The Baker Mayfield has unofficially begun, and the Cleveland Browns must be satisfied with the rookie quarterback’s performance in their preseason opener.
In seven drives against the New York Giants, he completed 11-of-20 attempts for 212 yards and two touchdowns. Mayfield also picked up two timely first downs with his legs to set up his 10-yard score to David Njoku.
Later, Mayfield scrambled and threw a perfectly placed 24-yard ball to Antonio Callaway on the sideline to convert a 3rd-and-7. The duo connected once again for a 54-yard touchdown thanks to a Mayfield laser.
Overall, it was a terrific debut for the Oklahoma product. And the Twitterverse took notice.
Baker Mayfield in one series looked better than Manziel did in his entire lousy Browns career.
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) August 10, 2018
Baker Mayfield, Super Bowl LIII MVP.
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) August 10, 2018
Baker looks pretty, pretty good.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) August 10, 2018
BAKER MAYFIELD: (Throws one preseason touchdown for the Browns)
CLEVELAND: pic.twitter.com/RhWFzyQXWg
— nascarcasm (@nascarcasm) August 10, 2018
The thing Mayfield has impressed me with the most is his pocket presence and footwork. It’s subtle movements he’s making that most rookies can’t do yet to avoid pressure and keep his eyes downfield
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) August 10, 2018
Outstanding placement on that dart by Baker, giving Callaway a chance to maintain his stride and then race to the end zone.
Mayfield's quick-minded approach is translating well so far. Fun to watch.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) August 10, 2018
Baker Mayfield, by the way, is 11 of 20 for 212 yards and two touchdowns and has looked much better than those numbers would indicate. Pretty impressive debut for the No. 1 overall pick.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) August 10, 2018
Tonight belongs to Baker. Cleveland should be excited.
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) August 10, 2018