Browns refuse to call audible on QBs
Despite rookie Baker Mayfield’s stellar performance in his NFL preseason debut, the Cleveland Browns are not moving the No.1 overall pick into the starting lineup ahead of Tyrod Taylor. “National hype,” quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese said yesterday, downplaying the outside push to elevate Mayfield after one game. “We have our plan, we’re sticking to it and when it changes we’ll all know.”
Mayfield won over some doubters on Thursday night in a 20-10 win over the New York Giants. The Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma threw two touchdown passes to tight end David Njoku and showed pocket poise and awareness while completing 11-of-20 passes for 212 yards.
The reviews on Mayfield were beyond exceptional, leading to cries that he should jump Taylor, who went 5-for-5 for 99 yards and posted a perfect 158.3 passer rating during his two series.
Following yesterday’s practice, Browns coach Hue Jackson began shaking his head the moment a reporter began framing a question about the QB situation.
“Nothing’s changed. Tyrod Taylor is our starter,” Jackson said. “Baker Mayfield is a young, talented player. We have a bright, bright future here with that young man.”
Zampese was pleased with everything he saw from Mayfield, but he cautioned against putting too much into his first taste of pro ball.
“He’s had 22 preseason NFL snaps,” Zampese said. “He has a long way to go and we’re encouraged with where he’s at right now.”
The feeling is the same about Taylor, who was acquired from Buffalo during the offseason. The 29-yearold has been everything the Browns could have hoped as a leader and mentor.
Jags tussle
The Jacksonville Jaguars suspended All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and defensive end Dante Fowler for violating team rules and conduct unbecoming a Jaguars football player. Neither one will make the trip to Minnesota tomorrow for two days of joint practices and a preseason game. The teams play Saturday.
Fowler was involved in several fights, including one after practice with fellow defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. Ramsey shouted profanities at media members who captured the altercation on video and later threatened reporters with “war” for releasing the video. Ramsey made his threat via Twitter.
Fowler, the third overall pick in the 2015 draft, was kicked out of a joint practice with Tampa Bay in 2016 and has found plenty of trouble in his first three years in the league. He is already suspended for the season opener for attacking a man in a parking lot in near St. Petersburg, Fla., in July 2017. Police said Fowler exchanged words with the man before hitting him and knocking off his glasses. Fowler then stepped on the glasses before taking the man’s grocery bag and tossing it in a lake.
Buffalo DT shuffle
The Buffalo Bills shuffled defensive tackles by signing Tyrunn Walker and reaching an injury settlement to release John Hughes.
Walker joins his third team in three years after getting a sack and forcing a fumble in 16 games, including four starts, with the Los Angeles Rams last season. Hughes injured his groin during Buffalo’s 28-23 loss to Carolina on Thursday . ...
Philadelphia signed former Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg and waived rookie offensive lineman Ian Park . .. .
Kansas City Chiefs right guard Laurent Duvernay Tardif left practice yesterday to be evaluated for a concussion, while defensive tackle Xavier Williams (stinger) and running back Damien Williams (shoulder) also left early due to injuries . ...
The Tennessee Titans agreed to terms with linebacker Tony Washington, outside linebacker Davond Dade and defensive lineman Francis Kallon . .. .
Newly signed veteran cornerback Marcus Williams and safety Robert Nelson have joined the Saints at training camp. Williams has played four NFL seasons, mostly with the Jets, for whom he played 39 games with 14 starts. Nelson also is entering his fifth NFL season, playing in two games with the Jets last year . . . .
San Francisco 49ers running back Jerick McKinnon will miss at least one week with a strained right calf. He injured himself in practice and the team says he will be re-evaluated in a week.