Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 14. The former Heisman Trophy winner had a memorable debut, completing 22 of 35 pass attempts for 230 yards and the game-winning touchdown to Van Jefferson with 10 seconds remaining as the Rams snapped their six-game losing streak in a 17-16 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
The touchdown pass came at the end of a 98-yard drive, which marked the longest go-ahead drive that began in the final two minutes over the last 45 seasons, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
Mayfield previously led the Rams to a 75-yard touchdown drive that ended with a Cam Akers score on the ground. L.A. entered the fourth quarter trailing by 13 points and scored their first touchdown with just over three minutes left in the game.
This is the third time Mayfield has earned Player of the Week honors. He won AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 7 in 2020 and Week 16 in 2018 as a member of the Cleveland Browns.
Mayfield was selected by the Browns with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and while he had some good moments for the franchise, his tenure was marred by inconsistency.
The 27-year-old was traded to the Carolina Panthers this past July and won the starting quarterback job in training camp, but eventually lost it after continuing to play poorly.
In seven games with the Panthers, Mayfield completed 57.8% of his passes for 1,313 yards and six touchdowns with six interceptions.
The Rams were the only team that claimed Mayfield after he was placed on waivers last week. Given his past accomplishments and the fact he is just entering his prime, the team decided it was worth taking a flier on him.
With Matthew Stafford likely out for the remainder of the 2022 season due to a spinal cord contusion, the Rams have nothing to lose by giving Mayfield an extended look. He will have an opportunity to re-establish his value and prove he still belongs in the NFL as a starting quarterback.
Baker Mayfield likely to make first start with Rams in Week 15 against Packers
As John Wolford nurses a neck injury, Mayfield is in line to make his first start with the Rams in a Week 15 matchup against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Monday Night Football.
Wolford played just three offensive snaps against the Raiders before he was replaced by Mayfield.
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