CLEVELAND — “What was that? Who called that play?”
That is more than just a memorable line from the football movie, “Rudy.” It was the question Cleveland Browns fans and national radio and television commentators were asking after a curious call early in the fourth quarter of their Sunday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland last week.
The Browns faced a fourth-and-nine from the Los Angeles 40-yard line with more than nine minutes remaining in regulation and down only four points, but instead of punting to pin the Rams’ offense deep in its own territory or call a pass play, the Browns ran a draw to running back Nick Chubb.
Although a powerful and elusive runner, Chubb was able to find space enough for just a two-yard gain, meaning the Browns turned over the ball near midfield and set up a drive the Rams finished off with a 37-yard field goal on the way to a 20-13 road win.
But who called the play? Was it quarterback Baker Mayfield on an audible or coach Freddie Kitchens?
Well, that depends on who is asked.
“It was just trusting our guys to make a play,” Mayfield said following Wednesday’s practice.
Offensive lineman Joel Bitonio added, “Honestly, when you are out on the field, you hear the call and you kind of run what is called. You are not thinking, ‘Oh, it is fourth-and-nine on this drive.’ We just have to execute it. Every play is designed to get enough yards for the play, so we have to go out there, execute that one and try and figure out a way to get nine yards.”
Immediately following the game, and then again the next day after film sessions with the players, Kitchens took full responsibility for the draw on fourth-and-nine, trying to quell the questions about an audible that may have been called at the line of scrimmage.
Mayfield appreciates the support Kitchens has shown him, but was more than willing to accept the blame for the failed play.
“It is on me,” Mayfield said. “There is no other figures to blame. It is on me.”
With Kitchens calling the plays as interim offensive coordinator over the second half of the 2018 season, Mayfield completed 180 of his 263 attempts (68.4 percent) for 2,254 yards and 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions, but it has been a struggle for him thus far in 2019.
During Sunday night’s 20-13 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield completed 18 of his 36 attempts (50 percent) for 195 yards and one touchdown with an interception on the Browns’ last offensive play of the game, a fourth-and-goal from the four-yard line that was taken away off of a deflection.
Three games into his second NFL season, Mayfield has completed 62 of his 109 attempts (56.9 percent) for 805 yards with three touchdowns, five interceptions, 14 20-yard throws and one 40-yard pass, all while taking 11 sacks for 81 lost yards.
Over 17 games played, including 16 straight starts, Mayfield has completed 372 of his 595 attempts (62.5 percent) for 4,530 yards and 30 touchdowns against 19 interceptions.
“Anytime you have a guy like that who has your back, it is very comforting,” Mayfield said.
“I just need to, I think just let it loose and go play. Not be afraid of making mistakes and going out there and playing my game. Not hesitating and knowing that he has my back no matter what, so I think that is important to have that respect from him.”