MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK

Got to feel bad for the Browns and their QB injuries...

Following the game, head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed that DTR did indeed suffer a concussion. An unfortunate blow for the rookie who was thrown into the fire this season when he wasn’t expected to be.

In good news, tests on Cooper’s ribs were negative. He’s likely bruised and very well could take it easy in practice next week.

 

Baker Mayfield: Until everybody gets pissed off enough to get it fixed, there will be no change

With Sunday’s 27-20 loss to Indianapolis, Tampa Bay has now dropped six of its last seven games to make the club’s record 4-7.

Baker Mayfield had a pair of turnovers, including a lost fumble on a strip-sack when the Bucs had a chance to tie or win the game late in the fourth quarter.

After the game, Mayfield told reporters that the Buccaneers need to show some more urgency to get back on track — even as they’re just one game out of first place in the NFC South.

“One game back in the division, so, our goals are still in front of us,” Mayfield said, via Jenna Laine of ESPN. “But it’s frustrating to not win these games and continue to hurt ourselves. The Colts capitalized. They played well — not taking anything away from them. But, it’s very frustrating to continue to kind of have the same story over and over again.

“So, until everybody gets pissed off enough to get it fixed, there will be no change. … I’ll get my job fixed and try and drag as many people [as possible] along as well.”

Through 11 games, Mayfield has completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 2,588 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Much like last year, the NFC South is still wide open as we head into December with Atlanta in the lead at 5-6. New Orleans has the same record after falling to the Falcons on Sunday. The only team out of it is Carolina at 1-10.

The Buccaneers will host the Panthers next weekend.

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Jalen Hurts runs Eagles to comeback, passes Cam Newton

Here are Hurts' numbers in the first half Sunday against the Bills: 33 passing yards, one interception, 22 rushing yards, one touchdown -- and a double-digit deficit.

Now looks at Hurts in the second half and overtime: 167 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, zero turnovers, 43 rushing yards and a walk-off touchdown run.

This was Hurts' 11th career game with multiple rushing touchdowns, breaking a tie with Cam Newton for the most such games by a quarterback in NFL history.

Hurts now has 11 rushing touchdowns on the season, marking his third consecutive campaign with double-digit rushing touchdowns. No other quarterback in NFL history has had 10-plus rushing touchdowns in even two consecutive seasons.

Josh Allen makes history despite continued overtime misfortune

Allen is not in this article because of his 0-6 career record in overtime (the third-longest OT losing streak by a quarterback to begin a career in NFL history).

He is here because he made history when he scored his eighth touchdown on the ground this season, making 2023 the fourth time in his career that he's had eight or more rushing touchdowns.

That tied Cam Newton for the most seasons with eight-plus rushing touchdowns by a quarterback all-time.

Allen also tied Drew Brees (11) for the third-most games with at least 300 yards passing and one rushing touchdown in the Super Bowl era. He now trails only Aaron Rodgers (13) and Tom Brady (17).

C.J. Stroud's 300-yard streak

Another quarterback with a historic performance in a losing effort, Stroud became the first rookie in NFL history to throw for 300-plus yards in four consecutive games.

Stroud also passed Justin Herbert (3,224) for the second-most passing yards in a player's first 11 games in NFL history. The only player with more in their first 11 games was Patrick Mahomes, with 10 of those 11 games coming in his sophomore season.

Stroud leads the NFL with six games of 300-plus passing yards, tied with Andrew Luck for the second-most by a rookie (behind Herbert's eight such games). It was the fifth time this season that Stroud totaled 300-plus passing yards and threw multiple touchdowns in a game, which is tied with Luck and Herbert for the most by a rookie.

Lamar Jackson shatters pace for QBs with 5,000 rushing yards

In the history of the NFL only four quarterbacks have rushed for 5,000 yards in their career: Michael Vick, Cam Newton, Russell Wilson -- and now Lamar Jackson.

Action Jackson reached 5,000 career rushing yards on Sunday Night Football against the Chargers in what was just his 84th career game.

The other three quarterbacks all needed over 100 games to reach that mark.

Baltimore gets to ride the high of a prime-time win into the bye week, and it does so holding the best record in the AFC at 9-3.

Patrick Mahomes moves past Dan Marino

The Chiefs trailed, 14-0, in the second quarter against the Raiders. They ended up winning by 14 points. I would like to call this a "Mahomes" moving forward.

Speaking of, this was the Chiefs superstar's 66th game (of 91 played) with multiple passing touchdowns. That broke Hall of Famer Dan Marino's record of 65 multi-touchdown games in a player's first seven seasons.

A scheduled reminder that Mahomes played in only one game during his rookie season.

NFL.com/stats

 

Trevor Lawrence on C.J. Stroud: It’s going to be fun for years to come

Texans kicker Matt Ammendola’s 58-yard field goal in the final seconds of Sunday’s game against the Jaguars bounced back on the field after hitting the crossbar and the Jaguars were able to celebrate a 24-21 win that solidified their lead in the AFC South.

It was a welcome change from their first meeting of the season with the Texans and it was the second in what is shaping up to be a long series of matchups between Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. After the win, Lawrence was asked about the rivalry taking shape in the division.

Lawrence quipped that he’d choose less competitive opposition while looking ahead to a future that will feature plenty of chances to watch Stroud try to pick apart the Jacksonville defense.

“I want the teams in our division to be as bad as possible, so that’s how I see it,” Lawrence said, via the team’s website. “The way they are playing, it’s exciting. There are going to be some, I’m sure, great matchups down the road, and C.J. is playing lights out. He’s doing a great job. To be a rookie and to play how he is, I’ve got a lot of respect for him. I know how hard it is. I’ve been in that position. He’s doing a great job, and it’s going to be fun for years to come. But no, I wouldn’t prefer that. I’d prefer if the guys in our division didn’t have good quarterbacks. It would be better for us.”

The Colts and Titans have also started rookie quarterbacks this season, which makes Lawrence the dean of the division in his third season and could set the stage for a lot of good football in a division that’s been short on it for long stretches of recent years.

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The Patriots Blow . If they finish 3rd they ain’t getting Maye or Williams without moving up. Giants Patriots was unwatchable IMHFO

 

“Joe Burrow underwent successful surgery on his wrist today,” the team said Monday night in a statement. “The procedure went as planned and he is expected to make a complete recovery. Joe will return to Cincinnati this week to be with the team and begin the recovery and rehab process.”

He’s expected to be back for 2024. Of his four NFL campaigns, two concluded with season-ending injuries in November.

 

Vikings, Bears was right there also... what a lame assed game that was.

 

Aaron Rodgers: Whether I play depends on health, and if the Jets are still alive

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers says he still isn’t sure if he’ll return to the field this season.

Rodgers, who tore his Achilles tendon in the first game of the season, told Pat McAfee today that whether he plays again this year will depend on whether he’s medically cleared, and whether the Jets still have any chance of making the playoffs.

“It’s health first,” Rodgers said. “Are we alive second.”

As to the health question, Rodgers has indicated he’s making good progress on rehabbing his Achilles. Still, no NFL player has ever torn his Achilles tendon during the regular season and returned that same regular season. Rodgers would have to do something unprecedented to get back on the field.

And as to whether the Jets will be alive by the time Rodgers could conceivably play again, that seems unlikely. The 4-7 Jets are two games out of the seventh and final AFC playoff spot with six games to play. Zach Wilson has been benched for Tim Boyle, and neither quarterback has given any indication that he’ll be able to lead the Jets on the kind of run they’d need to go on to be in playoff contention in the final weeks of the season.

So it appears unlikely that Rodgers will play again this season. Even if he’s not closing the door on it just yet.

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I gotta bitch for a second. Rodgers is a fucking jerk. period. He said he was coming back this season. Now he says IF he's healthy and IF the Jets are alive... what a damn retarted thing to say. The Jets are toast, so he's got another just made up excuse to not come back. If the Jets had a brain they would say, FU, hit the road, you bum.

 

All about being on the public radar. Sad thing is, we'll have to put up with this idiot after he retires because he's a conspiracy nutcase who spouts off his inane beliefs every chance he gets.

 

Mushroom head.

 

Joe Flacco bumped up to No. 2, will start if Dorian Thompson-Robinson is out

It may be Joe Flacco time for the Browns this weekend.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters on Wednesday that Flacco will be the No. 2 quarterback on the team’s depth chart this week. That could lead to him winding up in the No. 1 seat for Sunday’s road game against the Rams because Dorian Thompson-Robinson remains in the concussion protocol after getting hurt last Sunday.

The team said Thompson-Robinson will not practice in any capacity Wednesday.

P.J. Walker replaced Thompson-Robinson in the loss to Denver and will either be Flacco’s backup or the team’s third quarterback for Week 13.

Flacco signed to the Browns practice squad a little over a week ago and last played in a game for the Jets in Week 18 last season.

NBC

 

Bailey Zappe, Malik Cunningham get only QB reps at open portion of Patriots practice

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick had nothing to offer when it came to the identity of the team’s starting quarterback at a Wednesday press conference, but reporters at the open portion of the team’s practice passed along some information that could shed some light on plans for Week 13.

Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham got the quarterback reps while Mac Jones watched. Jones has started every game this season, but he’s benched in favor of Zappe in each of the team’s last two games.

Cunningham is on the practice squad, but has also spent time on the active roster this season. He’s seen time at wide receiver and told reporters last week that he hasn’t taken quarterback reps in weeks, which led to a question for Belichick at his press conference.

“Well, there are other players practicing at quarterback, as well,” Belichick said. “He’s not the only guy out there. It depends a little bit on the offense that we’re seeing. So, if we are seeing offenses run plays that he’s very good at running, teams like Philadelphia, the first Miami game, then you know, he gets, I mean they’re practice squad reps but they’re also reps on things that he does. So, he’s kind of a unique player. Things aren’t so straight-lined with him. He’s different than probably every other player that we have on the team. So, he’s handled a little differently.”

If Cunningham is active on Sunday, the Patriots could have visions of using him in addition to another quarterback in hopes of helping an offense in desperate need of a spark.

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Baker Mayfield says ankle is good, Bucs expect him to play

Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield hurt his ankle last Sunday, but he returned to the game and it doesn’t look like the ankle is going to impact his availability for this weekend’s game against the Panthers.

Head coach Todd Bowles said at his Wednesday press conference that he expects Mayfield to be in the lineup. Mayfield said his ankle is “good” during his own session with the media and said that the injury “eased up” as last Sunday’s game against the Colts unfolded while discussing his ability to play through injury.

“I know this sounds kind of corny, but it’s kind of a mindset,” Mayfield said. “Tell yourself you’re able to get through it and it’s kind of mind over matter. Every injury is different. If it’s gonna hinder your play — I know I’ve mentioned that before — if it’s going to hinder your play, you’re hurting the team. So there’s a difference between toughing it out and being smart. It’s a fine line you’ve gotta walk.”

Assuming his health remains the same, Mayfield will face the Panthers for the first time since they released him last season. Getting a win over his former team would set Tampa up for a big NFC South game against the Falcons in Week 14.

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Lions rookie quarterback Hendon Hooker is ready to start practicing.

Hooker, who hasn’t practiced at all as a pro because he has been rehabbing the torn ACL he suffered in college a year ago, officially had his practice window opened by the Lions today. That means he can practice for up to 21 days before the Lions decide whether to put him on their active roster.

The Lions currently have two quarterbacks on the active roster, Jared Goff and Teddy Bridgewater, plus David Blough on the practice squad. It’s unlikely that Hooker would play this season even if he’s completely healthy, but the Lions would like to see how he looks in practice and have him ready to play in case of emergency.

The Lions will have until December 20 to decide whether to activate Hooker or shut him down for the season.

 

There officially is a chance we’ll see Aaron Rodgers playing for the Jets again before the season is over.

New York has designated Rodgers to return from injured reserve, opening up his 21-day practice window, head coach Robert Saleh announced on Wednesday.

Saleh said that this is a different kind of step for Rodgers than it is for others, who are directly getting ready to play. As Saleh put it, this will allow Rodgers to throw to teammates on the practice field in individual drills instead of just throwing to members of the Jets’ staff.

“This isn’t so much getting ready to play as much as it is a progression in his rehab,” Saleh said. “So, there’s no added risk to it. There’s certain things he’s been clear for that we’re going to allow him to do.”

Rodgers was on the field for just four plays before suffering his Achilles tear in Week 1. Saleh said it’s a credit to Rodgers that he can even be in this position

“I know we’re getting caught up in trying to create a narrative around it, but the true narrative is, he’s old school in the sense that he’s driven,” Saleh said. “Is there motivation to be the first to ever do it? Sure. That’s OK That’s his why.

“It’s a mentality that I think young guys should be able to [gravitate toward]. He loves this organization. He wants to be with his teammates. He wants to be here. I think he’s sacrificed so much for the organization, and himself, and his teammates. And he’s doing it again.”

Saleh did not say if the Jets anticipate Rodgers being activated to the 53-man roster by the end of the 21-day window. But the team is expecting Rodgers to be back in 2024 no matter what happens at the end of this season.

“I think it’s a testament to who he is as a human,” Saleh said. “And yeah, obviously there’s a little bit of that drive where he wants to prove it can be done faster than anybody’s done it before. That’s OK. That’s part of his mental makeup. I think he still runs with a chip on his shoulder and that’s the way he lives his life, where he always wants to prove people wrong in terms of doubting him.

“He’s a special human and I think his actions are showing how much he appreciates, I think, this organization and everything around it.”

In the meantime, Tim Boyle is set to start another game at quarterback when the Jets take on the Falcons in Week 13.

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He was healthy for the 4 snaps he played and the line couldn't protect him. The line has not improved and we all know because he is an asshat trying to prove something he will not be 100 percent. Jets brass would be stupid to roll him out.

 

lol. I think he needs to play and put his money where his mouth is.

 

Right now they are talking week 16 which would be a warm up vs the commanders before he gets eaten by Garret and the browns in week 17

 

And here lies the problem… the Browns didn’t fix the tackle position, so they were relying on mobile QBs to compensate. Flacco, a true pocket passer, might get killed sitting back there. They need to run a lot of screens and slants, get rid of the ball in under 2 seconds. Early in Flacco’s career his average was closer to 2.1, with the Jets it was 2.78… that latter number won’t cut it with Christian at LT.

The one real bright spot is, if they are smart enough to keep a TE AND RB in for protection, he can stretch the field better than either DTR or Walker can. We might actually see a pass travel further than 15 yards for the first time in a while.

 

Browns OC Alex Van Pelt: Wednesday practice showed Joe Flacco has a lot left in the tank

With quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson in concussion protocol, Joe Flacco is currently in line to start for the Browns against the Rams this weekend.

Flacco said upon joining Cleveland last week that he feels like he’s got plenty left to give a team. Speaking to the media on Thursday, Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt agreed with that assessment after Flacco took first-team reps on Wednesday.

“I think there’s still a lot left in that tank,” Van Pelt said, via Scot Petrak of BrownsZone.com. “Yesterday would solidify that for me. Just watching him with the accuracy and the velocity, the footwork, and everything that he showed yesterday.”

Van Pelt added that there’s “no question” Flacco “has an elite arm.”

“If you put it on a scale of one to five, I’d say he is a five,” Van Pelt said. “His ball flight, his velocity on the ball at every level of the field is very impressive. He threw some balls on the scout team last week and the guys in the back were kind of fired up.”

Flacco, 38, made his last start in Week 18 of last season for the Jets, completing 18-of-33 passes for 149 yards in an 11-6 loss. He did, however, beat Cleveland last year in Week 2, throwing for 307 yards with four touchdowns and no picks.