By MARK O’CALLAGHAN
Co-Arts Editor
The Cleveland Browns broke a losing streak since Dec. 24, 2016 when they stunned the New York Jets in a match up this week. The final score came down to 21-17 with a comeback in the second half by rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield ending the 365 day losing streak.
Mayfield came in right before the first half ended after the starting quarterback, Tyrod Taylor, suffered a concussion. After Taylor walked off the field, Mayfield came in to help the Browns after the Jets scored two touchdowns by Isaiah Crowell and helped to secure a field goal. In the second half, the Browns railed to even the score with a field goal, a touchdown and a two point conversion. While the Jets got a field goal, Carlos Hyde rushed the ball for a touchdown and won the game.
Even Bud Light got in on the action with exclusive fridges that were open when the Browns won. Ten fridges in Cleveland were placed due to a deal between Bud Light and the city. If the Browns won then the fridges full of Bud Light would open. That happened when the master control of the fridges opened up as fans celebrated the victory.
Fans were ecstatic by the win as they finally scored a victory. Their first game against the Pittsburgh Steelers got them a tie and while not a win, it beats losing. They almost won the second game against the New Orleans Saints but kicker Zane Gonzalez missed two crucial field goals and two extra points that would have got them the win. Gonzalez was quickly replaced by Greg Joseph.
Browns coach Hue Jackson say that he’s unsure if Mayfield will become the starting quarterback as Taylor hasn’t clear the concussion protocol. However, ESPN reports that Mayfield will start against the Oakland Raiders on Sep. 30.
Mayfield was the first pick overall in the NFL draft by the Browns. Mayfield commented that “If it’s anybody’s going to turn around that franchise, it’d be me. To be able to put them in the right direction. They’re close. They have the right pieces. Just need one guy at quarterback to make that difference.”
The Browns have been notorious for being one of the worst teams in the NFL. Their 2017 season broke records as they’re the first to have multiple seasons with 15 or more losses, the first to start consecutive seasons with at least 14 losses ending in a 0-16 record and having the longest playoff drought with 15 seasons. Deciding it was enough, the team got talented players like Jarvis Landry from the Miami Dolphins and Carlos Hyde from the San Francisco 49ers.
With momentum following their win, the Browns still have ways to go if they want a playoff spot. They’re at the bottom of the AFC north division with the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens leading the division. Mayfield say after the game that if they win the next four games and stay focused then “you can come out and you can have a home playoff game.” If they keep the hype going, the Cleveland Browns will surprise a lot of people during this season.
The Cleveland Browns will play against the Oakland Raiders on Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. on Fox.
