It only took Tyrod Taylor getting injured and a number one draft pick by the name of Baker Mayfield to finally turn the Browns‘ fortunes, at least for this week.
That’s because for the first time in 19 regular season games stretching over the course of 635 days the Browns have finally earned a win with a 21-17 victory of the New York Jets.
Victory.#Browns pic.twitter.com/VF89cUXSDY
— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2018
Not that it was easy though in which case a four-point victory wouldn’t seem to be.
Down 14-0 in the first half, Baker Mayfield replaced an injured Taylor while leading the Browns to four-scoring drives including the game winning Carlos Hyde one-yard touchdown to help seal the win.
CARLOS. HYDE. 🚚🚚🚚
Touchdown, Cleveland! #NYJvsCLE https://t.co/G0ZLPE5RRu
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 21, 2018
And if the outcome of tonight’s Thursday night matchup wasn’t enough, how about the irony in the eventual quarterback matchup tonight? Baker Mayfield going up against fellow first round pick Sam Darnold who was considered to be a first overall selection until the Browns ultimately went with the former Sooner and Heisman Trophy winner Mayfield.
And speaking of Mayfield – who’ll probably start in his first NFL game of his career in 10 days in Oakland – finished 17-of-23 with 201 yards.
The No. 1 overall pick made his NFL debut.
And led the @Browns to a win! 🙌@bakermayfield's BEST PLAYS from #NYJvsCLE! #TNF #Browns https://t.co/81QYWMhlan— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2018