Browns look poised to go with Mayfield
The beer-fueled bash spilled into the streets around FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland as delirious Browns fans walked — some staggered — while chanting for their new hero, the streak buster.
“Ba-ker May-field,” they screamed.
They've named their new starting quarterback. Coach Hue Jackson isn't quite there yet.
Jackson said he isn't ready to “officially” identify his starter for next week's road game against the Raiders, but all signs point to Mayfield taking over following his dazzling NFL debut on Thursday night.
The No. 1 pick in this year's draft replaced concussed starter Tyrod Taylor late in the first half and led the Browns (1-1-1) on four scoring drives as they erased a two-touchdown deficit to beat the Jets 21-17 and end the Browns' 19-game winless streak — the NFL's second longest since 1970.
Jackson seems to only be delaying the inevitable: Mayfield's the guy.
Jackson, who gave his players the weekend off, wants to watch more tape and speak with his staff and general manager John Dorsey before making a decision.
Although Jackson wouldn't publicly say Mayfield is his new starter, he gave strong indication he's leaning that way by telling reporters on a conference call, “I think that you guys all feel good about where things are headed.”
Vikings hobbled: Running back Dalvin Cook and Pro Bowl defensive end Everson Griffen both will miss the Vikings' home game against the Bills on Sunday.
Cook missed practice this week while nursing a hamstring injury suffered in overtime of last weekend's tie with the Packers.
Latavius Murray will start at running back Sunday, and reserve Mike Boone may see his first regular-season action.
Griffen didn't practice this week and will miss the game because of a knee injury.
Hits draw fines: Safety Andrew Sendejo was fined $53,482 by the league for his hit on a play in the Vikings' tie with the Packers.
Sendejo was penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness after tackling Packers receiver Davante Adams in the third quarter. The safety knocked into Adams with his right shoulder just after Xavier Rhodes made initial contact.
The fine was a big one because Sendejo is considered a repeat offender.
Falcons safety Damontae Kazee, who was ejected for unnecessary roughness last weekend after a helmet hit on Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, was fined $10,026 by the league.
Extra points: The Jaguars listed RB Leonard Fournette (hamstring) and CB Jalen Ramsey (ankle) as questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans. ... Titans LT Taylor Lewan cleared concussion protocol and is expected to play against the Jaguars. He was inactive for Week 2. ... Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said he wasn't sure if S Earl Thomas will play Sunday against the Cowboys. Thomas didn't practice Friday because of a “personal” issue. ... The Panthers continue to struggle with injuries. The team placed starting safety Da'Norris Searcy on injured reserve following his second concussion in five weeks. The team is yet to sign a replacement.