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Dec. 28, 2020, is a day for Baker Mayfield and the Browns to forget.
In a 23-16 loss to the New York Jets, Mayfield’s performance was headlined by three fumbles; Not his 28 completions on 53 passing attempts for 285 yards and zero touchdowns.
Following the game, Mayfield was visibly frustrated when describing his outing against the Jets.
“There is no excuse. Plain and simple. I failed this team,” Mayfield told reporters after the game. “I put three balls on the ground. Two of them, they recovered. The other one on the fourth down, obviously I needed to hold onto the damn ball.
“We had exactly what we needed to win this game and I didn’t do good enough. That’s it.”
Heading into Sunday, the Jets allowed the fourth-highest rating to opposing quarterbacks during the 2020 season. Mayfield’s 68.5 rating was his fourth-worst this season, with the previous three poor showings also resulting in losses. Although the Browns were without their three staring receivers, Mayfield offered no excuses.
“It sucks that we didn’t have our guys but we believe in the guys that we have in the locker room, no matter who it is,” Mayfield said. “That’s why they’re here. That’s why they’re Cleveland Browns. That’s why they were brought here. That’s why we suited them up. We believe in them and I told every one of those guys that.”
The Browns have the opportunity to redeem themselves next week with a win against the Steelers. Defeating Pittsburgh at FirstEnergy Stadium would clinch Cleveland’s first playoff berth since 2002. The last time the Browns played Pittsburgh, Mayfield had season lows in passer rating (54.9) and passing yards (119).
“Here’s the thing. This one is going to sting for a day or two but we have the Steelers to win and get in,” Mayfield said before eventually leaving the Zoom call abruptly. “Yes, I am aware of what could have happened if we won today. It is what it is.
“I am going to roll with these punches, back against the wall and we have to win to get in.”