Watch: Ryan Clark hasn't changed mind about Baker Mayfield

Ryan Clark Tori Lynn Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: ESPN's Ryan Clark hasn't changed mind about Rams' Baker Mayfield

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 12/9/22

Former player and current ESPN analyst Ryan Clark offered a "criticism sandwich" when discussing Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield on Friday.

Clark made it known he hasn't changed his mind about Mayfield. He did somewhat praise the signal-caller's play on Thursday night but then mentioned why he still has questions about the first overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft.

"Baker Mayfield competed," Clark said after the 27-year-old guided the Rams to an incredible 17-16 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night, as shared by Chris Rosvoglou of The Spun. "But can we see this consistently? Can we see a mature adult, not only in the locker room but on the field each and every week? Those aren't things that we've seen from Baker Mayfield over an extended period of time."

.@Realrclark25 hasn’t changed his mind about Baker being a starting NFL QB

“I feel like Baker Mayfield competes every time he steps onto the field. But can we see this consistently? Can we see a mature adult?” pic.twitter.com/FwsAxaEmgQ
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 9, 2022

The Rams reportedly were the only team to claim Mayfield off waivers from the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday, and head coach Sean McVay then did all he could to get the quarterback ready on short notice to play against the Raiders on Thursday. Mayfield completed 22-of-35 passes for 230 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions against Las Vegas and, more importantly, may have provided a needed spark for his career with a remarkable 98-yard game-winning drive:

THURSDAY:

After not knowing if he'd play, Baker enters the game early in the 1st quarter.

Mayfield leads the Rams to an improbable comeback, scoring two touchdowns in the final 4:00, including a 98-yard TD drive with 1:35 left and no timeouts.
pic.twitter.com/gDuUL1QsZH
— NFL (@NFL) December 9, 2022

Rams starter Matthew Stafford is likely sidelined the remainder of the season, if not longer, meaning 4-9 Los Angeles should be Mayfield's team through Week 18 as long as he remains healthy. He and the Rams travel to Lambeau Field to face the 5-8 Green Bay Packers for a "Monday Night Football" showdown on Dec. 19.

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