Cleveland Browns: Top 3 home games since 2002
By Grant Puskar
1. “Baker Mania,” Browns beat Jets, 21-17
2016. This game was played in 2018, and the Browns had not won an NFL game since the year of 2016. The starting quarterback heading into this primetime Thursday Night Football matchup for the Browns? Tyrod Taylor. But, due to injury and the hype surrounding the first overall pick back in the 2018 draft, the Tyrod Taylor in Cleveland era did not last very long.
Baker Mayfield replaced the injured Taylor in the second quarter, a few minutes before halftime hit. “Baker, Baker, Baker!” As soon as Mayfield stepped foot on the football field for the first time, First Energy was going absolutely crazy.
Mayfield completed the first few passes of his NFL career, throwing straight darts to multiple receivers. He led the Browns down the field and they were able to get a field goal before coming out in the second half firing on all cylinders.
Not only were the fans on a whole new level when Mayfield entered the game, but so were the teammates surrounding him. The offensive line had played absolutely terrible leading up to the Taylor injury, making some fans nervous to see Mayfield come into a potentially ugly situation. With that being said, as soon as he came in, the line shifted into third gear.
Mayfield led the Brows to the 21-17 comeback win, going 17 for 23 with 201 passing yards. He also delivered the city of Cleveland their first football win in 635 days. “I’ve just been waiting for my moment,” said quarterback Baker Mayfield.
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As a few Browns fans were still unsure about drafting Mayfield over some of the other quarterbacks in that 2018 draft class like Sam Darnold, Mayfield was sure to leave no doubt that he is our guy with this amazing performance and the start of what we all hope to be a long-term.