New England Patriots - 45, Cleveland Browns - 7
Q. (Question concerning Baker Mayfield's injury.)
BM: A little bit. Yeah, just kind of having an awkward hit landing. No structural damage from the x-ray that we just took. So it's good news. So...
Q. Is there one thing worse than another about today?
BM: Losing is the worst part.
Q. Baker, did you see anything specifically from Mac Jones out there today?
BM: I thought Mac played well. I mean, their team won, so he played well.
Q. I know it's early, but are you confident you'll be able to play next week?
BM: Yeah, I mean, it's -- got to find a way to get as healthy as possible. I'm pretty beat up right now. But, yeah, it was just an awkward hit and landing, like I said. So we'll see. Day by day.
Q. Did it take something away after the first drive, or did you guys just not execute?
BM: I mean, they had a good scheme. But I think there were plays for us to make there. Yeah, I think it's a little bit of execution.
I think at this point we -- everybody in our building has to look in the mirror and just kind of reevaluate and be accountable to themselves, to each other.
Because we're sitting -- you know, sitting somewhere where we thought we'd be in a better place right now. But we're not. So it's time to reevaluate and everybody needs to hold themselves accountable.
Q. Baker, Joel just used the phrase, Jekyll and Hyde to describe you guys. Especially last year, you guys were so consistent. Maybe you didn't win every game but consistently performed. Why has it been so up and down even week to week for you guys this season, especially these last two weeks?
BM: Yeah, I'd say that's pretty accurate from Joel. But, yeah, I'll have to look at the tape, to be honest with you. And, you know, I'm not sure that I could point thing out. I think it's a combination of everything.
We just got to trust our players and make these plays and trust your eyes and go out there and execute. That's pretty much what I have for you right now.
Q. Are you seeing a lack of accountability in the room, in the building?
BM: I mean, we just -- we talked about a certain standard that we -- you know, you set for yourself. And you have to live up to it every day.
And when you're sitting here at five and five, this is -- obviously, something's wrong. So got to figure it out and get it fixed.
Q. Baker, do you think you guys, as a team, have an identity right now? And if so, I guess, what is it?
BM: You know, we've mentioned the, you know, run game. We're a physical football team. That's, you know, what we want to be. We just need to find ways to win.
Because teams are going to play us differently. We just need to find ways to win. And that's -- you know, that's, obviously, stating the obvious. But that's the truth. So whatever it takes and we need to do that.
Q. How surprised were you after the way you guys started the game, the way it ended up going?
BM: Yeah, I mean, it got out of hand pretty quickly. To be honest with you, after coming out at half time, we felt good about, you know, only down a few scores and to be able to -- defense got a stop. And, you know, we just stubbed our toe on that drive.
It would have been a different ball game if we can execute coming out there on that first drive in the second half.
And it's the just momentum at that point. And they're able to milk the clock and they did a good job of that today. Taking care of the football, we didn't, obviously.
The pick almost returned for a touchdown. So things like that, a momentum game on the road, against a well coached team like that, you got to seize those moments and that's when it gets out of hand.
Q. (Question concerning the interception by Baker Mayfield.)
BM: Yeah, I mean, they did a good job of disguising. I saw -- I mean, it was sort of a two man coverage. Corner's eyes were inside.
So, at that point, need to move on in the progression or it's going to be a ball that's placed outside and David's going to take a hit on that.
I thought No. 23 made a good play on it. But it's just one of those things they made a good play. And, you know, looking back on it, it's a timing throw. Just got to be able to put it in the right spot and David is going to have to take a hit or move to the progression.
Q. Joel also pointed out that nine and eight is not going to be good enough to get in the playoffs. Do you guys feel the sense of urgency to find that consistency to stack some wins to where you can get a point to where you feel good about your chances?
BM: Yeah, I mean, I'm not going to look at it like nine and eight or ten and seven. We need to take this one week at a time, to be honest with you. There's no other answer besides that. So we got to find ways to win each week. And that's where we are at right now and that's the reality.
Q. Baker, on the pick, the Patriots said they were trying to show man and they slid into cover two. Was there a point when you threw the pass you were, like, No, no? Did that go through your head?
BM: No. I mean, that's one -- I mean, it's kind of a mix. It's a combo coverage, somewhat cover two, somewhat man coverage on the inside. And 23 just made a good play on it. Can I put the ball outside a little more? Yes. But he made a good play on it.
Q. You've seen a lot of teams now. What's your impression of this Patriots defense?
BM: They play hard. They play extremely hard. I mean, obviously, they're coached well. They got a lot of veterans. They play hard and disguise well. And they just execute well.
Q. Is this the same knee you banged up last week?
BM: Unfortunately, no. So, yep.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports