The Cleveland Browns have been experiencing a fullback frenzy this week also.
Just when all of the attention is on the wide receivers room, there are fullbacks in flux.
Johnny Stanton was released by the Browns to make room for the return of Andy Janovich from IR.
Janovich, who came over from the Denver Broncos in 2020, was sent to IR with a hamstring injury.
#Browns waived FB Johnny Stanton, who had 1 of their 7 TD catches, more than OBJ or Jarvis Landry.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 2, 2021
Two days later, Stanton clears waivers and is signed to the practice squad.
As expected, Browns re-signed FB Johnny Stanton to practice squad.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) November 4, 2021
Fullbacks Are Helping
The fullback position is underutilized and underappreciated.
Both Andy Janovich and Johnny Stanton have scored touchdowns for the Browns this season.
Janovich’s rushing touchdown came at a critical time during the Week 2 Texans game when the Browns could not get any running game going.
1st TD of Andy Janovich's Browns career, 4th rushing TD of his 6-year career.
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) September 19, 2021
Stanton’s receiving touchdown happened during the Week 7 Denver game.
FULLBACK TD 🔥
Johnny Stanton IV for 6️⃣pic.twitter.com/ZDug9WCmCu
— PFF CLE Browns (@PFF_Browns) October 22, 2021
With all of the attention directed at the wide receivers room for the drama and the running backs room for all of the injuries, maybe it is time to dig deeper into the playbook and utilize the fullback more.
In addition to blocking for Mayfield and the running backs which is critical these days with Mayfield’s shoulder injury, the fullback can run or catch the ball also.
Week 9 vs. Cincinnati
Hopefully, the Browns are opening up the playbook of tricks for the Week 9 Bengals game.
The Bengals defense, despite dropping last week’s game to the Jets, has been playing well.
Originality and creativity, with or without the fullback, would be a welcome sight.
Anything that can turn the page from the Odell Beckham Jr. saga and show the Browns offense moving the ball and successfully scoring touchdowns would be great.
Watch the Browns take on the Bengals at 1:00 PM EDT on Sunday, November 7, 2021 on CBS.
Hopefully, this team can deliver a Victory Monday to Cleveland fans who have had a very long week.
NEXT: Odell Beckham Jr. Excused From Thursday's Practice
