Needing 2 yards for a first run that would guarantee the franchise’s first playoff spot in 18 years, the Cleveland Browns didn’t just put the result in the hands of quarterback Baker Mayfield.
They put it on their feet too.
A goalkeeper projected around the right edge gained 3 yards and allowed the Browns to lose time on Sunday afternoon for a 24-22 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which ended Cleveland’s long playoff drought.
And, of course, the Browns won another game against the Steelers, which will take place on Sunday night at Heinz Field in the AFC wild card round.
The Browns have Pro Bowl running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, but when it came time to unquestionably seal the franchise’s biggest win in two decades, first-year coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t hesitate to let Mayfield decide the outcome with his legs .
“We felt that this was the right decision at the right time,” said Stefanski on Monday, “because it worked.”
The Browns selected Mayfield first overall in 2018 based on what he could do with his right arm, but the 25-year-old quarterback showed his versatility against the Steelers with his talent for making moves when carrying the ball – in planned races or not.
Mayfield staggered five times and took a knee in the final snap of the game, giving him 44 yards in six runs, the best of the season.
“We know he is a mobile quarterback,” said nosy striker Tyson Alualu. “It’s always about not letting him make those big moves with his feet. We have to contain it as a D-line, and we have to keep it in the pocket and make it make those pitches and try to affect it that way.
“You always expect one of those he tries to escape and extend his moves to, be it a run or a run / pass (option). We just have to be there and not let it happen this week. ”
Although the Steelers might have been prepared for the Mayfield race, it was not based on any firsthand knowledge. It was the first time in six career clashes against the Steelers that Mayfield had called his own number more than once in a game.
“He wants the stone in his hand,” said Stefanski. “This is the type of person he is at the moment. We really liked that concept and thought we had a chance. He knew he would have to have ball security, and he did. ”
A week earlier, when the Browns were caught by the New York Jets in a win, Mayfield fumbled three times, twice in bags. He lost two of the fumbles. In the one that the Browns recovered, it came in a fourth and a failed late game attempt.
Mayfield was excited for another chance at that crucial moment against the Steelers.
“Anyway, I’ll be happy with that,” he said. “I heard the play call when I was on the sideline … I thought he was playing at the beginning because I didn’t hear well. We called and I said, ‘Come on’. Obviously, whatever the cost. ”
When the Steelers kept Mayfield contained, he produced modest numbers: 17 submissions in 27 attempts for 196 yards and four bags.
“There were definitely times when he came out of his pocket,” said linebacker rookie Alex Highsmith. “We are going to take a look this week, study our film and find ways to keep it in your pocket throughout the game. This is what matters most. We will build a good game plan to do this. ”
The Steelers will have defensive captain Cameron Heyward and external linebacker TJ Watt back on the field for the playoff opening. They were among eight veteran Steelers players who did not make the trip to Cleveland or were on the reserve / covid-19 list.
Joe Rutter is a staff writer for the Tribune-Review. You can contact Joe by email at [email protected] or via Twitter .
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Sports | Steelers / NFL