Cleveland Browns Week 16 Instant Reaction: Baker Mayfield throws game away

Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield’s roller-coaster season where you’re not quite sure if you should open your eyes yet continues to be the centerpiece to this team’s struggles and highs. There was hope that Mayfield would successfully come back after being sidelined with Covid and play tall against the Packers and his rival Green Bay quarterback opponent in Aaron Rodgers.

Mayfield executed a great first drive that resulted in a touchdown. However, on the next two possessions, he came out and threw two interceptions. He did deliver a nice drive that got Cleveland close at 14-12 but then when the Browns had a chance to take the lead going into halftime, Mayfield threw another interception. That allowed the Packers and Rodgers to score another touchdown.

The inconsistent play by Mayfield in this game only made what has happened to this Browns team as a whole this season more evident on why they sit at 7-8 on the year. The team got to this point, not just because of Mayfield’s poor play but it is a big reason for the failures. There has been much discussion on whether or not Mayfield should be given a new contract after his rookie contract runs out after next season. I’ve been a proponent of that idea for a while but I’m having my doubts at this point if that’s in the team’s best interest.

While I believe Mayfield has been an upgrade and has brought stability to a position on the team that hasn’t been over the last 20 years, I’m concerned about Mayfield’s growth as a player and understanding the small details to a game that can be the difference between good and great.

This defense played against Aaron Rodgers, who is at the top of the class in terms of quarterback play. The Browns are far from having that type of quarterback and that is a tough pill to swallow.