Browns must protect Mayfield from ‘wreckers’
WASHINGTON
CLEVELAND — The last time Baker Mayfield faced a talented, quarterbackseeking defensive line anchored by the No. 2 overall draft pick, things didn’t go well.
The San Francisco 49ers menaced and mauled Mayfield last season.
On Sunday the Browns signal-caller faces Washington’s ferocious front.
“Game wreckers,” Mayfield said while describing a unit led by rookie Chase Young that leads the NFL with 11 sacks after two weeks.
Protecting Mayfield will be one of the primary objectives for the Browns (1-1), who are looking to keep their momentum rolling after rebounding from a brutal opener to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 35-30 on Thursday night.
Cleveland has used the extra days off to get healthier and prepare for Washington’s talented and deep D-line, which is stacked with first-round picks and can create pressure both inside and from the edge.
In Week 5 last year, the 49ers had Mayfield scrambling for his safety on almost every snap in a 31-3 loss. He was sacked four times, harassed numerous others, completed just 8 of 22 passes for 100 yards and threw two interceptions.
It may have been the low point in a season of lows for Mayfield and the Browns. It was also a good lesson for the third-year quarterback as the Niners showed some new defensive looks.
This time, he feels more prepared for what might be coming.
“Just what they are trying to do, let those guys go make plays,” said Mayfield, who wasn’t sacked by Cincinnati. “San Fran had where they put the five bigs in the game and said one-on-one somebody is going to win.
“We are not seeing that with Washington. That does not mean they can’t show up and do that because they have the personnel. It is just different schematically, but yes, talent-wise [they’re] very similar.”
The Niners had Joey Bosa, fresh out of Ohio State. The Redskins have Young, another Buckeye who is already proving to be worth his high selection. His 2 1⁄2 sacks are tied for the league lead.
“Just a freak of nature,” said Browns rookie left tackle Jedrick Wills, who may be matched up at times against Young.
“You do not see a lot of guys like him around the league. He just has a lot of size and ability and a lot of speed and power, which is a good combination of everything you need.”