Mayfield trusted his receivers to make plays. That’s what we see from him in practices. “That’s where a lot of big plays come: from broken plays. “That’s what’s exciting,” top wideout Jarvis Landry - who watched Mayfield from the sidelines after the starters retired for the night - told USA TODAY Sports. (All three of his scrambles produced first downs).
He knew when to scramble solely for the purpose of buying time for his receivers to get open, and other times he knew when to go off-script and run. Mayfield also displayed a strong internal clock. Up he stepped - avoiding would-be sacks - and delivered throws. But Mayfield kept his eyes trained downfield while using his peripheral vision to help him sense and feel the pressure. They’ll lose sight of their pass-catchers while peeking at the defenders crashing in at them, then they’re done. Many young quarterbacks struggle to ignore the pass rush. On that drive and for the remainder of the game, pocket presence, anticipation and a quick release ranked among Mayfield’s greatest strengths. Mayfield exhibited all of those traits Thursday night against the Giants.Īfter an initial three-and-out that consisted of two handoffs and an overthrow by 10 yards, Mayfield came back with a 14-play, 72-yard touchdown drive capped by a 10-yard strike to a heavily covered David Njoku in the back of the end zone. The Browns’ offense - led by new coordinator Todd Haley - positioned both Mayfield and veteran starter Tyrod Taylor to play to their strengths Thursday night.īut so much of the position requires intangibles that can’t be taught.
Quality quarterbacking requires quality coaching and studying. Nobody does in Week 1 of the preseason.īut despite those qualifiers, Mayfield did indeed produce a debut that should leave the Browns brimming with confidence about the long-term health of their quarterback position. And the Giants didn’t game plan for Cleveland’s offense. Yes, it’s important to remember that Mayfield’s handiwork, which began with 1:31 left in the first quarter and extended a few minutes into the fourth quarter, took place against backups. The truth lies several notches below the giddiness, but certainly in positive territory, and well above the harsh criticisms. Join other fans in The Ruling Off The Field Love football?: We've got the group for you. And while you’ve got to appreciate the passion, both schools of thought are off-base. That’s no first-round pick.”īoth types bombarded my social media accounts Thursday night. He only completed 11 of 20 passes, against backups. So, don’t listen to the guy who tells you “Baker Mayfield’s a flippin’ stud! Start him, right now,” just because the Cleveland Browns rookie - and first overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft - recorded 212 passing yards, two touchdown passes and no interceptions in his preseason debut against the New York Giants.Īnd don’t listen to the guy who tells, you, “Baker Mayfield sucks. Others turn bitter over the slightest imperfections. Some fans fall in love at the first sign of positivity. Those long months, and the talent acquisitions scattered throughout, lead to a mixture of ravenous appetites, insatiable curiosities, and sky-high expectations.
Six months have passed since the last football game.
In the preseason, it’s so easy to make snap judgements based on bite-sized performances. Watch Video: Baker Mayfield, Saquon Barkley and protests steal the show in preseason actionĮAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.