We have a Baker Mayfield sighting ? pic.twitter.com/Fk0gt2favD
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) August 9, 2018
Saquon Barkley got things going on the first play of the game, but Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield had other ideas thereafter.
The top two picks of April’s draft squared off on Thursday night, with Baker Mayfield’s Cleveland Browns visiting Saquon Barkey’s New York Giants at MetLife Stadium for a preseason get-together.
While Barkley got things off to a roaring start with a 39-yard run on the first play from scrimmage, Mayfield, April’s top overall selection, wouldn’t let the running back steal the spotlight.
Mayfield gave Browns fans a rare sense of hope on Thursday, going 11-for-20 for 212 yards and two touchdowns, guiding the Browns to a 20-10 lead by the time he departed the game in the fourth quarter.
He entered the game late in the first frame, with his team holding a 7-3 lead. His debut was an uneventful three-and-out, but when the Browns got the ball back, he engineered a masterful 14-play, 72-yard drive that concluded with the first unofficial touchdown of his NFL career, a 10-yard strike to tight end and Cedar Grove, NJ native David Njoku.
.@BakerMayfield’s first (preseason) NFL TD!#CLEvsNYG pic.twitter.com/zRN3MoU07k
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 10, 2018
It was the latter’s second score of the game, having previously entered the end zone on a 36-yard throw from starter Tyrod Taylor.
That drive featured a 26-yard completion to Rashard Higgins with 18 yards to go on third down, as well as two first downs obtained by Mayfield via rushing.
Mayfield was generally consistent for the remainder of the evening, and he exited on the highest of notes, a 54-yard scoring hookup with Antonio Callaway that put the Browns up 20-10.
Mayfield to Callaway for a 54-yard TOUCHDOWN ?#CLEvsNYG pic.twitter.com/HD4sO8fwjg
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 10, 2018
For his part, Taylor, a free agent addition that led the Buffalo Bills to their first playoff appearance since 2000 last season, had a literally perfect evening, going 5-for-5 for 99 yards and the Njoku score.
The Browns will return to preseason action next Friday, returning home to take on the Buffalo Bills (7:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network).
What a catch, Antonio Callaway!#CLEvsNYG pic.twitter.com/NHlsAB9wgO
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 10, 2018
