The Cleveland Browns hadn’t won an NFL game since Christmas Eve in 2016, but fans finally had a reason to celebrate when the Browns defeated the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football 21-17 in Baker Mayfield’s first NFL game.
At first, the Cleveland Browns night couldn’t have started off any worse. With Tyrod Taylor under center, the Browns just could not move the ball effectively. Every time Taylor snapped the ball, he was met with a hungry New York Jets defensive player in the backfield, but even when he had time to throw, his passes were errant.
Taylor suffered an injury, and the Browns were forced to sub him due to a possible concussion. No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield, whom the fans had been screaming for to start for weeks, finally took the field. On his first drive, the Browns scored their first points of the game.
Heading into the fourth quarter, Mayfield capped off the first touchdown drive of his NFL career with a two-point conversion reception from Jarvis Landry. “The Baker Special” was a great take on the Eagles “Philly Special”.
The Browns won the game off of another touchdown drive capped by a Carlos Hyde run, and it was truly a special night for everyone involved. This team won its first game in over a year at home with its franchise quarterback leading the way, there’s free beer, and Hyde scored twice on a very special day.
So yeah, Isaiah Crowell, wipe your butt with that!
Browns fans celebrated like crazy, and some of the best reactions from Twitter are provided below! This is such a passionate fanbase, and it is amazing to see that they finally have something to be happy about. It couldn’t have gone better for the Browns, and Mayfield truly looks like a special franchise QB for Cleveland.
Here’s a video of the beers coming out!
Have an awesome night and weekend, Browns fans! You all have more than earned it, and this could be a special era going forward with the likes of Mayfield, Hyde, Denzel Ward, Jabrill Peppers, Myles Garrett, and all the pass-catchers who will rise with a potentially great QB leading the way.
The Browns will have a long week to prepare for Derek Carr and the Oakland Raiders next week, and the optimism surrounding this team after this impressive showing by Mayfield and the defense could cause some fans to expect a win over the Raiders. Expecting a win? Yup, this truly feels like a new team.