2018 NFL Power Rankings: Packers, Patriots fall as Rams, Chiefs show dominance
By Randy Gurzi
24. Cleveland Browns (28)
It looked like the Cleveland Browns were well on their way to yet another loss. Tyrod Taylor was just awful under center, completing 4-of-14 passes for 19 yards. Head coach Hue Jackson still kept trotting him out there, which proved he cared more about his ego and being right about Taylor than trying to actually win (which explains his atrocious record).
Then Taylor suffered a concussion, which was incredibly unfortunate for him. No one wants to see anyone go out with an injury and head trauma is a serious thing. Still, we can wish Taylor all the best while still admitting it forced the bumbling coach’s hand into putting the No. 1 overall pick on the field. It took maybe one pass to realize this team was better with Baker Mayfield.
He led them on a two-minute drive to a field goal and that cut the lead to 14-3, but more importantly, gave them hope after a night full of three-and-outs. He finished the night with 201 yards and was 17-of-23 with a couple drops in the mix as well. More importantly was the way everyone around him was better.
He put passes in position for playmakers like Jarvis Landry to make plays and even forced the safeties to quit stacking the box — which allowed Carlos Hyde to run for 98 yards on 23 carries after averaging just 2.8 with Taylor.
The Browns were able to win, but even more exciting is it doesn’t feel like this is the pinnacle for them like their last win in 2016 was. Instead, it feels like the start of something good.