CLEVELAND -- It has long been said that the National Football League is a “copycat league,” and Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Todd Haley proved that theory correct in last Thursday’s win over the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium.
On a play reminiscent of “Philly Special” from the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LII win over the New England Patriots, the Browns ran a trick play that resulted in wide receiver Jarvis Landry throwing a pass to quarterback Baker Mayfield for a game-tying two-point conversion late in the third quarter of their 21-17 victory over the Jets.
“Absolutely, I have no shame,” Haley said with a laugh. “If plays look good… Hey, (QB Coach) Kenny Zampese has a library of plays I never even believe could exist. I do not know how he watches enough tape of other people to have it stored up, but a great resource.”
After offsetting penalties wiped out the first two-point conversion attempt, which resulted in a sack-fumble for the Jets, the Browns got a second chance and took full advantage of it.
At the start of the play, Mayfield ran out of the backfield on a pass pattern after appearing to call an audible and the ball was directly snapped to running back Duke Johnson Jr. Johnson ran right and pitched the ball to Landry, who then floated a pass toward Mayfield on the left side of the field.
Mayfield's catch drew the Browns even with the Jets, 14-14, with 42 seconds remaining in the third quarter and propelled Cleveland to the four-point win, their first victory since December 24, 2016.
“I have no shame if something looks good,” Haley said. “I think the way it actually went is I was down in our coaches’ locker room, and we have a TV in there and they were replaying the Super Bowl. I knew it was coming up on that part, and Kenny kind of runs our two-point plays, comes up with the ideas and builds the library.
“That is why he is always searching for plays around the league, and I waited to see the play run on the TV in the locker room and I went up immediately and I am like ‘We need to start working on that Philly Special. That is the whole league, though.”
Following a brief celebration in the end zone, Mayfield was greeted by hugs and high-fives from nearly everyone on the sideline, including Coach Hue Jackson.
Mayfield’s reception got the capacity crowd up and celebrating, and the fans remained on their feet for the balance of the game, creating a raucous atmosphere that gave the Browns a home-field advantage not seen inside FirstEnergy Stadium for a long time.
“I think you need to have your eyes open and no different going back,” Haley said. “I do not think I ever answered the college and pro meshing question, but as coaches, I think you have to keep an open mind and look for things that you think have a chance to work and fit what you are doing.”
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