CLEVELAND — The Browns' quarterback of the future was their star tonight.
Baker Mayfield, the rookie and first-overall NFL Draft pick, lifted Cleveland to the promised land Thursday night in a 21-17 win over the Jets, ending a winless streak that dates back to December 2016.
Mayfield, who came off the bench in the second quarter when veteran starter Tyrod Taylor left with a concussion, passed for 201 yards on 17-of-23 throws, igniting a stirring second-half comeback in front of a raucous crowd at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Trailing by a field goal with 2:07 to play, running back Carlos Hyde scored on a 1-yard run to give the Browns their first lead of the night.
They never looked back.
Open the victory fridges, Cleveland.
Key moment:The Browns were dealt a significant blow before halftime, losing starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor to a concussion. Taylor sustained the injury with 3:01 to play in the second quarter after being sacked on a 3rd-and-12. He was escorted to the team's locker room shortly after and did not return. Taylor finished 4-of-14 for 19 yards in addition to four carries for 22 yards.
Player of the game: Mayfield:Taylor's understudy, Mayfield, was impressive and then some in his debut. The former Oklahoma star and Heisman Trophy was 17 of 23 for 201 yards and provided an enormous spark to a Browns offense that struggled in the first half.
Stat of the game: 635 —The Browns ended a 635-day winless streak with Thursday night's triumph.
Who's next?Cleveland (1-1-1) travels to Oakland next Sunday.
The Cleveland Browns play the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Cleveland Browns defensive back Damarious Randall (23) tackles New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (81) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New York Jets defensive back Jamal Adams (33) tackles Cleveland Browns quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns defensive back Jabrill Peppers is wrapped up on a punt return during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Tyrod Taylor rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett celebrates a sack during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New York Jets defensive back Trumaine Johnson (22) breaks up a pass intended for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Antonio Callaway (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield throws a pass against the New York Jets during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield throws against the New York Jets during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) steps over New York Jets linebacker Brandon Copeland during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns kicker Greg Joseph (17) is congratulated by teammates after making a 45-yard field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrates after scoring a two-point conversion during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) and wide receiver Rashard Higgins (81) celebrate a 2-point conversion during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrates a 1-yard touchdown by Cleveland Browns running back Carlos Hyde during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns running back Carlos Hyde (34) jumps over defenders during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrates a 1-yard touchdown by running back Carlos Hyde during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
