Overall, Baker Mayfield played well against the Kansas City Chiefs this afternoon, but it will be his final failed pass attempt that will be the center of conversation this week.
Trailing 33-29, Mayfield and the Browns had the ball near midfield with 1:16 on the clock. Unfortunately, the fourth-year signal caller floated an ill-fated pass under pressure toward tight end Harrison Bryant near the left sideline.
Chiefs cornerback Mike Hughes was waiting though, and made a leaping interception to wrap up the victory. It was a brutal finish on an otherwise outstanding day for Mayfield, who finished 21-of-28 passing for 321 yards.
After the game, the commentary about Mayfield’s day was consistent. He did a lot of impressive things, but made a mistake he just can’t make at this juncture in his career.
Baker is everything people thought and wanted Johnny Manziel to be.
— NFL Philosophy (@NFLosophy) September 12, 2021
I like Baker. He is the franchise QB for them.BUT…what matters in this game is that at the time it came to tie/win the game, he turned it over. Doesn’t matter what he was trying to do. That is what matters the most/will be remembered the most. Sucks, but true. On to the next.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) September 12, 2021
As Tony Romo just said, Baker was trying to throw it away, got tripped from behind, couldn’t get enough on it and it was intercepted. Unfortunate end to a great performance by Baker Mayfield.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) September 12, 2021
Baker must learn to live another day. That’s a terrible decision, resulted in a turnover and ends the gm. Take the sack or throw it out of bounds. Don’t try and be heroic in that situation #NFLSunday #BrownsvsChiefs.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) September 12, 2021
At some point it will be in Baker hands and it’ll be more opportunities this year but you will have to answer the other QB! That’s this league! Tried to told em
— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) September 12, 2021
Really, really.. Spags got em here with the zone blitz.
You got Okafor dropping ACROSS THE FIELD and a DT dropping near side while bringing a LB and a DB.. Baker had no idea which way was up and which way was down https://t.co/2yKp1po0QS
— Matt Lane (@ChiefinCarolina) September 12, 2021
Baker had a day, and then worst play!! We will talk about the play way more. Nature of the beast. Week 1!
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) September 12, 2021
Baker was incredible all day. Loved the poise and the accuracy. He’s come up short a ton in fourth quarters when behind. But love that his confidence won’t waiver
— Anthony Lima (@SportsBoyTony) September 12, 2021
Baker can’t be doing that at this point in his career. Great game otherwise, but you just can’t.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) September 12, 2021
The bad news for Mayfield? He screwed up on his final throw and his team is now 0-1. The good news is that the Browns look like the legitimate AFC force they are expected to be.
Cleveland produced 457 yards of total offense and scored four rushing touchdowns. The Browns also led in this one 22-10 but ultimately fell victim to Patrick Mahomes. They’re far from the only team to do that.
Cleveland will look to get in the win column against the Houston Texans in Week 2.
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