Mayfield dubbed ‘Brett Favre 2.0’ after gutting out injury
Baker Mayfield's refusal to miss a snap Sunday after the Browns starting quarterback's left shoulder had to be popped back into place evoked memories of his idol.
Well, at least it did for Browns All-pro defensive end Myles Garrett.
“The guy's tough,” Garrett said of Mayfield. “Honestly, I wouldn't say he's a carbon copy, but he's like Brett Favre 2.0. Less picks, though.”
Mayfield hurt his non-throwing shoulder while attempting to tackle Houston safety Justin Reid after he intercepted the ball in the second quarter of Sunday's 31-21 win over the Texans.
“I was feeling it a lot — thanks for asking,” Mayfield quipped. “It was all right. Played the rest of the game, didn't we?
“I think (I've had a similar injury) a few times. I don't know. It's my left (shoulder), though. God gave me two.”
Mayfield finished 19-of-21 passing for 213 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He rushed eight times for 10 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown. He had a career-high 90.5 completion percentage and posted a passer rating of 105.
The Browns (1-1) are now 16-1 when Mayfield produces a passer rating of 100 or better.
“He was really sharp,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “Versus this defense and the zone that they play, you have to be disciplined with your reads, and you have to be accurate with your throws. I thought he did a nice job.”
Mayfield's teammates marveled at his grit.
“We all know Baker is super tough, and there was no doubt in my mind that he would be back,” running back Nick Chubb said. “I knew when he went to go get checked out that he would be back in eventually.”
Mayfield brushed off the compliments, including Garrett comparing him to Favre.
“I'm not doing it for any gratification or anything,” Mayfield said. “I put in the work during the week and come out on Sundays because I truly love this game. Blessed to play it as a job.
“I'm not the only one dealing with injuries. By no means is that the case. Everybody is fighting through something. The healthiest you are the whole year is when you show up for camp. After that, it's all downhill..”