Cleveland Browns News: Baker Mayfield says he ‘failed’ team
By Randy Gurzi
Baker Mayfield says he failed the Cleveland Browns
Had the Cleveland Browns pulled off the comeback and beaten the New York Jets, we would be talking about them ending the longest NFL playoff drought this weekend. Instead, they fell to the 2-13 Jets and are now in danger of missing the playoffs altogether.
Of course, there were many reasons the Browns lost this game with one of the biggest being the fact that they were without their top four wide receivers due to COVID-19 contract tracing. They also had to fly in later than expected, which might be why they seemed lethargic and jet-lagged to start the game.
In addition to those issues, the Browns also had three costly fumbles — from quarterback Baker Mayfield. After the game, Mayfield voiced his frustration with himself, saying he was the reason they fell short.
That story and more can be found in today’s Daily Dawg Tags.
Cleveland Browns News
"“Plain and simple, I have to hold on to the damn ball,” said Mayfield, who fumbled on Cleveland’s final two drives, allowing the Jets to hold on for the 23-16 victory at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. “We had exactly what we needed to win this game. And I didn’t do good enough. That’s it.”"
Baker Mayfield isn’t making excuses. He could have easily pointed to all the missing players but instead, points the finger at himself. That’s the sign of a true leader and hopefully, he can channel that into a win in Week 17.
Of Course, the Browns Couldn’t Make Things Easy on Themselves — Conor Orr, SI.com
"“The Browns added a distinctly 2020 chapter to their tortured history and now need a win in Week 17 to clinch a playoff berth.”"
As fate would have it, the Browns now need to score a win against Pittsburgh in order to make the playoffs. At least they will be at home, and we all have to admit, knocking off the Steelers in order to make the postseason would be pretty sweet.
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Joel Cade wasn’t thrilled that the Browns got no love from the NFL after losing so many players to COVID-19 contact tracing, just hours before the game. Maybe moving the game — even later in the day or to Monday — would have helped the Browns overcome the losses. Not allowing that put them at a competitive disadvantage according to Cade.
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Sam Penix goes a little further than Joel Cade did, saying Cleveland was punished for doing what was right. According to him, the Ravens continued to neglect the rules, and had their game rescheduled whereas the Browns tried to prevent a breakout and that cost them dearly.