Baker Mayfield’s reaction to Jets loss is the type of leadership Browns need (Video)

Baker Mayfield took all the blame after the Browns lost to the Jets.

The Cleveland Browns entered Sunday’s game against the New York Jets without their top four wide receivers and two starting offensive linemen. The opponent at hand seemed to make things a bit less drastic.

But no. The Browns lost by a final of 23-16 when a win would have clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2002. Baker Mayfield went 28/53 for 285 yards and no touchdowns. The worst part of his day was his three fumbles, two of which were lost. The last one came on a critical fourth down that ended the comeback chances for the Browns.

Mayfield had a short postgame statement and took the blame for the loss in the process.

Baker Mayfield showed maturity in defeat

The Browns quarterback has been known to joke around in his press conference or even directly go after media members. Not this time. He simply answered all the potential questions at once and made sure to take the blame for how he played in the loss.

This is some true leadership the Browns have been lacking for quite some time. Mayfield is not perfect, which was seen Sunday, but this short speech proved he is at least learning how to be more of a professional.

The key is bouncing back next week and clinching a playoff berth with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Another loss to miss the playoffs wouldn’t have fans caring too much about leadership.

Those who watched the game know the Browns could not run the ball at all and likely had to change the entire gameplan given all the COVID-related absences. So it is totally fair to make excuses.

Mayfield didn’t do that and is showing qualities needed in a potential franchise quarterback. That is a necessary baby step for a franchise like the Browns that had not even won 10 games in a season since 2007.