For years, the home of the Cleveland Browns has been known as the “Factory of Sadness,” which was an apt moniker for a structure that has been the venue for many painful memories.
On Thursday night, due to an injury suffered by Tyrod Taylor, rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield gave First Energy Stadium and Cleveland Browns fans everywhere a jolt of life. Putting together a professional debut for the ages, he led to the franchise to its first win in 635 days.
No longer willing to view First Energy Stadium as the “Factory of Sadness,” and in honor of Mayfield’s epic performance, one Cleveland photographer has re-named it “The Bakery.”
My photographer, Lamont, came up with a new name for the “Factory of Sadness”. First Energy Stadium will now be called “The Bakery”. #Browns #DillyDilly 🏈 pic.twitter.com/m2X5AT8Lnh
— Jessica Dill (@JessicaLynnDill) September 21, 2018
When Mayfield entered Thursday night’s game against the New York Jets just before halftime, the Browns were down 14-0. Due to his remarkable play and obvious leadership — the team responded to his presence in a tangible way — the Browns pulled to within 11 points before halftime and then dominated the second half in the 21-17 victory.
Mayfield himself was almost flawless. He completed 17-of-23 passes for 201 yards, and he caught a critical pass on the two-point conversion in the third quarter that tied the game up at 14-14.
There’s no going back to Tyrod Taylor now. The Browns would be making a mistake of epic proportions to do such a thing, and Cleveland’s fans would probably revolt if Hue Jackson does it.
It’s Baker’s world now. We’re all just living in it.