Baker Mayfield’s having a tough afternoon against the Steelers
As of this writing there’s still time for the Oklahoma product to turn things around, but the Steelers have made Mayfield look very, very human. Mayfield is playing through the pain of a rib injury, and that may have been an unwise decision. Baker was questionable entering Sunday, but claimed that “mama didn’t raise no wuss” when asked if he’d play against Pittsburgh.
Mayfield’s toughness shouldn’t be questioned, but his style of play doesn’t bode well for the physicality of the Steelers defense if he isn’t fully healthy. Browns fans and NFL pundits have noticed this thus far, and are hoping the Browns pull Mayfield in favor of Case Keenum. It’s not necessarily a knock on Mayfield as it’s needing more inspired quarterback play against a defense as capable as Pittsburgh’s.
Browns fans took to Twitter to call on Case Keenum
Case Keenum time.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 18, 2020
Keenum in 2nd half? #Browns
— Tony Rizzo (@TheRealTRizzo) October 18, 2020
If Baker Mayfield's rib injury is affecting him like it seems to be, why didn't they go with Case Keenum today? Why don't they switch to him now?
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 18, 2020
case keenum szn
— gabb 💕 (@gabbgoudy) October 18, 2020
Put Case Keenum in pic.twitter.com/kGAgS1F3CY
— cole☄️ (@notbol_) October 18, 2020
Baker Mayfield is very clearly banged up. He looks miserable out there and the #Browns O-line is not doing him any favors today. Bringing in Case Keenum today might be inevitable, but I don't think that equates to giving up on Baker.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) October 18, 2020
Baker is our QB. This isn’t a bench him post. But he don’t look right out there and why get him more hurt for the next few weeks. Let’s see what Keenum can do the second half.
— GV Art + Apparel (@GVartwork) October 18, 2020
Question now: Does Keenum come out and play the 2nd half? That hit looked nasty. #Browns
— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) October 18, 2020
Baker Mayfield is clearly hurt out there and taking a beating. This is why you paid Case Keenum. Get Baker out of this game!
— Vern Thompson (@VernThompson) October 18, 2020
I’m ready for Case Keenum SZN for 1 half to let Baker rest for next week. #Browns
— BIGPLAY Dave (@BIGPLAY_Dave) October 18, 2020
Baker did not look good there walking into locker room. Keenum might play soon. You cannot send him out there if he’s that hurt.
— Browns Time (@DevotedBrownie) October 18, 2020
Two part question:
— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) October 18, 2020
1) How much longer are they going to leave Baker out there?
2) How much worse could Case Keenum be?
The Browns did get Keenum as a capable backup for a reason, and his familiarity with Kevin Stefanski’s scheme would bode well against any defense, even that of the Steelers.
Mayfield has earned his respect as the Browns leader. His teammates love him, and surely they think even more highly of him after watching him take multiple hits from Pittsburgh’s defensive line.
Baker’s interception on the first drive of the game to Minkah Fitzpatrick set the tone for this entire game. Even should the Browns come back, it could be at the cost of Mayfield’s health.