Cleveland Browns: Preseason Week 1 instant reactions

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 09: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns carries the ball in the second quarter against the New York Giants during their preseason game on August 9,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 09: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns carries the ball in the second quarter against the New York Giants during their preseason game on August 9,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Baker Mayfield Cleveland Browns
ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell walks past a video board displaying an image of Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma after he was picked /

Baker Looked Good, but Tyrod Will Start

Make no mistake. The time Baker Mayfield was given to shine in this game, he made good use of. We’ve mentioned his touchdown pass to Njoku so far already, but Baker’s moments both with his arm and with his legs were real eye-openers in this game.

Of course, we have to mention his connection with third-year receiver Rashard Higgins. Since coming out of Colorado State, Higgins has mostly failed to find his niche on the Browns. That was, at least, until Baker Mayfield showed up to training camp and really built a connection with him.

Everything was peachy keen for Mayfield, and he looked the part of a professional quarterback during his play time, to the tune of 11-of-20, for 212 yards and two touchdowns, including this 54-yard beauty to Antonio Callaway.

Yes, he still had his ‘rookie mistake’ moments, but he looked as poised as a rookie quarterback could be. And yet, Baker Mayfield is not winning this quarterback job.

I don’t mean to sound like a conspiracy theorist, or a ‘Mayfield Truther,’ or anything like that. But, this competition is not set up for Mayfield to win.

The Browns acquired Tyrod Taylor for a reason, and they will start, and likely end, the season with him in the starting role. But don’t fret, Browns fans; from the looks of the first preseason game, Mayfield will be here for years and years to come.