Cleveland Browns: Studs and duds from Week 13 loss to Houston

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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 02: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after a touchdown was called back due to a penalty in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Dud: Baker Mayfield in first half

For the first time since Freddie Kitchens became the Browns offensive coordinator, Mayfield looked like a rookie quarterback, mostly in the first half against the Texans.

Mayfield completed only five of his 13 pass attempts in the first half for 46 yards and three interceptions, including a pick-six. By halftime, the Browns found themselves in a 23-0 hole, mostly because of the issues Mayfield was having.

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Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel was making life miserable for Mayfield. With as much experience that Crennel has in the league, he was able to understand the quick routes that the Browns like to run. He was able to put his defense in positions to make plays on those routes, and that is exactly what they did.

On two of Mayfield’s interceptions, the Texans had a defender playing underneath coverage. That defender was able to jump the routes and pick Mayfield off.

Mayfield’s third interception was an ill-advised throw into triple coverage in the end-zone. It was third-down and Mayfield was doing anything possible to get points. But the quarterback had room to run the ball and perhaps put the Browns in field goal range, but the interception cost them any chance of cutting into the Texans lead before halftime.

With an experienced defensive mind, it was not a surprise to see Mayfield struggle. What was surprising was how much Mayfield struggled and his inability to not turn the ball over.

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