good Mayfield will be for the Browns...and for how long.
But it's time to find out.
The rookie quarterback entered his first regular season game late in the second quarter.
Starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor had a miserable evening taking several had shots and finally leaving the field with what later was diagnosed as a concussion.
Mayfield hit 3-of-4 passes during his first regular season drive. He covered 47 yards and set up a field goal.
At that point, most Browns fans knew -- it makes no sense wait any longer for Mayfield.
WHAT A NIGHT!
He is not the usual rookie quarterback wearing an orange helmet.
And this is the usual Browns game...it was a come-from-behind victory led by a rookie quarterback in his first game.
Now that's something to talk about over the 10 days before the Browns play in Oakland.
General Manger John Dorsey saw Mayfield play in person six times last season. By November, Dorsey was "90 percent sold" on Mayfield being the top quarterback in the draft.
This was before Dorsey was hired by the Browns. He been fired by Kansas City and was scouting on his own -- preparing for his next job.
Dorsey also was aware the Browns were interested in him -- and the top priority was finding a quarterback in the draft.
This Thursday night victory was an early return for the new general manager with his most important decision with the Browns.
CHANGING PLANS
Dorsey also wanted to take the careful, patient road. So he brought in Taylor to start while Mayfield could learn.
But circumstances changed that plan.
A Taylor concussion led to Mayfield on the field in a nationally televised game against the Jets.
He was ready.
Mayfield brought poise, confidence and fire into the game. He also has a strong, accurate arm.
It's obvious the rookie from Oklahoma has been preparing for this moment. He was in command of the offense and had a good idea what he could do against the Jets.
Mayfield is a rookie. He will make mistakes.
He held on to the ball too long on one play. He was hit, fumbled...but Browns guard Joel Bitonio recovered the ball.
He also nearly threw an interception in the end zone, the ball dropped by a Jets' defender.
But overall, it was an enticing debut.
The contrast between Mayfield and Sam Darnold was revealing.
Darnold was starting his third game with the Jets. Most draft experts believed he was the better choice for the Browns.
Dorsey had a far-higher grade on Mayfield than Darnold.
The Gregg Williams defense made life rough for Darnold. But the USC rookie also seemed to bolt from the pocket very early.
Darnold was 15-of-31 for 169 yards and two interceptions. He was sacked twice.
FUN TO COME
Meanwhile, most of Mayfield's passes were decisive and on-target. He developed an immediate chemistry with Jarvis Landry, who also made some superb catches.
If you're a Browns fan, the Mayfield-Landry combination will be so much fun to watch this season.
Landry caught eight passes for 103 yards. He also threw a pass to Mayfield on a deceptive 2-point conversion.
The Browns were behind, 14-0, when Mayfield entered the game...and at that point, the game began for the Browns.
Mayfield stayed in the pocket. He seemed to know where his first, second and third options were when it came to throwing the ball.
He has memorized the playbook like a veteran.
By the time Carlos Hyde had scored on a 1-yard run to give the Browns a 21-17 lead with 2:04 left in the game, Mayfield had completed 17-of-23 passes for 201 yards...and no turnovers.
Hyde also thrived with Mayfield. The running back from Ohio State bulled his way to 98 yards on 23 carries.
As the game ended, some Browns fans walked out of FirstEnergy Stadium chanting...BAKER MAYFIELD...BAKER MAYFIELD.
It was a long, long time since a Browns quarterback had this type of a debut.
Tickets for the boat trip to the isle is never sold out. Come one come all !! The water has never been nicer and the sun never so bright on the isle !!!
For those ready to jump on Hue Jackson for not naming Baker Mayfield the starter -- I think he is making the right move. Tyrod Taylor has a concussion, him finding out through social media that he's not starting anymore is horrible.
IMO, the kid played like he had been there before. All the talk about Darnold's poise was a mute point when Mayfield took the field.
It was weird, I never think we are going to make the long third down, or punch it in from the two, but I found myself feeling it was going to happen, something I haven't felt in years. Instead of thinking the worse, I found myself thinking, watch what he does here.
His accuracy tonight.... his commitment to a throw.... He doesn't hesitate, he throws it. He is smart, too, has natural football acumen. I didn't even wanna draft the guy but he's the real deal-io.
CLEVELAND: One way or another, the Browns were destined to make a statement to the rest of the sports world under the bright lights of “Thursday Night Football.”
Either they would win and take a significant step toward becoming a relevant NFL franchise or lose and find themselves mired in all the misery of the same old Browns.
Fortunately for their tortured fan base, rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield came to the rescue and the Browns prevailed 21-17 in a nationally televised game against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium, halting a 19-game winless streak and tasting victory for the first time since Dec. 24, 2016. They showed General Manager John Dorsey adding 33 players to the 53-man roster won’t go for naught and proved this year won’t be the same as the last two, when they went 1-31 under coach Hue Jackson.
The drumbeat to fire Jackson will soften, for now, because the Browns faithful can finally talk about a win after watching their favorite team go 634 days without one. The Browns avoided the second-longest winless streak since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.
Boy, did they need this one, too, especially because they were three-point favorites against the Jets. They hadn’t been favored since Sept. 24, 2017, when they lost 31-28 to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
This time, with Mayfield leading the charge, the Browns (1-1-1) made enough plays to triumph.
Mayfield’s regular-season NFL debut began when he entered the game with 1:42 remaining in the first half and the Browns trailing 14-0 after quarterback Tyrod Taylor suffered a concussion. Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft, immediately gave the Browns a spark they desperately needed.
He finished 17-of-23 passing for 201 yards with a rating of 100.1 and took one sack.
There’s no turning back now. This is his team.
The offense struggled mightily against the Jets (1-2) with Taylor operating the controls. He went 4-of-14 for 19 yards for a rating of 39.6, rushed four times for 22 yards and took three sacks. He got up slowly after the last one by linebacker Avery Williamson, disappeared into the medical tent on the sideline and never returned to the action.
Mayfield, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, went 3-of-4 passing for 47 yards during his first series to help the Browns move into position for new kicker Greg Joseph’s successful 45-yard field goal, which trimmed the Jets’ lead to 14-3 with 23 seconds left in the second quarter. The Jets took the same lead into halftime.
The Browns cut their deficit to 14-6 with 5:21 left in the third quarter when Joseph made a 27-yard field goal after Mayfield’s pass into end zone was nearly intercepted but dropped by safety Doug Middleton. The score was set up by Browns rookie cornerback Denzel Ward forcing receiver Robby Anderson to fumble, recovering the ball and returning it 20 yards to the Jets 8-yard line with 6:19 left in the third quarter.
During the Browns’ next possession, Mayfield threw a 29-yard dart to wide receiver Jarvis Landry, and running back Carlos Hyde rushed for a 1-yard touchdown on the next play with 42 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Then the Browns executed a successful 2-point conversion to tie the score 14-14 when running back Duke Johnson took the snap, pitched the ball to Landry and Mayfield caught Landry’s pass in the end zone.
Mayfield then got fired up on the sideline and motioned to the crowd as it roared.
Led by rookie quarterback Sam Darnold, the third overall selection whom the Browns decided to forgo in April’s draft by picking Mayfield instead at No. 1, the Jets answered with a 12-play, 65-yard march and took a 17-14 lead when Jason Myers made a 28-yard field goal with 8:56 left in the fourth quarter.
Mayfield countered the scoring drive Darnold orchestrated with a clutch series. Hyde capped the 15-play, 75-yard march by rushing for a 1-yard touchdown with 2:04 left in the fourth quarter.
The next series, Browns middle linebacker Joe Schobert intercepted Darnold’s pass intended for receiver Jermaine Kearse at the Jets 43 with 1:21 remaining.
But the Browns punted to their opponent’s 6, giving the Jets one last chance. The Browns sealed the win when cornerback Terrance Mitchell intercepted a deep pass Darnold intended for Anderson with six seconds left.
Darnold finished 15-of-31 passing for 169 yards with two interceptions for a rating of 38.3 and took two sacks.
Baker Mayfield was not afraid to throw the ball in the middle of the field. Drastic difference between Mayfield’s pass chart and Tyrod Taylor’s prior to his injury.
Baker Mayfield was not afraid to throw the ball in the middle of the field. Drastic difference between Mayfield’s pass chart and Tyrod Taylor’s prior to his injury.
Device, you called it on Baker! Well done. Now, I'm gonna go back and look at those past conversations pre-draft between you and Pitdawg/Vers. Should be a good laugh.
Taylor threw one pass past the LOS? Makes colt mccoy look like a gunslinger
The guy has played BAD in every game so far. Don't look back Hue....go with Baker!
If Hue continues with can't pass Taylor, can't push deep Taylor then I think this WR core will freak out more than the fans.
Taylor was not seeing and/or taking chances. Taylor was not delivering catchable balls on plays that were basically right there. Taylor hasn't looked good outside of running the ball since week one.
I was wrong about Baker Mayfield!!! I thought it was a terrible draft pick but the kid looked awesome last night. I hope he continues to look great like that.
I'm prepared for an occasional "scratch my head moment" but this kid is gonna learn fast, grow his skill set and adjust totally to the NFL game. Might be a sometimes bumpy ride but it'll be fun.
Baker Mayfield was not afraid to throw the ball in the middle of the field. Drastic difference between Mayfield’s pass chart and Tyrod Taylor’s prior to his injury.
Nice performance from Baker. Obviously a couple throws need to be cleaned up, but overall a very impressive performance being put into his first game down 0-14 and without having gotten many first team reps.
The difference in throwing ability was plain as day as soon as Baker came in. It was fun to watch as the Browns had a real, modern NFL offense again.
I just watched from the moment he came in until the very end again. Unless he threw it away, most all the balls he threw were catchable. Great arm, leader, we got our guy.
LMAO!! 'look at the tape'..... He don't need no stinking' tape, he has eyeballs.
Yeah, this is something I'm not concerned with... I think Baker will start. He just didn't want to say it now. This is his patented remark. Most likely a classy move on Hue's part to talk with Tyrod first about the situation... and not throw him under the bus for all his hard work.
Yeah most of his throws were excellent-- he's accurate and throws a very catchable football.
The two throws I was alluding two were one late in the half where he made a dangerous throw on a sideline route (could have been returned for a pick six) and another in the third that should have been intercepted in the end zone.
Don't get me wrong, it was an excellent debut. I'm not trying to damper the enthusiasm, they're just things to work on and I'm sure he will. That was about as impressive of a debut from a rookie QB as I've ever seen (the other one that is close on PFF's list, Carson Wentz against the Browns, wasn't quite as enjoyable.)
LMAO!! 'look at the tape'..... He don't need no stinking' tape, he has eyeballs.
Yeah, this is something I'm not concerned with... I think Baker will start. He just didn't want to say it now. This is his patented remark. Most likely a classy move on Hue's part to talk with Tyrod first about the situation... and not throw him under the bus for all his hard work.
Agreed. Plus, TT is in concussion protocol, and quite frankly, deserves the respect as a team leader and NFL vet, to not make the instant decision to switch less than 24 hours after the game, even if Hue knows in his heart who will start.
and another in the third that should have been intercepted in the end zone.
During the game the announcers said that and I have heard it repeated several times. But that isn't what I saw. My interpretation is that the defender who "should have intercepted it" was running one way, the ball was thrown behind him, and he made a great play to twist his body and get a hand on the ball knocking it down
I only saw it as it happened. I haven't seen any replays, nor have I watched it on the internet. If someone wants to re-look at that and tell me that I am completely off base I will accept it. But that was my impression as I saw it.
Is it me or did it look like TT flicks the ball with no follow through while Baker looks like he's actually throwing...the contrast in velocity and spin was quite noticeable
I have no problem with Hue stating "I have t look at the tape". For him to name Baker the starter 10 minutes after the game would be a bit premature. I think both players deserve the respect to hear from Hue directly, with an explanation for each.
NO reason to name next game's starter at last night's presser.
It looks like TT is afraid to just throw the ball.
I grew up playing baseball and was a pitcher. I heard (too many times) Don't try to place the ball, just throw it. And its's true.
When you let up and try to place the ball where you want it to be, you lose a lot of velocity. Accuracy too. It's why Derek Anderson could throw a pinpoint laser 40 yards downfield yet miss a 10 yard screen pass by 10 yards.
It looks like TT is afraid to just throw the ball.
I grew up playing baseball and was a pitcher. I heard (too many times) Don't try to place the ball, just throw it. And its's true.
When you let up and try to place the ball where you want it to be, you lose a lot of velocity. Accuracy too. It's why Derek Anderson could throw a pinpoint laser 40 yards downfield yet miss a 10 yard screen pass by 10 yards.
I that is what you are noticing.
yeah i mentioned that in the game thread, TT looked like he was trying to aim the ball. It just didn't look like something an NFL QB does
What will he look like when he actually practices with the starters?
Aikmen made a comment about the QB and the different types of spirals. This may explain a few of the drops and clean that up quickly.
Baker really put the ball on the receivers last night. Many of his passes were quick, and seemed to be shot out of a rifle. He'll pull back a little once the 1st game jitters (as much as he may have had) are over, and put a little more touch on a couple of those.
Hue Jackson said on a conference call that he will wait until Monday to announce who starts at quarterback for the Browns in Oakland. Jackson gave the players the weekend off and won't see the players until Monday morning. Jackson did say this: "You guys all feel good about where things are headed."
Hue Jackson said on a conference call that he will wait until Monday to announce who starts at quarterback for the Browns in Oakland. Jackson gave the players the weekend off and won't see the players until Monday morning. Jackson did say this: "You guys all feel good about where things are headed."
oh yeah I don't blame hue for not naming Bake the starter last night. It's completely understandable. But the "look at the tape" comment made me laugh!
Gil Brandt ‏Verified account @Gil_Brandt 1h1 hour ago
Last night's #NYJvsCLE had 10.3 million viewers in the game's final 6 minutes, and was @nflnetwork's highest-rated and most-watched exclusive TNF game in more than three years.
I have no problem with Hue stating "I have t look at the tape". For him to name Baker the starter 10 minutes after the game would be a bit premature. I think both players deserve the respect to hear from Hue directly, with an explanation for each.
NO reason to name next game's starter at last night's presser.
Agreed.
Add in the fact of the concussion and that Taylor could very well not even be cleared to play....... It was smart of Hue to say what he said.
Further, you don't bench a guy, even if he IS cleared to play for next week - within hours of the game being over.
And, more than likely, Hue will be able to say something like: TT hasn't been cleared medically, so Baker will be starting.
I sa it in him at Oklahoma, I saw it last night. He elevates the play of the players around him. They sense that he can make the plays.
The thing that struck me is this change was immediate. It was like we switched all 11 guys or something. It all changed, right from the 1st play. When Taylor was in there, it was ugly. Really ugly.
It's no secret I hated the Mayfield pick in the draft. But I will say, based on what I saw yesterday, I have hope. I do not anoint anyone based on one game, but if this is what Mayfield gives us on a regular basis, I will be happy to say I was wrong.
--I think Baker will be the starter. The difference in the offensive once he came in was tangible. He played very well and our pace picked up.
--The moment is not too big for Baker.
--Taylor looked awful. He also looked depressed on the sidelines, even before he got hurt.
--I do feel bad for the guy, because he does things the right way.
--I will be interested to see how Baker does when game plan around him and he is taking reps w/the ones.
--I will be interested to see how Baker does when the other teams game plans against him.
--I will be interested to see if Baker can sustain the early success.
--I think it might have been a smart move by the coaching staff and front office to bring Baker along slowly. It allowed him a chance to see the NFL game up close instead of being thrust into the fire.
--I am praying that he is the guy and that we have finally solved our qb issue. Last night gave me hope.
In Hue's defense, he always says he'll need to "look at the tape". I think it is just press conference filler.
It's NOT PC Filler.
Some of you guys BLOW ME AWAY.
ANY HC in the NFL would handle this exactly the same way and end up with THIS CHAIN OF EVENTS.
Mind you. I'd do it TODAY and NOT MONDAY. The guys get the weekend off. I want them to know NOW to prepare for Monday.
The crew looks at film. Dorsey, Jackson and Haley meet. They determine Mayfield is the MAN. Mayfield and Taylor come to my office. It's said Mayfield is #1 going forward, Taylor #2. The team is waiting. Jackson and Haley go tell the TEAM it's Mayfield.
Have a good weekend. See you Monday. Be READY TO PUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You DON'T BONE your starting QB in a Post Game Presser after he's been put down with Injury.
You DON'T BONE your starting QB in a Post Game Presser after he's been put down with Injury.
Exactly.. poor dude sitting back in the locker room with a concussion.. phone buzzes.. picks it up to read the ESPN announcement that Hue has announced Mayfield is the starter.
Everybody knows it's coming, including Tyrod, but you do it the right way.
Watching TT early in the game, to me his throwing motion did not look right. I seriously question whether Taylor was 100% for this game. He seemed to be quick to run and when he passed the ball, his accuracy was off.
No way of knowing if TT was 100% starting the game or if he might have been hurt early and tried to play through it.
Taylor was 4/14 for 19yds passing... and ran the ball 4 times for 22yds...
--I think Baker will be the starter. The difference in the offensive once he came in was tangible. He played very well and our pace picked up.
--The moment is not too big for Baker.
--Taylor looked awful. He also looked depressed on the sidelines, even before he got hurt.
--I do feel bad for the guy, because he does things the right way.
--I will be interested to see how Baker does when game plan around him and he is taking reps w/the ones.
--I will be interested to see how Baker does when the other teams game plans against him.
--I will be interested to see if Baker can sustain the early success.
--I think it might have been a smart move by the coaching staff and front office to bring Baker along slowly. It allowed him a chance to see the NFL game up close instead of being thrust into the fire.
--I am praying that he is the guy and that we have finally solved our qb issue. Last night gave me hope.
--I think Baker will be the starter. The difference in the offensive once he came in was tangible. He played very well and our pace picked up.
--The moment is not too big for Baker.
--Taylor looked awful. He also looked depressed on the sidelines, even before he got hurt.
--I do feel bad for the guy, because he does things the right way.
--I will be interested to see how Baker does when game plan around him and he is taking reps w/the ones.
--I will be interested to see how Baker does when the other teams game plans against him.
--I will be interested to see if Baker can sustain the early success.
--I think it might have been a smart move by the coaching staff and front office to bring Baker along slowly. It allowed him a chance to see the NFL game up close instead of being thrust into the fire.
--I am praying that he is the guy and that we have finally solved our qb issue. Last night gave me hope.
I think Baker can be that guy.
I've watched this a bunch of times and Baker still has a lot to work on.
We ran every play out of the shotgun and even then his feet were a mess.
Almost every pass was to his first read and the few that were to the second or third read were usually on the run.
Because of his bad feet, he relied totally on his hips for many of his passes.
He also has a lot of things that you can't teach.
He has ice in his veins in the pocket.
Despite his bad feet and resulting throwing motion, he was extremely accurate. He put the ball through some very tight windows.
He got rid of the ball quickly!!!!
Now defensive coordinators are going to look at the same tape. They are going to decide that instead of trying to put a heavy rush on Baker, they are better off in heavy coverage. Some D coordinators might try a wide-9 since we are always in the shotgun. They are going to double the primary WR and float some LBs in those tight throwing lanes that he throws through.
Our coaches will probably do little to fix his feet during the season. They will try to help his read progressions and the timing of his reads. They'll also try to talk him out of making a few of those throws.
Baker needs to figure out his identity. He's going to need to put in extra effort because now he has to concentrate on the game plan every week along with his development. He is going to have to decide if he is going to continue to thread the needle with his passes. He's going to have to time his reads better.
In the coming weeks we'll see how he responds. The Raider's game should boost his confidence a bit, but it gets harder from there.
It would have been ideal to allow him to sit awhile longer while we continued coaching him up. I don't think they can keep him off the field after what happened last night.
I hope he doesn't suffer because he is coming in a little early.
Rich Cimini ‏Verified account @RichCimini 26m26 minutes ago
#Jets had ultra-aggressive game plan against Tyrod Taylor — 12 blitzes in 18 dropbacks. Worked like a charm. They remained aggressive vs Baker Mayfield (11 blitzes/24 dropbacks), but not at the same level. Mayfield’s quick release offset the blitz.
It would have been ideal to allow him to sit awhile longer while we continued coaching him up. I don't think they can keep him off the field after what happened last night.
I hope he doesn't suffer because he is coming in a little early.
Yeah, the fans won't allow him to sit at this point. He doesn't seem to get frazzled easy, so the main concern is how well he adapts to defenses game planning for him now. He's got to decide if he wants to try to be more like Brett Favre and swallow the resulting interceptions that are going to happen, or take a more conservative approach like so many other QB's.
I honestly don't know which route I want him to take. Part of me wants him to try the Brett Favre thing because he has the skill set for it. The other side of that coin is that I know how quickly Browns fans can turn on a QB and that route is going to take patient fans. Of course he could have developed that risk free off the field and away from rabid fans if he sat, but that ship has sailed.
I was thinking of Farve right after our first two posts. Jeff Garcia is another guy who comes to mind.
Baker might be able to pull it off.
I was hoping he would get to sit longer and work on the footwork and getting more comfortable under center, but I agree w/you..........there is no stopping the Baker train now.
I know it kind of sounds odd...But I always think Baker's floor will be Jon Kitna...Really good accuracy, great feel for placement, and some solid mobility...But what Kitna did that was underrated was he had balls, and could take hits and get right back up.
I think more than anything - the #1 thing that impressed me was he was cool, calm, collected and the leader on the field as soon as he stepped into the game. The game is not to big for him - he oozes leadership.
See a lot of Romo in his pocket presence but when he lets the ball rip it's Brett Favre no doubt. Nobody usually comes close to spinning that ball with that velocity in those tight windows quite like Brett. Baker is the first I have seen that does though. Amazing feel for visualizing the window and then sticking it there with some serious spin on the ball. Footwork is gonna come with time and coaching. Was he where you want him as a rookie in his first game? No it wasn't but the intagibles of inticipating passing lanes and leadership and calmness when you should be looking like a deer in the headlights is undeniable and very KEY because that is uncoachable. Yes Vers...what we have here is undeniable hope.
They say the good ones make others better around them. This team played harder for him.
I hope that Hue doesn't get all stuck on this mystery starter crap. Just name him. Taylor had us going nowhere. Darnold would name BM starter I bet. I suspect Crowell too.
I will go out in a limb and say if TT continued down the same path of play and we took it pretty solid on the chin like I suspected we was that we would just might hear rumblings of a change. Just might would have happen too.
I can’t figure out for the life of me WHY that matters ...
End of the day ... none of us know if halftime would have been the end of TT on that night ... and now if anyone from the browns org says it would have been its a lowclass move ...
TT is a CLASS ACT that was just publicly humiliated by his own coach last year in buffalo more than once ... no need for us to do it for exactly no reason at all ...
1 - We always talk about the difference between college QBs having success vs. NFL QB's having success, and thats in the ability to read the field and put the ball in tight windows BEFORE WR's get wide open. That takes skill, knowing your playbook, and more importantly, having confidence that you can make the throw.
2 - Hand in hand with that is TRUSTING your WR's to be where they are supposed to be, and trust that they will win their 1 on 1. The fact that Baker had that trust without even practicing with the 1's... Darn! Thats the pure definition of a QB making his WR's better. Landry, Callaway, and Higgins were all eating!
I've heard other people talk about the "look at the tape" comment, either because they don't have anything else to talk about, or they actually they it means something. Its a professional way of not disparaging Tyrod in front of everyone. Its nice and its classy.
I've heard other people talk about the "look at the tape" comment, either because they don't have anything else to talk about, or they actually they it means something. Its a professional way of not disparaging Tyrod in front of everyone. Its nice and its classy.
I agree. But in THIS instance, Hue saying he needs to "look at the tape" implies that he didn't see what we saw. I said IMPLIES there. Everyone on the planet saw the same thing.
I would have preferred he used a different cliche' or turned the thought to just enjoying the win for a couple days off etc etc and we get back to work Monday.
In the end, it WAS a class move to NOT dump on TT and that is important.
I don't really know who to compare him against but the kid has impressed me since his appearance on The Herd and Undisputed. He's a Gamer. And he's competitive. I've never seen this type of competitiveness from any of the 30 QBs we've had. Dude just... gets it.
And the way he talked on those shows are exactly the way he plays. He's not overconfident in his ability to deliver, he knows his abilities well.
Those windows he's throwing into are not him trying to force something that isn't there. It's knowing what he can get away with and putting it in places that make it difficult for defenders to defend against as well.
He's bound to get picked. But I don't think it's going to phase him. He's looking at footage and seeing what he can pull off as well. And he'll be smart enough to adjust to it as well.
I've heard other people talk about the "look at the tape" comment, either because they don't have anything else to talk about, or they actually they it means something. Its a professional way of not disparaging Tyrod in front of everyone. Its nice and its classy.
I agree. But in THIS instance, Hue saying he needs to "look at the tape" implies that he didn't see what we saw. I said IMPLIES there. Everyone on the planet saw the same thing.
I would have preferred he used a different cliche' or turned the thought to just enjoying the win for a couple days off etc etc and we get back to work Monday.
In the end, it WAS a class move to NOT dump on TT and that is important.
I'm just hoping that it is Hue being smart and trying to milk whatever advantage he can by the Raiders having to game plan for both QBs, its the only game for this to be possible so he's being smart and trying to get hey, maybe 30% of their game plan to be for TT although it might be a moot point cause of the concussion Protocol will have him out of the game.
There is a little part in me deep down saying, No say it aint So Hue...you can't be thinking of going back to TT
Hue Jackson said on a conference call that he will wait until Monday to announce who starts at quarterback for the Browns in Oakland. Jackson gave the players the weekend off and won't see the players until Monday morning. Jackson did say this: "You guys all feel good about where things are headed."
every qb Eotab liked never panned out Weeded etc. no different here
For those ignorant posters - Mayfield I was pimping him actually a year prior to the draft - pm's with Diam.
2nd off you clueless ones...I never promoted or liked these draft QBs Weeden etc. I just like always stated POSITIVE THINGS about ALL OUR DRAFTED PLAYERS...show me one ONE POST pre draft promoted Weeden... Liars and Ignorant is no way to go through life.. yeah I take it personal when people lie about my calls. Actually every QB I got high on pre draft was good.
Vers will tell you about me and Aaron Rogers. A guy I pimped PRE DRAFT... After the draft I was always positive on every player we drafted. Even Trent, during the pre draft threads I was dead set against drafting him even to the point of wanting us to take a WR rather than Trent. But once we took him, he was a Brown and I promoted him.
So not only do you all -ratsanplan and Ithingamajig look pretty stupid but you don't even know what you are talking about regarding my posting. If you actually read me you would know how correct I am...I'm also consistent. ANYONE who becomes a Brown is positive I've been that way, The first draft on this board 2001 I was critical and then I said that was too easy from here on in I will look to see why we made the decisions we did and go along with it.
Agreed. I was critical of how Hue handled the QBs the past two years, but he handled this with class and was really perfect.
Everyone knows who’s starting from here on out, but Hue wanted to be a man and tell Taylor face to face and not let him here it on Twitter. Good job Hie.
True ... tabber was pimping Bake to me before last season started ...
And i actually work on the Isle of Optimism for tabber ... tabbers been there since the return keeping the place up ... i just showed up this August ... *LOL* ...
He has always pointed out the “strengths” of who we drafted ... never mentioning the negatives ....
He knows his QB’s ...
And who GIVES A CRAP who said what ... we’ve all been wrong before ...
I wanted Darnold ... felt good about the Baker pick cause of tabber and the fact he was accurate and football smart .. he had questions i needed answered cause of where he came from and some of the things he wasn’t asked to do ... tabber felt good about it ... he knows more than me when it comes to QB’s ... so i felt better about it based off that and what i saw .... now were gonna find out the answers to those questions ... first quiz was a 100 as far as i’m concerned ... and to me ... THATS ALL THAT MATTERS!!!!
NOW ... all WE ALL WANT is for Bake to be GREAT ... if not GREAT ... VERY GOOD ... i dont really want anything below that .... *L* ...
The kid has a chance .. and if he pans out and plays like he did last night ... i personally will be more than happy to run all over this place and
KISS TABBERS AND DEVICES ASS for as long as that play continues ...
LETS GOOOOOOOoooooooooo ....
Bouncing ball dawgs ... ITS FINALLY A GOOD TIME TO BE US ...
Man how many stupid posters do we have. At least the smart ones said things like they were willing to have an open mind about it...but it sort of was a litmus paper test for dummy or not dummy...lol
Man how many stupid posters do we have. At least the smart ones said things like they were willing to have an open mind about it...but it sort of was a litmus paper test for dummy or not dummy...lol
Hey ... heres sumptin else thats turned in a big way bro ... and this one is TRULY A SHOCKER ... i always knew I’d eventually end up on the Isle with U ... NEVER SAW THIS ONE COMING ...
My bedside manner is WAY BETTER THAN YOURS NOW ...
Who’d a ever thunk that day would EVER COME ... but sadly its true ...
You don't have to ever kiss my ass...please no...lol
Thanks, Accuracy is so so important in the NFL. Short, the kid has always been his height, he aint short to himself and it actually makes him better cause in the NFL its more about passing lanes then height. He knows how to deal with them.
System, he's smart and he hit the difficult windows at OU it just was a situation where there were wide open guys all the time.
He went through progression more so that most QBs I've seen regardless of system.
Short vs. Small, he ain't small, he can take a hit like no other - he got pummelled a lot in college and he would have plays that I thought he never would come back and then he would pop up and be right out there.
Immature? Ummm guess what when you get older and your environment changes from COLLEGE LIFE to Professional...you mature pretty quickly!
Cocky? It about freaking time we got cocky! Welcome to winning football.
Arm strength, his arm strength is well above average one of the strongest arms around.
Again I can't stress the fact that he did what he did Thursday with a rather strong WIND, He did it not by making things happen and playing school yard ball. But by executing PLAY after Play with precision and accuracy.
The kicker...the different look had nothing with a Pwang moment or players premeditated playing better for BM. Point blank from the first throw he changed the entire feeling and belief everyone had. He upped everyones game. Most important he upped Haley's game. Cause guess what we did, not a bomb but a 17 yard pass zip, complete...We now started stretching that field. This creates space. This makes it so so much easier for the OC to call plays and have them executed as we make space for the playmakers to do their thing.
Will it be this good in the future. I'm sure there will be better days and worse. But these things that he does, create space improve everyones game it will happen. One thing we can be assured of - THE KID IS GOING TO GET BETTER AND BETTER!
I know I took some flack for saying he was the best QB in this draft. Last year I liked Darnold, but when reviewing QBs I thought Baker was by far the best.
LOL That was just who I was thinking about..Rasta,, Come out and play man... We're waiting for you to dis Mayfield some more.. Tell us again how bad he is
We do have to remember, it's only one game and now other teams have film on him (not that I think it's gonna matter)
This could have been a fluke,but I highly doubt it.
It's funny when you have your once in a decade, "even a blind squirrel finds a nut" moment, suddenly everyone who has disagreed with you is "ignorant and clueless". Yet any time someone simply disagrees with you is attacking you and trying to make you look bad. You can't make this BS up!
Enjoy your moment in the sun. The sun will set soon and your Alaskan night will begin once more. lmao
I am no big Hue Jackson fan, but you don't ask the coach minutes after the game a question like that. It was a stupid question.
Hue made the proper response.
It's only a issue if he doesn't make the proper decision.
My only issue is why we didn't work Baker some with the "ones" earlier? If it is pretty clear he is the better qb 2.5 games in, maybe he was the better QB a few games ago.
Either way, it doesn't matter. I have a feeling that Baker is going to get a lot of reps with the "ones" this week.
Hue Jackson said on a conference call that he will wait until Monday to announce who starts at quarterback for the Browns in Oakland. Jackson gave the players the weekend off and won't see the players until Monday morning. Jackson did say this: "You guys all feel good about where things are headed."
BTW- Rasta was posting almost every day until game time Thursday. Almost Always negative. Browns win and he is MIA.....anyone check to see if ImpactPlayer is ghosting again!? Lol, j/k.
Hue Jackson said on a conference call that he will wait until Monday to announce who starts at quarterback for the Browns in Oakland. Jackson gave the players the weekend off and won't see the players until Monday morning. Jackson did say this: "You guys all feel good about where things are headed."
It's funny when you have your once in a decade, "even a blind squirrel finds a nut" moment, suddenly everyone who has disagreed with you is "ignorant and clueless".
what's your point. other than to insult me...why LIE, my once in a decade moment...lol I've been correct about the QBs, clueless and ignorant on those include yourself I guess. I never PIMPED Weeden, Manziel, Frye, Kessler, Colt, Quinn pre draft but yet those who are ignorant, include yourself claim that I did...which is an OUT RIGHT LIE.
So outside of the fact that you find it in your best interest or possibly Vers' as your head is so far up his butt it aint funny. So just what is your point.
You LIE and say it me saying this to those who ever DISAGREED WITH ME...no I said that to those who LIED about who I pimped as a QB for us.
Yep I never got it right....Yet I was one of the first to go gaga over Wentz, Bonefish picked it up and went gung ho. But oh wait I never was correct before.
I even stated that Trubisky was a QB I wanted but gave way to the obvious Overall #1 pick Garrett before the draft. My only Bonehead move on QB was not pimping Big Ben...I surely didn't pimp KW2 a TE that was for sure.
I know I was a complete idiot thinking that a team starting up a 3-4 Defense should actually invest into a Shawne Merriman instead of Braylon Edwards... I know what a dolt I was. So go ahead and lie away and remember this, I FART MORE FOOTBALL THEN YOU WILL EVER KNOW... how's them apples
All you have is sour apples. You're no better than anyone else on this board at evaluating talent in the draft. You've spent years telling anyone willing to listen how great our team played in games we lost 37-10. lmao
Quit degrading everyone else then expecting respect in return.
I'm more than happy to be respectful to you when you show that same consideration to others. I'll be waiting.
But see, you can't stop blowing your own horn even for a minute.
You'll fart more football than I'll ever know?
Superiority complex much? lmao
You're so full of yourself nobody wants to stand down wind of you.
I love the fan and media outrage over Hue Jackson not naming Mayfield the official starter.
I would guess, a lot of those folks have probably never played team sports. You just don't handle it like that. We can rip on Hue Jackson for a lot of things, but what he's doing now is nothing different from what any other coach would do in his position.
You just don't go out and name your quarterback hours after the other guy had gotten a concussion. We all know Baker is starting next week in Oakland. We also know that in situations where one quarterback goes down and either the backup has a great game, or the starter's status is in question, that you aren't getting that answer until Tuesday.
I said in the postgame thoughts, that if the Browns truly wanted to redshirt Mayfield, that they should have probably made him QB3. But we all know that wasn't happening, because Hue Jackson and the rest of this staff need Mayfield to probably save their jobs.
But out of respect for your starting quarterback, who's a veteran on the team, and well respected within the league, you don't just name your quarterback immediately after.
The media is mad because they have to wait for their story, and some fans are mad because they don't understand how team sports work, and probably a small percentage actually believe he may name Taylor the starter for week 4.
In the words of the great Aaron Rodgers, there are a whole lot of people that need to RELAX.
Yeah, there is no doubt that they are preparing behind the scenes. Hue and his staff knew right away they were going to roll with Mayfield.
Official announcement probably late tomorrow.
Hue also knows that Mayfield is a hit away from Taylor coming right back in. Taylor is a professional and would have handled a knee jerk reaction like a pro, but Jackson is just waiting out of respect.
And that's a good point: Hue handled this with complete class. He didn't throw anyone under the bus. And like you say - 1 hit away from TT going back in. I'm glad he's been cleared to play (last I heard, anyway).......because, I don't want to see Stanton.
BTW- Rasta was posting almost every day until game time Thursday. Almost Always negative. Browns win and he is MIA.....anyone check to see if ImpactPlayer is ghosting again!? Lol, j/k.
Been out, thanks for remembering me
Celebrating our win...
Nothing much to say, Jets looked like the browns and melted away, we for the first time in years took advantage of it.
Been drooling all this weekend on QB play.... so many great performance. Competition is really though, you really need something special.
Still would rather have Darnold over BM. Josh Allen is turning out great also.
watching the NFL all day yesterday with no rooting interests ... there are a LOT of QBs capable of winning games (way more than there were 3 years ago IMO)
watching the NFL all day yesterday with no rooting interests ... there are a LOT of QBs capable of winning games (way more than there were 3 years ago IMO)
Amazing QB play, in almost all games... Even Brees was doing crazy stuff...
And the athletic abilities are way off the charts, Wentz, Cam, Deshaun, so are the Arm displays... Mahomes and Allen... amazing throws Aaron, Flacco, Goff etc
One of my concerns with Mayfield...can he stay healthy?
Garoppolo's injury yesterday drove home the reality of QB durability in the NFL..especially QBs who run. I prefer a QB who sees the field from the pocket and gets rid of the ball.
The problem is, Mayfield looks to be a clone of Garroppolo, in stature and in his tendency to scramble and take risks. That said, there is no way to know how tough or durable any QB is.
Favre, got hit a bunch in his career and got up from most of them. Garroppolo, the hit didn't even look that bad, but to me, he looked indecisive, whether to go out of bounds, slide, or continue to fight for the first down...it did not look as though Garoppolo prepared himself for the contact.
I hope that Baker will be smart and learn to find his receiver and let the pass go.
For the most part, those QBs who have a tendancy to run with the ball are at a high risk of serious injury..the last thing the Browns need.
I don't see baker as a running QB at all..atleast not up here, he's moved around and tries to get outside while keeping eyes downfield. He's no Tyrod for sure
I don't see baker as a running QB at all..atleast not up here, he's moved around and tries to get outside while keeping eyes downfield. He's no Tyrod for sure
I agree. Did Baker even scramble once last game? I'm not saying mac is wrong here because his point makes sense. I'm just thinking/hoping that Baker's regularly-mentioned growth includes limiting the number of scrambles he makes.
Well one of us is trying their hardest to discredit the other. and then point the finger to me...lol Vers, you are funny you who would go probably more insane than me if somebody LIED about what you state.
But you two make nice bed fellows (expression).
All I know is that I am the only poster I know that can be villafied for being correct about our Franchise QB.
Alsp Pit... I am better at evaluating...so what, I know we are in an era where everyone gets a trophy, even you.
Here is another example. In 2010 there was a special on a Boston College LB who was fighting Cancer. After which I made a statement, one that I never made before nor after.
Although 2 years removed from the NFL I said, there is this kid Kuechly who will come in the draft in 2 years. He will be the NEXT GREAT MLB to come into the NFL.
Of course I was scoffed at and chuckles were made, probably from you Pit for all I know. But I was correct, don't get me wrong I am incorrect as well. But when I see good I know it. But again tell me again how I'm a bad poster on this board and how DARE I TRY TO PULL POSITIVE out of our woeful seasons and games.
You've spent years telling anyone willing to listen how great our team played in games we lost 37-10. lmao
That is what is important to you. You see me degrading posters? And yet that is what you did. Degrade me cause I was positive. Throw it in my face cause that is how I chose to post. And this all started from two posters who Lied about my opinion. Stating that because AFTER THE DRAFT I supported our picks. That somehow that was me stating PRE DRAFT how good they were? That simply is a lie. And just about every discussion we have had where I make valid points you try to discredit those points by stating how wrong I am and don't count cause of me posting POSITIVES all these years.
That is the extent of your knowledge I guess. As soon as I make my point and prove my logic...its always me insulting you and others and a Superiority complex as you state...no Not a complex just a fact. Hey its not my fault I know more about football than you. I'm not going to apologize for that.
But thanks for the continued insults and the attempt to hurt me...and it does hurt. That I get villafied for being positive about our team. Now when we finally have reached that plateau, I'm to be dragged down and insulted by the likes of you...smh
I'm done. Now go and continue to hurt me on a personal level. Lie about my posting. Blowing my own horn...when did I ever state that about Keuch or others, but to defend myself. Actually its your buddy Vers who tried to blow his horn on almost every post. Your standards are amazing.
This was the most impressive thing I saw during the game. He has the brass bells to throw the ball RIGHT AT the safety, knowing that Landry is about to break in front. Amazing for a rookie.
This was the most impressive thing I saw during the game. He has the brass bells to throw the ball RIGHT AT the safety, knowing that Landry is about to break in front. Amazing for a rookie.
You got to have the utmost confidence in your arm strength to make that throw.
You can have the last word while tooting your own horn. Lots of people remember many times I've been right and many times I've been wrong. Just like you.
So much for those who were worried about the big separation he had in college with WRs and if he could hit the small windows in the NFL. TT would not have had enough zip for that throw as it would have been INT'd. I think he would have pulled the ball down and ran.
jmho this is going to be fun watching him grow this season game by game.
This was the most impressive thing I saw during the game. He has the brass bells to throw the ball RIGHT AT the safety, knowing that Landry is about to break in front. Amazing for a rookie.
Then you can see the easy screen pass he missed, that involved no risks and probably a bigger gain....
Safety was reading his eyes and he wasn't intercepted by luck...
Rookie play, IMHO, nothing outstanding, BM had much better plays than this one.
As noted I saw a lot of Baker in 2017. The kid was pummelled as each team made it an Imperative to Hit him hard and often.
I was amazed at the hits he took. He would pop up and I thought that was it he would have to sit...but he would always come back, It was then that I realize he is SHORT but he is by no means SMALL. Glad he is coming into the NFL at the right time as they are protecting the QBs like no other year.
One thing that worries me. The Steelers came right out and stated in their PRE-Monday night football game that they were looking to Hit Fitz...hard and often and get him out of the comfort zone. This was stated after they got their like 3rd??? roughing the passer call.
I hope they don't keep up with this tactic and just take cheap shot after cheap shot on our QB.
Guess there is nothing you can do about that if you were the old Browns. I have a feeling our Browns can play that game if pushed that way.
Every other sport has their method of payback. Plunk my player, I'll plunk yours. Rough my goal scorer, you bring in the goons to rough theirs. If they start throwing elbows in the paint, you bring in your guy to throw elbows.
This was the most impressive thing I saw during the game. He has the brass bells to throw the ball RIGHT AT the safety, knowing that Landry is about to break in front. Amazing for a rookie.
Then you can see the easy screen pass he missed, that involved no risks and probably a bigger gain....
Safety was reading his eyes and he wasn't intercepted by luck...
Rookie play, IMHO, nothing outstanding, BM had much better plays than this one.
Screen pass was a 5 yard play, LB was all over it. Safety never stood a chance, ball was thrown on a rope with pinpoint accuracy. You watched a QB with a quick read attack in the red zone. Novel idea, I know. Man, I don't know what you're hoping to see but I suspect you're going to be very disappointed.
This was the most impressive thing I saw during the game. He has the brass bells to throw the ball RIGHT AT the safety, knowing that Landry is about to break in front. Amazing for a rookie.
Then you can see the easy screen pass he missed, that involved no risks and probably a bigger gain....
Safety was reading his eyes and he wasn't intercepted by luck...
Rookie play, IMHO, nothing outstanding, BM had much better plays than this one.
Damn man I see you at it again. You make some unsupported statement like the bull you say is unquestionably true but you have NOTHING to substantiate it. You could at least give a Youtube link and a time stamp to the play you refer to but you don't do $h!t. THEN you say that the failed screen that YOU DON'T SHOW; COULD have led to a bigger gain than the play SHOWING Juice ACTUALLY making a no window reception.
Then you offer conjecture that the easy screen pass he missed, that you say involved no risks would probably have resulted in a bigger gain. Based on what? We're supposed to swallow your prognostications? You got no credibility dude. None!
Rookie play, IMHO, nothing outstanding, BM had much better plays than this one.
This play and the dime perfectly placed that Callaway dropped were the 2 best passes of the game. You continue to amaze me with what you are seeing. You not even in the minority on it. In "all of football" you may be the ONLY person that thinks your way.
For much of the game we were in a spread formation and also in a 2 minute drill atmosphere. It was mentioned in the Haley presser that most of Mayfields practice with the ONES was in 2 minute drills.
I hope we keep it spread although I still would like to see him under center so that we can run the ball. I hate running the ball out of Shotgun. You have no downhill momentum. I don't wish to see Charles out there (82) as often as we did. Can't wait for Devalve to be healthy. This will be a real test, you know the Raiders are going to bring the kitchen sink against the kid. We haven't had many shots at 2 in a row. This will be great for the team and something to build on.
I am all in on Baker. I questioned his arm strength and size but his arm was exploding on Thursday night. Not just that, the anticipation throws were outright unbelievable for a rookie. I don't know that I have ever seen a rookie throw a post before the WR clears the linebacker in my life.
One of my biggest concerns was coming from the worst defensive conference in the country how would he adapt when guys are streaking wide open. Man, that anticipation is elite. I don't know if he can replicate it from game to game, but that is ELITE anticipation what I saw Thursday night. If that's the kid we get every game, this team has playoff potential and NOT in the future...RIGHT NOW.
Then on that play where Landry drew the holding penalty and Mayfield hit the WR along the sideline.....HOW DID HE SEE THAT rusher? HOW DID HE SEE HIM?
This is the throw I was referring to. I don't know if I have ever seen a rookie make this type of anticipation throw in the NFL. All pros sometimes can't squeeze that one in.
In time he is going to learn to hold that safety there and hit the post on the left for a TD.
Awesome pass BpG. Anticipation can't be coached. Those type throws you either have that knack or you don't. Yes he is gonna throw picks with that gunslinger mentality but with playing time and games under his belt he is gonna win lots more games and TD than losses and picks.
I never got to comment on the beginning of the Baker Mayfield era because apparently an S bomb warrants a near two week ban. Eyeroll.
That Jets game felt like the Cleveland Browns we've always known. It's our game to win, a weak opponent at home who realistically shouldn't win. Within minutes the excitement turns to frustration. The we'll-give-them-a-chance favoured Browns are humiliating themselves on national television. The offense is incapable, the defense begins to deflate, and I'm suddenly wondering just how many touchdowns we're going to lose by. I almost turned the game off when Crowell wiped his ass with the football and threw it into the dawgpound. I was angry and upset. In that moment, I was perfectly willing to see the whole thing blown up.
I promised myself I wouldn't do it, but watching on with my brother, I was calling for Mayfield. I appreciate Tyrod Taylor and all he's done, but it wasn't fair to watch the guy bashing his head against the wall. He was doing everything he could, and it amounted to nothing. Why put the rookie in to face that situation? Why risk humiliating him? Who cares, let's see what he's got.
I'm embarrassed to say it, but I felt a sense of relief when Tyrod when down. I didn't know if Jackson would pull the trigger, I couldn't blame him if he didn't do it, but Taylor's injury gave us the perfect opportunity; Baker can either look good, or he can look bad. In either case, there is no pressure, he's just backing-up as a back-up does.
What I didn't expect was what happened never. On a night that seemed so indicative of what the Cleveland Browns are, something so antithetical of what the Cleveland Browns are seemed so far out of reach.
From the moment Mayfield entered the game, everything was different. The broadcast showed him smiling in the huddle and patting someone on the helmet prior to spitting out the playcall. We're down by 14 and getting our asses kicked: I'm not accustomed to seeing energy in this situation.
It almost feels pompous to chronologically list what happened next. It feels dramatized. The game feels like a draft for the script of a sequel, opening with the game where the Draft Day film ended.
I've never seen anything like it. Baker was calm, controlled and methodically moved the ball. The game didn't look too fast for him, and at times he looked too fast for the game. It wasn't some heroic deep shot that turned the game but a continued series of throwing in which Mayfield consistently could not be stopped. The entire team clearly fed off that energy. The Cleveland Browns, in one night, stopped being the Cleveland Browns.
I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. We've seen plenty of light at the end of the tunnel, one for the light to dissipate before even getting close to the revelation of what lies beyond the obscurity of "almost."
It never happened. Play after play, it just didn't.
In such a situation, I'm begging the clock to run down. Hit zero. Browns win. Frankly, I just didn't want it to end. I wanted another quarter. A third half. Play again. Rematch. As incredible as it was for the losing streak to end, the end of that game just felt like a delay in the new era of Browns football.
I wasn't the biggest fan of Mayfield in the draft. Wasn't against him the way I was a Josh Allen selection, but he wasn't my guy. My guy was the guy who looked hopelessly outmatched against Baker Mayfield and Cleveland's fervent pace. I didn't think Mayfield was ready, and I wanted him learning all year before putting his talents on display. On both accounts, it only took one game to feel like we've found a franchise quarterback.
With the above said, I won't run hot or cold. Peaks come with valleys, and I expect Mayfield will have his fair share of struggles over the next two years. It's part of the business, and as much as it feels like a fairytale right now, all fairy tales have their low point.
What we have seen, however, feels like the foundations of something to truly build on. Someone to be patient with. Someone who could legitimately be the franchise quarterback we've been so desperately looking for.
For now, however, I can't remember the last time being a Browns fan was so much damn fun.
