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6 Studs and Duds for the Cleveland Browns in playoff-clinching win

By Greg Newland

Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) kneels in the end zone before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) kneels in the end zone before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Stud: Baker Mayfield, Quarterback

While Baker Mayfield didn’t blow anyone away with his stats on Sunday, he did what great leaders do, and that is getting a much-needed win. In times where the Browns desperately needed first downs, he gave up his body and ran for them, and threaded a few needles on third-down plays as well.

Mayfield ended the day 17-of-27 for 196 yards and one touchdown. His biggest mistake of the day was taking a sack on a third and short that ultimately led to a fourth and seven in which the Browns went for it. Mayfield threw an off-target ball and gave the Steelers a short field in the fourth quarter. His play wasn’t perfect, but other than those back to back plays, fans should be satisfied.

The greatest thing to see today was Mayfield making plays under pressure. While he was rattled to end the second quarter with five straight misses, he did rebound and made some big-time throws. With Hayward and Watt back next week, Mayfield must get the ball out quick and the offensive line must do a better job of slowing down the rush.

The biggest piece to get Mayfield on the stud list this week, his six runs for 44 yards. Three of those runs were for first downs in the fourth quarter and helped the Browns go ahead by 15 at one point.

To get a win in Pittsburgh next week, Mayfield will have to be perfect. The good news though, he has shown he can do that. With a week to prepare and get healthy, expect Mayfield to have a fire lit like never before, as he starts his first of many (hopefully) playoff games for the city of Cleveland.

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