Cleveland Browns: Studs and duds from Week 16 win
By Randy Gurzi
Stud: Baker Mayfield
Once again, Baker Mayfield was an absolute stud for the Cleveland Browns in a victory. He started out slow but settled down nicely before setting a personal best for completions in a row. He also put himself within striking distance of a team record that’s stood for six years.
In the 2012 season, Brandon Weeden had 3,385 yards passing — which is still a best for Cleveland rookies. Mayfield entered the game with 3,065 yards and added another 284 in the win. That puts him at 3,349 yards, or just 36 shy of tying the record.
Speaking of records, he’s also in range to tie, or break, the record for touchdown passes in a season for a rookie. That was set in 1998 by Peyton Manning and tied by Russell Wilson in 2012. Mayfield threw three on Sunday and now has 24 on the season.
Most importantly, he played clean with no interceptions again. And, he also grew his legend by taunting Hue Jackson after a 66-yard completion. Mayfield hit David Njoku in the middle of the field and the tight end took off for a huge play.
As the young quarterback made his way back to the huddle, he trotted backward glaring at Jackson the whole time — and fans loved it.
Next. Week 16 win instant reactions. dark
When the Browns took Mayfield first overall, he had plenty of doubters. He’s silenced just about all of them and is putting together one of the best rookie seasons in history.