Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield will always be connected as advanced members of the same draft class in 2018.
While the two defenders face off on Sunday, Mayfield, former No. 1 choice, leaves the Browns on the precipice of their first playoff berth since 2002, with a 10-4 record a year after finishing second in the league with 21 interceptions in a 6-10 season.
Darnold, choice # 3 of 2018, and the Jets did not win their first game in 2020 until last week against the Rams, but it has greatly improved the game from one year to the next in Mayfield and the Browns may be a lesson for the Jets if they don’t make a spectacular quarterback change through the draft for next season.
“Baker has been playing very well. Honestly, I haven’t been watching him much, but obviously they are winning games, so he must be doing a good job, ”said Darnold after Thursday’s training. “I always say that and I will say it again. The quarterbacks and coaches of this league are always judged by the victories and defeats. That’s it.
“Baker is winning this year and we don’t win as much as we would like, obviously. We will continue to be judged for this, as we should be. … Baker has done a very good job this year and I think for me, obviously, there are some things I need to work on. “
Darnold added that his family was tested for COVID-19 through the Jets and he will spend Christmas with them.
Adam Gase on the left rookie tackle Mekhi Becton facing the defensive side of Pro Bowl Myles Garrett (11 sacks) on Sunday: “If you want to know where you are, this is the right guy to go against. … When you see him play live, it’s an impressive sight to behold. “
Tight end Ryan Griffin was placed on the reserve / COVID-19 list on Wednesday because he was considered to have been in close contact with someone outside the organization who had a positive test. Gase said he still believes Griffin “has a chance” to play on Sunday if he continues with the negative test.
Browns’ left rookie, Jedrick Wills, was placed on the reserve / COVID-19 list on Thursday, but was supposed to be able to play.
In addition to Curtis Martin Team MVP award winner Marcus Maye, other winners included Frank Gore (Dennis Byrd / Most Inspiring), Griffin (Ed Block / Courage), Matthias Farley (Marty Lyons / Community Service), Folorunso Fatukasi (Kyle Clifton / Good Guy) and Denzel Mims (Bill Hampton / Newbie who acts like a pro). … CB Javelin Guidry (knee) did not practice.