Baker Mayfield, Kevin Stefanski comment on game-ending interception

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and head coach Kevin Stefanski commented after the game on Mayfield’s game-ending interception. Mayfield attempted to complete a pass to Donovan Peoples-Jones that was taken away by Rasul Douglas, on a play that the Browns felt should have been flagged for pass interference.

Baker Mayfield’s costly interception

After scoring a touchdown to bring the game to within two points, the Browns got the ball back after a Packers punt with just over two minutes to play. Mayfield led the Browns to midfield, nearly within field goal range, only to have the drive cut short from a timely interception by the Packers.

Douglas jumped the short inside route as Peoples-Jones was too far from the pass and ended the game for Green Bay. After the play Peoples-Jones looked to any official nearby to throw a flag, claiming that he was held on the route.

Replay showed Peoples-Jones locked in press coverage with Douglas until just beyond five-yards, but as Douglas broke contact he appeared to grab and pull the receiver’s arm. Peoples-Jones was unable to break out of the coverage in time and Mayfield’s pass was intercepted.

“Little bit of contact, but you can’t bank on that being called,” commented Mayfield after the game via 92.3 The Fan.

While Mayfield wasn’t quick to elaborate on how he felt about the officials’ no-call on the play, his coach was more detailed in his criticism.

“I did think there was some tugging on Donovan Peoples-Jones,” stated Stefanski. “I understand officials aren’t going to get every call, but in big moments like that, that’s tough.”

Pass interference penalties in the NFL have drawn criticism this year for being called in crucial late-game moments. With the penalty resulting in potentially large chunks of yardage a fresh set of downs, games have had major swings in momentum from the penalty being called this season. Adding to the frustration, the Browns appear to be on the receiving end of a blown call much like the Seattle Seahawks were on Tuesday night.

The loss hurts even more for the Browns and Mayfield as they now sit at 7-8 on the season. With two games remaining for them, Cleveland has fallen to 13th place in the AFC and are no longer in control of their own playoff destiny.

However, the Green Bay Packers continue to win games this season and improve to 12-3 on the year. The Packers have already secured their playoff berth, and are a comfortable two wins ahead of the entire NFC. The Cowboys, Buccaneers, Cardinals and Rams all have ten wins with their Week 15 games still to be played. If the Packers can close out the season on their own terms, they will earn the coveted first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.