Anytime a quarterback throws an interception on his team's opening drive, it's damaging. But Baker Mayfield's first-quarter interception in the Cleveland Browns' Week 7 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals may have proven especially harmful.
After Mayfield negated an interception from Browns linebacker B.J. Goodson by throwing an interception of his own to Cincinnati cornerback Darius Phillips, Odell Beckham Jr -- who was targeted on the play -- wound up laying on the field with an apparent injury following the return. Although he was ultimately able to leave under his own power, the 3-time Pro Bowl wide receiver soon headed to the locker room with a knee injury.
While Beckham was initially questionable to return, he has since been ruled out for the remainder of the game. Beckham had revealed earlier this week that he has also been dealing with a turf toe injury for the past few weeks.
The potential loss of Beckham for any extended period of time could prove crucial for Cleveland, which entered Sunday's matchup with the Bengals laying claim to a 4-2 record. In six games, the LSU product has caught 23 passes for 319 yards and 3 touchdowns, serving as the Browns' primary downfield threat and its top all-around playmaker.
Meanwhile, Mayfield's opening drive interception marked his second in as many games after throwing a pick-6 interception to safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in the Browns' 38-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. On the season, Mayfield has now thrown seven interceptions, including five in the past three games.
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