NFL Network analyst — and former star wide receiver — Steve Smith didn’t hold back with his feelings on Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield ahead of Thursday night’s game between the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts.
The Odell Beckham Jr. era in Cleveland has been a huge disappointment, and it appears that the two sides are headed for divorce. Michael Silver of Sports Illustrated reported on Thursday that Beckham “essentially is not on the team right now,” and that Beckham “has been told to stay at home.”
Well, Smith is putting that blame on Mayfield.
Smith said, “Now I know Baker may not like this, because I know he hears things. But son, let me just tell you something. Focus here, folks. You’re average. You’re not very good, and Odell is moving on because of you, bro.”
https://twitter.com/BourbonAndBeer/status/1456391830531022848
The conversation then turned to comparing Colts quarterback Carson Wentz to Mayfield.
Here’s what Smith said: “[Wentz] IS average. But I’ll take average over Baker.”
https://twitter.com/BourbonAndBeer/status/1456397638534766595
So, Smith clearly thinks Mayfield is even below average after referring to Mayfield as “average” originally.
Mayfield, 26, has thrown for six touchdowns and three interceptions, to go with a 96.0 passer rating for the 4-4 Browns. The former No. 1 overall pick been battling injuries all year. In 2020, Mayfield experienced his best season for the Browns, with 26 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions, and a 95.9 passer rating over 16 starts for an 11-5 Cleveland squad.
Beckham, 29, has just 17 receptions for 232 yards and no touchdowns for Cleveland this season, after 23 receptions, 319 yards, and three touchdowns in 2020. He was effective in his first season with the Browns, reeling in 74 passes for 1,035 yards and four touchdowns. Otherwise, his production has been nothing at all like the guy who was an absolute superstar with the New York Giants in 2014-18.
[Photo Credit: NFL Network]
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.