Baker Mayfield
Many considered Los Angeles Rams’ move to acquire Baker Mayfield, who was sacked by Carolina Panthers, as a move of desperation. Being involved with the reigning champions only until the end of 2022-23 season, seemed like a move both parties wanted just for the time being. However, the former Brown just pulled off a miracle for his team.
Making his debut in Rams’ contest against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night, it seemed like the misery for the former team was only increasing until Baker Mayfield threw a 23-yard TD pass to Van Jefferson with just 10 seconds to play to cap a 98-yard drive. Moreover, the newest addition to the Rams led two TD drives late in the fourth quarter to register a 17-16, emphatic comeback victory.
Having claimed Baker off waiver from Carolina, the former #1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft went 22-of-34 for 230 yards and snapped the defending champions’ six game losing streak in movie-like fashion. Perhaps demanding just why he deserves some trust and a top spot to showcase his talent.
Fans would be aware that the campaign for Rams of reaching the playoffs is practically all over. So, no one expected them to fight hard with several marquee players out of action. One person to fir in the same category was Skip Bayless, who simply couldn’t believe what he saw from Baker.
Rams’ defense stopped Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders at the two-minute warning, but AJ Cole put a 64-yard punt at the Rams’ two-yard line. With no timeouts, Baker Mayfield led the defending champions downfield – with ample help from an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the Raiders’ Jerry Tillery for knocking the ball out of the quarterback’s hands after a play.
Eventually Los Angeles Rams reached the Vegas 23 with 15 seconds left, and Mayfield promptly found Jefferson in the back corner of the end zone. The drive included a contested 32-yard reception by Ben Skowronek.