1) Baker vs. a Good Defense
Nationally there has been some griping of late over the teams that Baker Mayfield was having success against. Critics argued that he had yet to put up big numbers against any elite defenses. Enter Baltimore, with a defense that ranks top five in total yards allowed per game, passing yards allowed per game, rushing yards allowed per game and points allowed per game.
Mayfield’s one glaring mistake against this dominant Ravens defense came in the form of an interception on the team’s opening drive of the game. He threw two more picks on the evening, one of which was tipped and the one mentioned above which was just a good defender making an extremely athletic and timely play. The No. 1 overall pick also looked a bit off balance at times with the Ravens pass rush barring down on him.
Despite all that, Mayfield threw for 376 yards, which is the most Baltimore yielded in a single game this season. He added three touchdowns as well, which pushed him past Russell Wilson and Peyton Manning to establish a new record for touchdown passes in a rookie season (27). The No. 1 overall pick was making it look easy against a top tier defense throughout most of the game. Some of the throws he made were straight out of Madden. So for anyone who questioned if his success was sustainable against an elite defense, bite your tongue.
No. 27@bakermayfield now owns the @NFL record for most TD passes in a rookie season! pic.twitter.com/fUPTuicqh8
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 31, 2018
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