The trajectory of the Cleveland Browns’ 2019 season is not following the course of preseason predictions.
Baker Mayfield, furthermore, has an NFL-high 11 interceptions with five touchdowns through six games this season. At 2-4, the stats are bad. But Ryan Leaf comparing the former Heisman Trophy Winner’s career to his own is worse.
Leaf was a Heisman Trophy Finalist and All-American in 1997. Drafted second overall in 1998, Leaf’s behavior raised eyebrows off the field before he was benched in Week 4 of his rookie season with the Chargers after throwing four interceptions in the first half of a game. Things didn’t really work out in the NFL for the Washington State product.
On The Rich Eisen Show, Leaf said, “When things start to go bad, you put yourself out there in this form. And people can easily attack it. I have a very small sample size: 2-0 to start my NFL career. Talking a lot of smack. And then I walk into Kansas City and put up the worst football game of my existence. And I’ve always been this brash, arrogant kind of guy.
“That’s the way I came back at everybody instead of just walking up in front of the camera and going, ‘Oh my God. This was my fault. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure this doesn’t happen again.’ And hearing Baker yesterday — even though small — blame the officials for some calls is problematic for me because as a quarterback, you want to be able to stand up in front of everybody and take personal accountability.”
While Mayfield’s rookie successes beat out Leaf’s career, the character assessment is the crux of the flameout’s comparison and after Sunday’s 32-28 loss to the Seahawks and the QB’s commentary on officiating after throwing three picks during the game certainly adds to the similarities.
The Browns visit the 6-0 Patriots Sunday.
