Shepard not surprised by Mayfield’s debut

Baker Mayfield didn’t look like a rookie. He didn’t act like one, either, entering his first NFL regular season game and leading the Browns to their first win since Dec. 24, 2016, rallying the star-crossed franchise from a 14-point second-quarter deficit on Thursday night.

How well the No. 1-overall pick performed in a crisp and clutch performance under difficult circumstances in a 21-17 win over the Jets may have stunned many observers. Mayfield woke up a lifeless team, turning an angry crowd giddy when he replaced injured starter Tyrod Taylor late in the second quarter. But Sterling Shepard, his former Oklahoma teammate, had seen that act before. He expected it.

“If you know him and know his personality, it’s not very surprising,” the Giants wide receiver told The Post on Friday following practice. “Everybody’s asking me, ‘Is he going to come in and tear it up?’ I’m like, of course. That’s what he does. First drive, he’s just slinging the ball everywhere. That’s just how he is, that’s how he’s always been.”

Shepard, who played with Mayfield for two seasons at Oklahoma, said he spoke to his former teammate a week ago, and could tell the reigning Hesiman Trophy winner was anxious to get in a game.

“He was itching to be out there. He’s a competitor, he wants to be out there,” Shepard said. “That was just the role at the time. But he pre- pares like he’s going to be the starter every week. He got in the game and he played like the starter.”

Against the Jets, Mayfield sure seemed ready to take over the reins, completing 17-of-23 passes for 201 yards and catching a two-point conversion pass. He made quick decisions and used his legs to buy time. He was accurate and poised, outplaying Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold.

“Oh man, he tore it up,” Shepard said. “But I knew that was going to happen. I’ve been saying that from the get-go. He gets his shot, the Baker I know is going to show up, and that’s what he did.”