In a recent interview with GQ Magazine, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield took an unprovoked shot at New York Giants rookie Daniel Jones, expressing shock that a historic franchise would risk taking a losing quarterback at No. 6 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.
“I cannot believe the Giants took Daniel Jones. It blows my mind,” Mayfield said. “Some people overthink it. That’s where people go wrong. They forget you’ve gotta win.”
Giants head coach Pat Shurmur, who caught wind of Mayfield’s criticism, laughed it off and suggested to Jones that he do the same.
“[Baker] is in a long line of people that criticized that move,” Shurmur told reporters. “That’s not originally commentary, is it? . . . I know [Jones] is a winner. Don’t confuse calm and composed for a guy who is competitive and a winner.
“Quite frankly, on our list of issues of the day, it really doesn’t matter what Odell [Beckham Jr.] or Baker say.”
Jones took heed to that advice and opted not to fire back at Mayfield on Tuesday, instead saying he bears the brunt of responsibility for Duke’s losing record during his time there and that he’s focused on finding more success in New York.
“I try not to listen to much that’s said. I think I’ve done a pretty good job of that. I heard that before, I kind of have the same mindset, I certainly have a lot to focus on here, I have a lot to worry about here and I’m focused on that. It’s been good, but just focused on what I’m doing here,” Jones told reporters.
“Going back to Duke, I wish we did win more games. I played a big part in that. I take responsibility for that, I wish we did win more games. Our goal was always to win ACC championships and to go to big bowl games and we weren’t able to do that. I don’t look back on that without a large responsibility for that.
“[But] I have always felt like I’m [a winner]. Growing up and competing, I think I am a competitor and I think I’m a winner.”
Pressed to return fire over Mayfield’s comments, Jones instead took the high road.
“I think he’s a great player. He can throw it and I enjoy watching him play,” Jones said of Mayfield.
Jones did note however, that had this been said to him on the field, he’d likely talk a little trash back, but ultimately, his main goal would be to win the game and send Mayfield, Odell and the Browns home the very same losers they feel he is.
The Giants will host the Browns at MetLife Stadium in 2020.
