CLEVELAND – The story of the game at FirstEnergy Stadium changed the moment Avery Williamson laid out Tyrod Taylor.
No longer was this game about the Jets, putting away a Browns team that looked no better than it did last season.
Instead, the concussed Taylor meant the Jets had to deal with Baker Mayfield and how their first overall pick revitalized the franchise.
And you could see why the Browns decided to forgo picking Sam Darnold first and went with Mayfield, who proceeded to revitalize the Browns, making the 14-3 game in favor of the Jets, a 21-17 Browns win.
“I just really need to play better,” Darnold said. “Too many mistakes in that fourth quarter and missed opportunities throughout the game.”
But to say it was Mayfield who won the game for the Browns would be an understatement. The Jets also did it share of to throw this game, including some really dumb moves, resulting in penalties, highlight by Isaiah Crowell, who scored the two Jets touchdowns in the game. After the second tally, Crowell – the former Brown – proceeded to take the football and wipe it on his behind.
“That was totally unacceptable, and we spoke to him about it,” Bowles said. But the undisciplined Jets wouldn’t score a TD again, while the Browns finally won a game with Donald Trump as president.
And you can make all the excuses possible. The three games in 11 days. The winnable game being lost by the team or even Mayfield gave the Browns such a boost. The bottom line here is that the Jets were gassed in the fourth quarter and wasn’t prepared for Mayfield, like they were Taylor.
Bowles to his credit took the blame and rightfully so. The stupid penalties are his fault. As are the lack of focus as a new quarterback came in. Even if Cleveland was due for a win, this loss is as much on the Jets and Bowles.
And that’s why we are at a crossroads after three games. If the club turns around and starts winning with Darnold developing, then Bowles should keep his job, but if this club continues with the same type of stupid play, then Bowles needs to pay for it with his job.
Frankly the Jets know this. You could see it in the locker room after the game, where you could hear a pin drop. None of the Jets were in the mood to celebrtate. They knew they gave this one away with their boneheaded moves. Now the Jets will have to sit on this until the 30th where they will be in Jacksonville, who look pretty good this season.
Although Bowles has a contract until 2020, you have to believe Christopher Johnson won’t accept a step back this year, especially with Darold on the team.
The same way Bowles won’t accept Crowell whipping his behind with the football.
Or the Jet fans seeing how a very hungry Browns team took advantage of their team’s stupid mistakes.
Bakermania showed up today, but the Jets just played like an undisciplined football team.
And they paid dearly for it tonight.
About the Author
