5 Studs and duds from Cleveland Browns loss to Steelers in Week 6

Dud: Baker Mayfield, Quarterback

I refuse to focus on Baker Mayfield getting pulled on Sunday vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers. While I think it was the right decision by Kevin Stefanski, it was the right decision because he was hurt, not because he had been playing poorly. Luckily Case Keenum showed just how good that Steelers defense is with the same struggles.

Mayfield came into the game with bruised ribs, which is a common injury, but still extremely painful. The Steelers cut loose from the beginning with eight and nine guys in the box and not a single player lined up deeper than 10-12 yards from the line of scrimmage. Pittsburgh was the first team this year to force Mayfield to throw and boy did it work to perfection.

Cleveland’s starting quarterback finished the game 10-of-18 for 119 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions which could have easily been three or four. What’s worse, is how bad of a situation the first interception put the team in. The Browns defense started strong, holding the Steelers to a field goal on the first drive and then causing consecutive three and outs with short fields for the offense.

Not only could Cleveland not convert, but Mayfield also spotted the Steelers seven points with a pick-six that ultimately ended the game only halfway through the first quarter. Yes, that is harsh, but let’s be honest, it never felt like they had a chance after.

Not all of this is on Mayfield, as he was under constant pressure all day. But he continues to hold on to the ball too long and forces his own pressure when he gets jumpy in the pocket. On his second interception, Mayfield triple clutched the ball before lobbing it into double coverage. Two things you can’t get away with in the NFL.

This will be a humbling week for Mayfield, but let’s hope he can get healthy and be much better vs. the Bengals on Sunday. A defense the Browns have already carved once this season, could be exactly what Mayfield needs to get back on track.