Baker Mayfield didn't look rattled at all in his NFL debut, Saquon Barkley appeared absolutely ready, and the Cleveland Browns won yet another preseason game. These were all great things at the time, but that was not the big takeaway from MetLife Stadium.
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If there is one lesson to learn following Cleveland's 20-10 victory over the New York Giants back in August 2018, it is to never ever taunt a Giants fan in the back of the end zone because he will go absolutely ballistic if you do.
It all happened when Browns tight end David Njoku caught a touchdown pass from Mayfield. The pass catcher out of Miami (FL) heard a fan in the front row, tossed him the ball, and what took place the next few seconds was downright comical and crazy.
Gaints Fan Throws Back Baker Mayfield's First TD
One would think it would be pretty cool if a player tossed you a game ball. It's an even sweeter deal when it is the first touchdown pass of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Michael Delafuente was having none of it.
The outraged fan caught the ball (good), threw it back (horrible for the duck and for not hitting anyone), and then taunted Browns players by yelling (naturally), showed his hat (classic move), raised his hands to pump up the crowd (glory days), and pumped his chest (very manly).
All in all, it was a successful reaction considering the opposing team just scored and then singled you out.
Talk about dedication.
That ball could have sold for a nice little price tag. Instead, Delafuente decided to go nuts.
Mayfield finished the night 11-for-20 for 212 with two touchdowns as the Browns backup quarterback, while Barkley — the No. 2 overall pick in that draft — had four carries for 43 yards.
Yet, for some reason, the fan with the worst throw of the game is the one everyone should remember.
After all, it was just the preseason.
This post was originally published on August 13, 2018.
