Same old Browns versus Ravens? Not according to oddsmakers

Just shut up about Baker can’t beat Baltimore

Mayfield had an atrocious opening day this season with a new offense. He locked in too much on Odell Beckham, Jr. when he got in trouble, just as he did in 2019.

Neither he nor coach Stefanski will make excuses for that loss, however, it would be the height of foolishness to judge the coach, the newly installed offense, and the quarterback after one game together in the Covid year.

However, it is simply not true that Mayfield cannot beat the Baltimore Ravens because he beat them in 2018, and almost beat them a second time that same season. He also beat them in 2019.

In Mayfield’s rookie campaign, his first win as a starter came against the Ravens in an overtime win. Mayfield threw for 342 yards in that game, which was decided by a partially blocked field goal that miraculously floated over the crossbar for a 12-9 win. You may say, well, Joe Flacco took most of the snaps in the game, which is true. However, Lamar Jackson (thank God) does not play defense. In the rematch, Mayfield again went over 300 yards, this time with 376 yards, and threw three touchdown passes, although his performance was marred by three interceptions if you insist on having something to complain about. The result was a 26-24 Ravens victory that was not decided till the final drive.

Mayfield also led the Browns to one of their few big victories in last season’s 6-10 2019 season. Mayfield completed 20-of-30 passes for 342 yards (by coincidence the exact same yardage total as in the previous year’s victory). The Browns scored 40 points and the Ravens scored 25. Why does that not count? Plus, they did it in Baltimore.

Nevertheless, there is a persistent rumor that Mayfield cannot beat Baltimore or have a good game against them. This rumor is false.

Monday night is going to look at feel like the playoffs.