Blowouts happen in the NFL, but there are some major red flags that analysts have been taking a look at following the Browns’ 38-7 blowout loss to the Steelers.
It was a litmus test for the (then 4-1) Browns, and they failed. Turnovers and mistakes during key moments proved to be their downfall in Sunday’s divisional loss.
The Browns were held to only 220 yards, and the Steelers defense wreaked havoc on quarterback Baker Mayfield throughout the divisional showdown. He completed only 10 of 18 passes for 119 yards. Not only that, his sole touchdown pass and two interceptions didn’t look good on the field, as well as in the box score.
But Mayfield doesn’t care what his critics have to say about his poor performance, which he told reporters during Wednesday’s press conference.
“I don’t give a damn what they say,” Mayfield said, via ESPN.com. “We know we can be better. I know I can be better. The outside noise doesn’t matter. They get paid to talk and we get paid to do our work. So that’s how it’s going to be handled.”
He continued:
“We’re eager to get back to work,” Mayfield said. “Fix the problems we know are within our control.”
The main problem for the Browns right now is Mayfield. He’s struggling to read opposing defenses, and he can’t simply sit in the pocket and throw. At some point, he’s going to need to look in the mirror and admit that he needs to make better reads, or the Browns won’t be able to beat the league’s elite teams.
