The Jets were not a disaster Thursday night.
The record will show that they fell, 21-17, to the Cleveland Browns, and since the Browns had not won a game since 2016, this development was quite embarrassing.
The fact that the Jets got off to a 14-0 lead makes it even more intolerable, but this game was not the humiliation that some would have you believe.
Cleveland played an excellent game, particularly from the moment late in the second quarter when No. 1 draft pick Baker Mayfield entered after starter Tyrod Taylor was knocked out of the game.
Mayfield was likely to come into the game at some point, whether there was an injury or not, because the Cleveland offense was taking one step forward and two steps back with Taylor at the helm. Whether Cleveland head coach Hue Jackson would have made that move quickly enough to give Cleveland a chance to win is debatable.
But once Mayfield got his chance, he was ready to play. He was able to get something going at the end of the first half, and the Browns were able to put a field goal on the board before halftime. That turned out to be just the confidence boost the Browns needed.
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In the second half, the Browns smelled victory. There was a confidence there that defied explanation, considering how well the Jets played in the first part of the game. Rookie quarterback Sam Darnold had some problems with Myles Garrett and the Cleveland pass rush, and his footwork and timing were off.
This comes from a lack of experience and fear. The more Darnold plays, the more he will be able to overcome the first factor. The second factor is much trickier. Some quarterbacks get over the fear and some never do.
Darnold finished the game with subpar numbers, as he completed 15-of-31 passes for 169 yards. He resolutely faced the media after the game and put the blame on himself, saying he was “responsible for the stagnant offense.”
He played a role, but the Browns are not the same sadsack team they have been. General manager John Dorsey has upgraded the talent level quite a bit, and Mayfield is just a part of it. Fellow first-round pick Denzel Ward looks like he will be an ace cornerback and running back Nick Chubb has plenty to offer as well.
Of course, the primary rookie is Mayfield, and he has progressed quite a bit in the short time he has been with the team. He made a name for himself at Oklahoma with his gaudy passing numbers and Heisman Trophy, but those things don’t help in the NFL.
Mayfield’s play in the Big 12 was helped by opponents that rarely play defense, and he was regularly throwing to wide open receivers.
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Instead of preening about his trophies and notoriety, Mayfield has spent his time wisely and has learned what the NFL game is about- survey the field, find your target and get rid of the ball with authority. Do those three things on an every-play basis, and you have a chance to succeed.
Taylor could not do it, and Darnold has not done it since the Week One victory against the fangless Detroit Lions.
The jury is still out on both quarterbacks. Mayfield has stepped up in practice and has shown that he is no Johnny Manziel. He has taken the first steps to becoming a good quarterback.
Darnold has one up and two downs in his brief career. He will likely have more of both, this season and next.
The key for a team and fan base is to not make pronouncements too soon. Let Darnold show who he is over the course of a season.
It’s easy to point fingers and play the blame game, but it is not helpful to the individuals involved, nor is it fair. Young quarterbacks need time to develop, and that includes Darnold.
Things may be even tougher next week against the hellacious Jacksonville defense, but it is way too early to start assigning labels.