The top two picks in the NFL Draft squared off in the preseason opener at MetLife Stadium on Thursday night. It was the top overall pick who stole the show, despite both players showing up in their NFL debuts. Baker Mayfield played a majority of the game and threw two touchdown passes in the Cleveland Browns' 20-10 win over the New York Giants.
Mayfield took over for Tyrod Taylor in the second quarter and played two-plus quarters on the night, throwing 11-of-20 for 212 yards and the two scoring throws. He also showed off his feet a bit, including converting on two fourth downs on the ground. The former Oklahoma Sooner finished with 13 yards on three carries. His two scoring passes found David Njoku and Antonio Calloway in the end zone, capping scoring drives of 72 and 54 yards.
Mayfield went No. 1 overall in last April's draft, and it was running back Saquon Barkley who went No. 2 overall to the Giants. The former Penn State Nittany Lion sparked the home crowd in his debut, running for 43 yards on four carries. That included a big 39-yard run on his first NFL touch from Eli Manning's handoff, as that would set up a 42-yard field goal by Aldrick Rosas.
Manning played two series and threw four-of-seven for 26 yards, as he did not have Odell Beckham Jr., who continues to recover from ankle surgery. The Giants are hoping to regroup from a tough 3-13 season last year under new head coach Pat Shurmur. The Browns are looking to do the same, as they went 0-16 after finishing the preseason 4-0 last year.
One other rookie highlight from Thursday night was once again Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. Jackson broke out for a nine-yard touchdown run in the first quarter of the Ravens' 33-7 rout of the Los Angeles Rams. Joe Flacco also threw a touchdown pass in his first appearance, as the Ravens improved to 2-0 this preseason.
Mayfield took over for Tyrod Taylor in the second quarter and played two-plus quarters on the night, throwing 11-of-20 for 212 yards and the two scoring throws. He also showed off his feet a bit, including converting on two fourth downs on the ground. The former Oklahoma Sooner finished with 13 yards on three carries. His two scoring passes found David Njoku and Antonio Calloway in the end zone, capping scoring drives of 72 and 54 yards.
Mayfield went No. 1 overall in last April's draft, and it was running back Saquon Barkley who went No. 2 overall to the Giants. The former Penn State Nittany Lion sparked the home crowd in his debut, running for 43 yards on four carries. That included a big 39-yard run on his first NFL touch from Eli Manning's handoff, as that would set up a 42-yard field goal by Aldrick Rosas.
Manning played two series and threw four-of-seven for 26 yards, as he did not have Odell Beckham Jr., who continues to recover from ankle surgery. The Giants are hoping to regroup from a tough 3-13 season last year under new head coach Pat Shurmur. The Browns are looking to do the same, as they went 0-16 after finishing the preseason 4-0 last year.
One other rookie highlight from Thursday night was once again Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. Jackson broke out for a nine-yard touchdown run in the first quarter of the Ravens' 33-7 rout of the Los Angeles Rams. Joe Flacco also threw a touchdown pass in his first appearance, as the Ravens improved to 2-0 this preseason.
