In the recent NFL landscape, Baker Mayfield has captured attention not only for his impressive performances but also for demonstrating to the Cleveland Browns what they are missing. Meanwhile, New England’s rookie head coach Jerod Mayo is facing scrutiny for his inability to protect his team in public discussions.
As the MVP race heats up, Mayfield is firmly in the mix alongside Jared Goff and Jordan Love, while Lamar Jackson continues his impressive streak, having thrown five touchdowns against the Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. Although Mayfield didn’t reach Jackson’s level during that game, his performance was noteworthy, racking up 370 yards along with two early interceptions and three consecutive touchdown drives in the game’s closing moments. Despite facing adversity, including injuries to key receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Mayfield showcased his resilience and leadership.
At just 29 years old, Mayfield reaped the rewards of a stellar 2023 season with a $100 million contract extension this offseason and is exceeding expectations once again. Leading the NFL with 18 passing touchdowns and ranking third in completion percentage at 70.5%, his efficiency is a marked improvement compared to his time in Cleveland, where he struggled with accuracy. This transformation highlights not only personal growth but also a promising trajectory for his current season.
The Browns, reflecting on their missteps, now find themselves nearing the end of the tumultuous Deshaun Watson era. It’s intriguing to watch how Mayfield will navigate the remainder of the season without his top receivers.
Shifting gears to the defensive side, it’s easy to overlook rookie defenders making their mark in the NFL, overshadowed by the expectations set for first-round quarterbacks and receivers. For instance, Byron Murphy II, selected by Seattle as the 16th overall pick, has exceeded expectations when healthy. The Seahawks recorded a perfect 4-0 with him on the field, compared to the three losses during his absence due to a hamstring injury. His presence has significantly impacted Seattle’s run defense, allowing only 126 yards per game when he plays, in stark contrast to 172 yards without him.
Meanwhile, Jared Verse, the Rams’ 19th overall pick this year, is making waves with a 27% pressure rate, fourth-highest in the league. Despite limited sacks, his ability to create turnovers and generate pressure has been invaluable, suggesting he could evolve into an elite playmaker with the right coaching.
On the flip side, the New York Giants are under intense scrutiny, particularly from head coach Bill Belichick. Critiquing their decisions regarding star player Saquon Barkley, he expressed disbelief over their failure to retain him for a few million dollars more. The fallout from their choices has left quarterback Daniel Jones vulnerable, especially after the season-ending injury to left tackle Andrew Thomas, exacerbated by lackluster performances from his replacement, Joshua Ezeudu.
In New England, coach Jerod Mayo is grappling with the harsh reality of leading a team that has dropped six consecutive games, with a dismal offense averaging just 14.1 points per game. Mayo’s public admission of his team’s “softness” following a London defeat raises concerns about his approach, especially as the team heads into a crucial match against the New York Jets. His remarks may leave players feeling confused about their direction moving forward.
As we look ahead, all eyes will be on Mayfield and Mayo to see how they navigate their respective battles—one attempting to capitalize on his resurgence while the other seeks to turn the tide in a challenging situation.
