Baker Mayfield Impresses in NFL Debut

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During week three of the regular season, Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield saw his first action of his NFL career. The #1 overall selection of the 2018 Draft was thrown into the game against the New York Jets towards the end of the second quarter.

Tyrod Taylor, the early starter on Thursday night, exited the game after suffering a concussion. He did not return and finished 4/14 for 19 yards, and was sacked 3 times in the first half.

During the first possession for the Browns under Mayfield, he led the offense down the field for a 45-yard field goal by newly-signed K Greg Joseph. By halftime, the score was 14-3, as the Jets still held a commanding lead. Despite the deficit, Mayfield provided an entirely new environment for the Cleveland Browns fan base.

Within the second half, perhaps the most impressive aspect of Mayfield’s game was his ability to get outside the pocket and extend plays. On top of that, his loyalty to the offensive line and backfield was admirable, as RB Carlos Hyde rushed for 2 touchdowns. Mayfield finished the game 17/23 for 201 yards as the Browns came back and defeated the Jets 21-17. Cleveland will play the Oakland Raiders on the road in week four.

With the severity of Tyrod Taylor’s injury unknown, could this be a start of a new era in Cleveland? Baker Mayfield evidently is more capable of putting up efficient numbers in comparison to Taylor, as the Browns front office will have a dilemma on their hands over the next several days.

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