Browns QB Baker Mayfield Trolls Media Over Criticism

Getty Browns QB Baker Mayfield.

The Cleveland Browns and Baker Mayfield have turned things around after an ugly Week 1 loss, looking like the contender many thought they could be considering the talent on both sides of the ball.

Mayfield has been especially slammed with criticism since struggling under Freddie Kitchens last season and looking less than stellar early this year. Some called Mayfield a clear bust, while some were even calling for Baker to be benched and replaced with veteran Case Keenum.

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Mayfield has since bounced back as one of the most efficient QBs in the league, albeit he’s not putting up monster numbers. The former No. 1 overall pick has passed for 729 yards, 7 touchdowns and just two interceptions this season for the 3-1 Browns.


Baker Mayfield Calls Out Cleveland Media

During his press conference on Wednesday Mayfield was asked if he still finds people around the city or in the Browns building talking negative about him. His response was a classic one.

“Well, yeah, for starters you guys. But other than that, yeah, around town,” Mayfield said with a straight face, referring to the local media in Cleveland.

On a more serious note, Mayfield has looked much more comfortable in head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense, and it will likely only get better as his familiarity with the system grows.

“The sky is the limit for us. I have said that,” Mayfield said. “We are a very different team from Week 1. You can look at the calls, the plays, the schemes and all of it. We are very different, and we are continuing to evolve and grow and see what is working for us.”


Baker Mayfield Knows Nick Chubb Will be Missed

Browns star running back Nick Chubb missed the majority of the Browns 49-38 win against Dallas after getting rolled up on at the end of a play in the first half. The third-year back was placed on injured reserve this week, which means he’ll miss a minimum of three weeks, although it could be more.

“It always hurts losing a player like Nick, not for just his on the field performance. He is obviously a great player, but just the leader he is for this team,” Mayfield said. “His work ethic, his mentality, he is the same guy every day. That is an important thing for us. We trust in our other guys. Like we said postgame, we trust in the guys to step up. Kareem (Hunt) — I have said it multiple times — is a top back in the league.”

Hunt was questionable heading into the Week 4 matchup, but still managed 71 yards on 11 carries and scored a pair of touchdowns. But Hunt feels like he’s getting healthier and is looking to prove to himself and the rest of the league that he can still be a top-tier No. 1 back in the league.

“I’m a man on a mission,” Hunt told Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. “I didn’t get to play a full season last year or the year before, so I want to be able to finish out a full season and just remind everybody that I believe I can play with the best of the best and I’m up there with those guys. So, I’ve been working hard all offseason and just getting my mind right too — especially playing in my hometown, and what it will do for the community. You know, I love Cleveland.”

As a team Cleveland rushed for 307 yards last Sunday — the most the Cowboys have ever allowed. D’Ernest Johnson led the team with 95 yards and Dontrell Hilliard chipped in 19. Chubb had 43 before exiting and wide receiver Odell Beckahm Jr. had 73 yard — 50 of those coming on a dagger, highlight reel reverse.

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