Cleveland Browns: There is no need to panic.
Baker Mayfield had his roughest day under the new coaching regime in a loss to the Houston Texans, but even in defeat, it is clear that he is the man to take the Cleveland Browns to the next level.
The Cleveland Browns and Baker Mayfield had themselves a tough one on Sunday. Mayfield struggled mightily in the first half against the Houston Texans. The rookie of the month for November started off December by throwing three interceptions.
Just as his interaction, or lack there-of, with Hue Jackson, was overblown so will be the rookie quarterback’s struggles. Mayfield’s personality has drawn the attention of the national media, and any talking head looking to make a name for themselves is likely to set their sights on the outspoken rookie. Have at it. Mayfield has proven to use such fodder as ammunition.
Besides, his detractors are just basing their arguments on a few stats alone. Anyone who watched the game saw Mayfield bounce back in the second half. After a miserable first half, the rookie went 24-of-30 for 351 yards and a touchdown. Facing the most elite defensive line he had seen this season, Mayfield was able to elude the pass rush and make big-time NFL throws repeatedly. His poise under pressure alone is something to marvel at.
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In the third quarte,r Mayfield delivered a deep throw to Antonio Callaway for a touchdown, almost. The play was called back due to a holding call on Greg Robinson. No problem. Two plays later Mayfield delivered another strike to Callaway that would have been good for six. Except the rookie fumbled the ball on the 1-yard line.
Mayfield was the first person to console Callaway as they were heading to the sideline. Even in defeat, it is clear that Mayfield is unquestionably the franchise quarterback of the Cleveland Browns.
The easy rule of thumb is: it’s never as good as it appears, and it’s never as bad as it appears. There is no need to panic. The sky is not falling. Just stay the course. You either win or you learn, and today was a learning experience for Baker Mayfield.
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Let everyone on the outside have their hot take now because one day they will have to eat their words. Best believe, Mayfield will be there to force feed them.