NFL Notebook: Stafford, Goff To Face Former Teams

A lackluster Thursday night game kicked off this week’s National Football League slate. Here’s hoping things get better, although several major teams and players being on bye weeks is certainly less than ideal. Let’s dive into this week’s NFL Notebook, shall we?

Browns Hold Off Broncos, 17-14

Cleveland was able to prevail despite injuries to, among other players, Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, and Kareem Hunt. In relief of the two injured running backs, D’Ernest Johnson racked up 146 rushing yards and a touchdown to lead the Browns to their fourth win of the 2021 campaign. Denver, meanwhile, fell to 3-4 with their fourth consecutive defeat.

Mayfield May Be Out A While

Case Keenum was under center for the Browns, and he may have that job for several weeks. Mayfield’s left shoulder injuries include a torn labrum and a fracture, and he told Fox Sports Thursday that the fracture needs to heal before he can return to the field.

Mayfield suffered the torn labrum early in the season and attempted to play through it before suffering the fracture last week against the Arizona Cardinals.

Something "Fishy" In New York

New York Giants head coach Joe Judge had an interesting description of the situation for the G-Men after a 1-5 start. In taking accountability for his role in the mess, Judge said, "the fish stinks from the head down."

It’s a pretty accurate assessment as the Giants get set to host Carolina Sunday and may once again be without Saquon Barkley and Kenny Golladay, among others.

Stafford, Goff To Face Former Teams

The LA Rams are heavy favorites in Sunday’s clash with the winless Detroit Lions, but plenty of eyes will be on that contest.

Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff will lock up with their former teams after being swapped for one another this past offseason. While Stafford has the Rams sitting pretty at 5-1, Goff was called out by Detroit head coach Dan Campbell, who said earlier this week that his quarterback "needs to step up" after an 0-6 start.