Baker Mayfield throws one of the worst interceptions of all time against Patriots
It’s been a sophomore season to forget for Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. After looking like a possible star during his rookie season, Mayfield has taken a step back in Year 2.
[Watch live NFL games on the Yahoo Sports app, here's how]
How bad have things gotten for the former No. 1 overall pick? During Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots, Mayfield threw one of the worst interceptions you’ll ever see.
The interception occurred with 2:31 left in the first quarter with the Browns already trailing by 10 points. On the first play call of the drive, the Browns tried to set up a shovel pass to Jarvis Landry to gain some quick yards. Unfortunately for the Browns, Patriots’ defensive tackle Lawrence Guy blew up Cleveland’s offensive line.
Mayfield tried to fit the shovel pass in a tight window anyway. The ball — which travelled a yard or two at best — bounced off Guy’s face before he was able to snag it for an interception.
Two plays later, the Patriots scored again. That ran the team’s lead to 17-0 before the end of the first quarter.
The play was a perfect encapsulation of the Browns this season. Despite some excellent weapons, the team has struggled to get things going. Mayfield has been a major part of that. He entered Sunday’s game leading the NFL with 11 interceptions.
Mayfield showed why on that pick. It’s one thing to be aggressive and give your playmakers a chance. That strategy worked well for Mayfield last season.
But there’s a fine line between being aggressive and being reckless. Mayfield has been the latter far more often this season.
———
Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
More from Yahoo Sports:
