The Loop
This screenshot sums up just how difficult Baker Mayfield's job is in Cleveland
Some say playing quarterback in the NFL is the most difficult job in all of sports. Based off his first 33 games as a pro, we're guessing Baker Mayfield would agree with that take wholeheartedly.
That said, the last two weeks have been relatively easy for the Heisman Trophy winner. After getting bullied by the Baltimore Ravens, Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns have bounced back to win two straight, each in convincing fashion. First, a Thursday night 35-30 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals that wasn't as close as the scoreboard indicated, and second, a 34-20 romp over the Washington Footballs. For the first time in six years, the Browns have a winning record. It's good to be Baker right now.
But the QB1 life still ain't easy even when you're winning. Case in point, this "mic'd up" clip of Mayfield from Sunday's win over Washington. After throwing the go-ahead touchdown to tight end Harrison Bryant, Mayfield celebrated with a nice "f--- yeah! hell yeah!" before running straight to his two star wide receivers, Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, and telling them he loves them and to "be patient." The moment occurs at the 29-second mark:
Just put yourself in Baker's mind for a second. You just threw a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a tight game to put your team up 24-20. It's your second TD pass of the game and it could very likely be the deciding factor in improving your team to 2-1. But you can't celebrate for too long, because you simply must console your two diva wideouts, who have combined for just one touchdown reception on the season. "I love you boys. Be patient."
This was a long-winded way of saying that Baker's job is extremely difficult in Cleveland. Guy can't even post the franchise's first winning record in half a decade without worrying about whose mouth isn't getting fed.