Cleveland Browns: Why this time is different with Baker Mayfield
The Cleveland Browns altered their plans to have Baker Mayfield sit all season behind Tyrod Taylor, but this one feels different than other rookie starters
Last Thursday night against the New York Jets the Cleveland Browns got to unveil there shiny new toy who was the number one overall pick in this years draft, of course, I am referring to Baker Mayfield.
Tyrod Taylor left the game with under two minutes left in the first half with an apparent head injury which was later diagnosed as a concussion, that gave way to the former Heisman winner out of Oklahoma Baker Mayfield.
The atmosphere at First Energy Stadium felt different than anytime before when Baker stepped on the field for his first snap in a meaningful game, just like that the Cleveland Browns carefully laid out plan of Mayfield sitting and learning behind Taylor went out the window.
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The zip that Mayfield had on the ball was completely different than what Taylor has shown us. When Taylor looks to scramble he abandons keeping the play alive for a pass, but as for Baker, he showed us Thursday night he scrambles to move the pocket and look for the open receiver downfield. In only a half of play, Mayfield went 17-of-23 and accounted for 201 yards through the air and an impressive 94.9 QBR.
Although he didn’t throw a touchdown pass you could tell that the team around him was more engaged the receivers were getting open and blocking downfield. Carlos Hyde seemed to benefit the most with the rookie in the game. Hydee rushed 22 times for 98 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
We could wind up looking back on this game in January and say that this was the turning point in the season.
Fast forward to Monday, Sept. 24, Hue Jackson addressed the media and named Baker Mayfield the starting quarterback at this point you have to stick with him especially with him being a rookie there will be rough spots but that’s typical in the rookie progression.
Mayfield will see his first full game action as a starter on Sunday as the Browns travel to Oakland in a hostile environment with the hopes of keeping the momentum rolling.
Next. Mayfield isn't worried about the past. dark
Todd Haley will look to not put too much on the shoulders of Baker and look to establish a run game against a very susceptible Raiders defense. If Baker stays within himself and trusts that he has a great defense behind him we could very well be sitting at 2-1-1 Sunday evening.