Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson finally got the chance to watch some film after Baker Mayfield’s debut against the New York Jets. But after a few days, he’s now done what everyone had been expecting since Thursday and has officially named the rookie No. 1 pick as his new starting quarterback.
#Browns coach Hue Jackson: "I informed the group this morning that we're going to start Baker Mayfield and Tyrod will be the backup if healthy."
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 24, 2018
This news should come as a shock to no one after Baker Mayfield came in for the concussed Tyrod Taylor to lead the Browns to victory over the New York Jets last Thursday. Mayfield went 17-of-23 for 201 yards against the Jets as he showed tremendous poise in the clutch.
The Browns stressed for the longest time that they would sit Mayfield for the year and let him learn behind the veteran Taylor. But it became evidently clear over the first two and a half weeks of the season that Taylor was not performing up to par.
Had Taylor not gotten concussed, he likely would’ve been replaced by Mayfield at some point if he continued to play so poorly. The veteran simply failed to make the most of his opportunity to prove himself as the starter, while the rookie did.
Mayfield will now have quite the ideal opponent to begin his tenure as the Browns starter as he faces the Oakland Raiders. Jon Gruden’s team has gotten off to a disastrous 0-3 start this season, in large part because of their nonexistent pass rush after trading away Khalil Mack. If that lack of pressure continues, Mayfield could have an even more impressive showing in his first start.
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