4 major observations from Baker Mayfield’s performance vs. Browns
By Dean Jones
A poor first half from Baker Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers
If fans were hoping for brighter days in the second quarter, they were out of luck for the most part. Baker Mayfield was having some real trouble with a Cleveland Browns defense that smelled blood, batting passes down before an errant throw in the direction of Shi Smith was picked off by Grant Delpit.
It didn’t take long for the boo boys at Bank of America Stadium to make their feelings known about the team’s lack of efficiency. Only when the Carolina Panthers went 14-0 down thanks to a pair of Kareen Hunt scores did Mayfield finally show signs of life.
Mayfield hit D.J. Moore for a nice gain on third down before capitalizing on defensive miscommunication for a 50-yard reception to tight end Ian Thomas. This allowed Christian McCaffrey to go in and reduce the deficit.
Carolina’s momentum was halted with a Browns’ field goal that sent them into the break 17-7 behind. And the murmurings of discontent from the stands were there for all to hear.
Mayfield’s first-half stats spoke for themselves.
- 52.63% completion
- 101 passing yards
- 0 TDs
- 1 INT
- 2 sacks against (-17 yards)
- 46.2 passer rating (ESPN)
Half-time couldn’t have come soon enough, in all honesty. Just so how much things could improve was another matter entirely.