Cleveland Browns: 3 Studs and duds from Preseason Week 1
By Randy Gurzi
Stud: Baker Mayfield, Quarterback
As good as the pass catchers were and as confident as Tyrod Taylor made the coaches and fans, all eyes were fixed on one player. That happened to be former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, who was selected with the first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
While Taylor was calm, cool, and efficient, Mayfield was just as poised. He showed no problems stepping up to avoid pressure and sliding in the pocket to find lanes to throw. Mayfield also took snaps under center, something he didn’t do much as a Sooner.
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Mayfield was able to put the ball where he wanted with accurate passes. He displayed a strong arm and had complete control of the offense. Most importantly though, he showed off his leadership skills.
After Antonio Callaway was unable to come up with a catch on a two-point conversion, the young man took the receiver aside and let him know that he wasn’t giving up on him.
"“I just kept telling him ‘fight through it, just keep going, keep pushing through it’ because I needed him,” said Mayfield via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “When you’re tired you’ve got to be able to focus. He’s a guy that we’re going to be counting on to play and so third and fourth quarter he’s got to be able to run those routes and execute it and make adjustments on the fly.”"
Callaway also credited Mayfield with reading the defense and letting him know where to be on their 54-yard connection for a touchdown. While the team is set on Taylor, Mayfield gives them plenty of hope for the future.