© Cary Edmondson | 2019 Oct 7
The 49ers gave Baker Mayfield the business on Monday, harassing the second-year quarterback throughout their 31-3 blowout of the Browns in front of a national TV audience. But San Francisco, and more specifically Richard Sherman, weren’t done with the brash QB once the final whistle sounded.
Sherman told Mike Silver of NFL Network that Mayfield refused to shake his hand during the pregame coin toss. The corner and others were fueled by the gesture of disrespect, and let Mayfield have it after the game.
“What’s amazing, and annoying, was him not shaking hands at the beginning,” Sherman told Silver. “That’s some college shit. It’s ridiculous. We’re all trying to get psyched up, but shaking hands with your opponent — that’s NFL etiquette. And when you pull bush league stuff, that’s disrespectful to the game. And believe me, that’s gonna get us fired up.”
The 49ers defense looked fired up, hitting Mayfield eight times and sacking him four, while not allowing the Browns to score a touchdown.
“Respect the game. You can have rivals, but pay your respect in that moment — especially when you’re young.
“He hasn’t earned anything in this league. How many games has he won? He’s acting like he was the MVP last year. If (Patrick) Mahomes did that, it would be one thing. But he would never do that, because he has too much respect for the game.
“And when you see a guy who doesn’t? You humble him every chance you get. Because eventually, he will have respect for the league — or he’ll be out of it.”
It’s not just Mayfield’s behavior on Monday that rubbed Sherman the wrong way. According to Silver, Sherman was also annoyed by the quarterback’s comment that it “blows my mind” that the New York Giants drafted quarterback Daniel Jones sixth overall, his disapproving stance on teammate Duke Johnson holding out, and his taunting of former head coach Hue Jackson last season.
“There’s no reason for him to say and do those things, especially given how little he’s accomplished,” Sherman said. “That’s where he’s gonna have to grow up. He might get there, but he has a long way to go.”