Cleveland Browns: Studs and duds from victory over Atlanta
By Dan Justik
Stud: T.J. Carrie
With E.J. Gaines out for the season with a concussion, the Browns needed T.J. Carrie to step up and play like a No. 2 cornerback. On Sunday, Carrie did just that.
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Faced with the difficult task of matching up with Julio Jones, Carrie put up an admirable effort. For the better part of the first half, Jones was almost nonexistent. Carrie was playing tight coverage, not giving Matt Ryan many windows to throw to Jones.
Jones still ended up having a great game. He caught seven passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. But for the most part, Carrie was making it difficult for the entire passing offense.
Early in the second half, Ryan completed a pass to Mohamed Sanu as they were facing a 2nd and 18. Sanu made an irresponsible decision, reaching the ball out to gain an extra yard, despite being more than 10 yards away from the first down marker. As Sanu reached out, Carrie came over and swatted the ball out of his hands, forcing a fumble that the Browns would recover.
Carrie made another big play in the second half, making a phenomenal pass breakup on a goal-line stand. The Falcons attempted to throw a fade to Jones by running a rub route. But Carrie stayed locked on Jones’ hip and was able to knock the ball away.
Carrie stepped up to the challenge on Sunday as the team’s No. 2 cornerback. Heading into the bye week with some confidence, Carrie could prove his worth the rest of the season.