Cleveland Browns: Studs and duds from Week 13 loss to Houston

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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 02: The Houston Texans offense lines up against the Cleveland Browns defense in the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Dud: T.J. Carrie

No matter who is lined up against Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, more than likely that defender is going to have a rough game. On Sunday, that statement was true for Browns cornerback T.J. Carrie.

Carrie was given the task to cover Hopkins, and Hopkins was able to make plays all over the field on Carrie. He caught seven of his 12 targets for 91 yards, but he was unable to get in the end-zone.

Browns defensive coordinator Gregg Williams likes to play Carrie against some of the top wide receivers in the NFL because his physicality will sometimes create problems for the wide receiver. Carrie might have frustrated Hopkins, but Hopkins seemed to make more plays as he became more frustrated.

Carrie’s physicality also drew the attention of the officials, as he was called for holding penalties on multiple occasions. Carrie was called for holding penalties on back to back plays in the second half, with the first coming on a third down, and the other happening when the Browns sacked Deshaun Watson.

It may have been a tough match-up for Carrie, but the penalties are what really did not help his case. He has to be physical against the top receivers, but the penalties put the Browns defense in bad positions.

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