(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND — The Browns’ quarterback of the future was their star tonight.
Baker Mayfield, the rookie and first-overall NFL Draft pick, lifted Cleveland to the promised land Thursday night in a 21-17 win over the Jets, ending a winless streak that dates back to December 2016.
Mayfield, who came off the bench in the second quarter when veteran starter Tyrod Taylor left with a concussion, passed for 201 yards on 17-of-23 throws, igniting a stirring second-half comeback in front of a raucous crowd at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Trailing by a field goal with 2:07 to play, running back Carlos Hyde scored on a 1-yard run to give the Browns their first lead of the night.
They never looked back.
Open the victory fridges, Cleveland.
Key moment: The Browns were dealt a significant blow before halftime, losing starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor to a concussion. Taylor sustained the injury with 3:01 to play in the second quarter after being sacked on a 3rd-and-12. He was escorted to the team’s locker room shortly after and did not return. Taylor finished 4-of-14 for 19 yards in addition to four carries for 22 yards.
Player of the game: Mayfield: Taylor’s understudy, Mayfield, was impressive and then some in his debut. The former Oklahoma star and Heisman Trophy was 17 of 23 for 201 yards and provided an enormous spark to a Browns offense that struggled in the first half.
Stat of the game: 635 — The Browns ended a 635-day winless streak with Thursday night’s triumph. Who’s next? Cleveland (1-1-1) travels to Oakland next Sunday.