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Jedrick Willis puts end to ridiculous Baker Mayfield controversy

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•10/25/21•

ChandlerVessels

Carolina Panthers Baker Mayfield opens up about his process to prepare for the start of training camp Cleveland Browns trade Oklahoma Sooners
Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

A Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Willis took to Twitter on Monday after his comments made earlier on Monday comparing Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum were taken out of context. Willis adamantly defended Mayfield after fans perceived his words as criticism of the former Oklahoma quarterback.

“Bro, y’all are weird,” Willis wrote. “Case played a good game, not sh***** on Bake at all. Relax.”

Mayfield missed Thursday night’s game against Denver because of a torn labrum and fractured shoulder bone on his non-throwing arm. He wore a harness in an attempt to protect himself, but doctors ultimately ruled it unsafe for him to play.

Keenum, a 10-year NFL veteran, started in his place. He finished the game 21-of-33 for 199 yards and a touchdown. Willis was asked on Monday if he felt any difference between the two quarterbacks.

“We didn’t feel any drop off,” he replied. “Case is a veteran guy. He’s played in more games than I have my whole career. Everything felt very smooth. He ran the offense smooth.”

Keenum has primarily served as a backup throughout his career but has been thrown into starting roles because of injury many times. Most notably, he led Minnesota to an 11-3 record and NFC Championship appearance as a starter in 2017 after Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Bradford went down with injuries.

Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, helped lead Cleveland to its first playoff appearance in 17 seasons this past year. He has thrown for 1,474 yards, six touchdowns and three interception so far this season.

Asked to elaborate on the different leadership styles of the two quarterbacks, Willis did just that.

“They’re both leaders in their own way,” he said. “They both have their own way of getting everybody fired up. They’re different players, but they’re both very good leaders.”

The Browns have a key divisional matchup coming up Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although they might start Case Keenum once again, it is clearly not a mark against Baker Mayfield, as pointed out by Jedrick Willis.