How the Browns beat the Jets to get their first win since 2016

They did it, they really did it. The Browns hadn’t won a game since they beat the then-San Diego Chargers on Christmas Eve in 2016, but they were finally able to get over the hump this week, beating the New York Jets, 21-17.

It certainly didn’t look like a win was on the way early in the game. The Browns fell behind 14-0 mostly because the offense was doing absolutely nothing.

Tyrod Taylor completed just four of 14 passes for 19 yards before suffering a concussion late in the first half.

The No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and Heisman Trophy winner immediately provided a spark, completing his first three passes and getting the Browns on the scoreboard just before halftime. Then he brought Cleveland back to even in the third quarter, and led the Browns to their first lead with a touchdown drive in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

Mayfield finished his regular season debut with 17 completions on 23 attempts for 201 yards. He even helped out as a receiver, catching a two-point conversion on a pass from Jarvis Landry in the third quarter that evened the score, 14-14.

The Browns have been able to fill their roster with premium draft picks over the last few years and those players appear to be making some progress — at least enough progress to grab their second win since 2016.

Those picks were directly responsible for the win Thursday with Mayfield shining in the spotlight, and No. 4 overall pick Denzel Ward setting up a field goal with a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

Last year’s No. 1 pick, Myles Garrett, had the Browns’ only two sacks of the game. Larry Ogunjobi, drafted in the third round in 2017, led the way with eight total tackles and added two tackles for loss.

A couple veteran additions this offseason came up huge, too. Jarvis Landry was a nice security blanket for Mayfield, coming up with a game-high eight catches for 103 yards. Carlos Hyde was the leading rusher with 98 yards and two touchdowns — on his birthday and with his baby due any moment, no less.

Then, cornerback Terrance Mitchell sealed the game with an interception.

The game was sealed when Jets rookie Sam Darnold threw a pair of ill-advised interceptions in the final minutes. Cleveland now has a league-leading 11 takeaways on the season. They had 13 all of last season, a number they should be able to top before September ends.

They’ve already matched their total in fumble recoveries from a year ago:

That aggressiveness was important Thursday night. The Browns only scored three points off the turnovers, but they were able to stop two Jets drives late in the game.

Even better for the Browns: They took care of the ball. After leading the league in turnovers last season with 41, they didn’t cough up the football at all against the Jets. In fact, they’ve only turned it over twice all season.

Cleveland now has a record of 1-1-1 for the season and a 2-32-1 record since Hue Jackson became the head coach in 2016.

The Browns are now in second place in the AFC North behind the 2-0 Cincinnati Bengals. If the Ravens lose to the Denver Broncos this weekend, Cleveland will remain in second place heading into their Week 4 showdown with the Oakland Raiders.

Getting the win has to feel good for the Browns. The last time they won a game Robert Griffin III was their starter, “Black Beatles” was the No. 1 song in America, and Barack Obama was closing up his presidency. It’s been a long time coming, Browns fans. Enjoy the Bud Light fridges stocked around the city.