Mayfield: 'Hype is real' about Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow entered the NFL as a first overall pick coming off perhaps the best individual season in college football history.

After facing Burrow on Thursday Night Football, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield understands why the rookie was considered one of the best quarterback prospects ever.

"I didn't get a chance to watch him last week, but I heard the rave reviews and you could tell it's true. The hype is real with Joe," Mayfield said Thursday night, according to Curtis Crabtree of Pro Football Talk.

After nearly managing a fourth-quarter comeback in his NFL debut against the Los Angeles Chargers, Burrow completed 37 of 61 pass attempts for 316 yards and three touchdowns during a 35-30 loss to the Browns in Week 2.

"I thought he played extremely well," Mayfield added. "Just being decisive, keeping plays extended, taking care of the ball. I thought he did a great job. It's always good to see another young guy come in and take over and obviously that team loves him. They follow him and he leads them."

Burrow became the first rookie signal-caller in the Super Bowl era with 60-plus pass attempts and zero interceptions in a game, per NFL Research.

The former LSU standout won the Heisman Trophy and took the Tigers to the national title last season while leading the NCAA with 5,671 passing yards and setting an all-time college football record with 60 touchdown throws.

Mayfield, also a former first overall pick, threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns against one interception in the win over Cincinnati. The Browns also ran for 215 yards and three scores.