Hue Jackson Doesn’t Commit to Baker Mayfield as Starter After Comeback Win

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Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson didn’t provide a definitive answer when asked if Baker Mayfield will be his starting quarterback after the No. 1 overall pick led the team to a 21-17 win over the New York Jets on Thursday night. 

“Baker did some great things…but let’s not get into those debates tonight,” Jackson said, according to NFL Network’s Omar Ruiz. 

Jackson added he wants to go back and “watch the tape” before making a decision. 

When Jackson watches the tape, he will no doubt be impressed. 

Mayfield entered in the second quarter after Tyrod Taylor suffered a concussion, and he lit up the Jets defense to the tune of 201 yards on 17-of-23 passing and a 100.1 passer rating while leading three second-half scoring drives to help the Browns secure their first win in 635 days. 

Mayfield was also on the receiving end of a two-point conversion modeled after the Philadelphia Eagles‘ “Philly Special.” 

“He was so ready for this moment and he grabbed it by the horns,” wide receiver Jarvis Landry said, according to The Associated Press’ Tom Withers. “…He’s really special.”

Conversely, Taylor went 4-of-14 passing for 19 yards before he departed to be evaluated by medical personnel. 

The Browns (1-1-1) will have some time to prepare for a Week 4 meeting with the Oakland Raiders as they attempt to move above .500 for the first time since the 2014 season.