Mayfield faces stiff test against Ravens defense
Baker Mayfield’s first NFL start came inside Oakland’s notorious Black Hole.
No. 2 will be against some nasty black birds.
It can only get easier after this.
The top overall pick in this year’s draft, Mayfield faces a major challenge in his first career home start on Sunday as the Browns host the Ravens. Baltimore’s ravenous, second-ranked defense has not given up a touchdown in the second half this season and made Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger look lost last week.
Now they get a rookie to feast upon.
Mayfield knows what awaits him.
“Baltimore has obviously been historically a great defensive franchise,” he said. “They trust what they are good at, and they are going to run it. They are playing well right now. I expect them to continue to do what they are good at Patriots quarterback Tom Brady goes over the top for a touchdown against the Colts during the first half of Thursday’s game in Foxborough, Mass. The game was not finished in time for this edition. See Dispatch.com for the result. and also throw a couple of wrinkles in there for me.”
For the most part, Mayfield handled everything the Raiders threw his way a week ago in his first career start, a 45-42 loss in overtime. Showing some of the same poise and playmaking ability that made him a college star, Mayfield passed for 295 yards and two touchdowns. However, he committed four turnovers and the Browns (1-2-1) blew a 14-point lead in the second half and dropped to 2-33-1 in coach Hue Jackson’s tenure.
Still, Mayfield, who
came off the bench on Sept. 20 against the New York Jets and led the Browns to their first win since 2016, handled the adversity like a seasoned pro and converted a few more doubters into believers.
The Browns may have finally found their leader.
“I think Baker Mayfield is this generation’s Brett Favre or John Elway, if you will,” Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale said. “This guy knows where he wants to go with the ball, and he’s very accurate, has a quick release. He’s really playing well. Obviously, he’s playing well because they scored 42 points last week against Oakland, and they are the top five of scoring offense. So, I think he’s done a nice job filling in, and it seems like they have more rhythm with him as a rookie, every play he’s in there.”
Mayfield’s about to face a defense like he’s never seen. Browns offensive coordinator Todd Haley knows the Ravens well. After spending six seasons with Pittsburgh going up against Baltimore’s tenacious defense twice a season, Haley smiled when told about Martindale’s praise of his young QB.
“He’s carving a (Pro Football Hall of Fame) bust?” Haley said. “I will hold my stance. I am excited about a lot of the things that he is doing. This week will be a real test. We will know a lot more come Sunday evening.”
The New England Patriots activated receiver Julian Edelman to the 53-man roster, making him eligible to make his season debut Thursday night against the Indianapolis the Colts. Edelman was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancers. The Patriots released running back Kenjon Barner. ... Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen returned to practice on a limited basis just four weeks after breaking his right foot. Coach Ron Rivera said Olsen won’t play Sunday against the New York Giants. His status will be evaluated next week.