October 18, 2020 - HeadtoHeadFootball

NFL

Kevin Stefanski: If healthy, Baker Mayfield is Browns starter

Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski made it clear despite a 38-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that Baker Mayfield remains his starting quarterback, assuming he’s healthy.

Battling a rib injury that limited him in practice all week, Mayfield struggled Sunday, throwing a pick-six on Cleveland’s third offensive snap, setting the tone for the Pittsburgh rout.

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Taking multiple big shots from the Steelers, Mayfield was especially inefficient on third down and while facing the blitz. On third downs, he went just 2-of-7 passing for 5 yards with a sack and two picks; when facing the blitz, Mayfield completed 2 of 6 passes for only 11 yards with an interception and three sacks.

Stefanski finally replaced Mayfield late in the third quarter with backup Case Keenum, but attributed the move to the 24-point deficit and to Mayfield’s ailing ribs.

“I didn’t want to see him get hit one more time,” said Stefanski, who shouldered much of the blame for Mayfield’s ineffective performance. “I know this, I didn’t do a good enough job allowing him to be put in [successful] positions. I have to do way better. I can’t let him get hit like that.”

Baker Mayfield turned in his 11th career game with multiple interceptions. Only Jameis Winston (13) and Philip Rivers (12) have had more since 2018. Joe Sargent/Getty Images

Mayfield now has 11 career game with multiple interceptions. Only

Soccer

Van Dijk to undergo knee surgery, no timetable for return

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk will undergo surgery on his right knee to repair ligaments damaged during Saturday’s Merseyside derby, the club announced Sunday.

The Reds did not provide a timeline for his return.

“Following surgery, Van Dijk will begin a rehabilitation program with the club’s medical team to enable him to reach full fitness as soon as possible,” read a statement from the Reds.

Though Liverpool revealed few specifics about the ailment, James Pearce of The Athletic reports that Van Dijk injured his ACL and could miss the remainder of the season.

The Dutch center-back was injured early in the 2-2 draw against Everton when he was on the receiving end of a reckless challenge from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who escaped the incident without punishment after Van Dijk was ruled offside on the play.

“It was a clear penalty I saw and then we saw the flag went up. I thought they would still look at the foul but that didn’t happen,” manager Jurgen Klopp said of the VAR after the match, according to BBC. “I don’t want to say Jordan Pickford wanted to do it, but it is not a challenge how a goalie can do in the box.”

Van Dijk’s absence will likely force Klopp to rely on Joe Gomez and Joel Matip in central defense for large stretches of the season. Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, who has lined up as part of the backline before, may see some time at center-back as well.

The injury also puts Van Dijk’s availability for Euro 2020 – scheduled to begin in June of next year – in doubt, dealing a potentially massive blow to the Netherlands’ hopes of making a deep tournament run.