Cleveland Browns Preseason Week 2 studs and duds in win over Indianapolis

The Cleveland Browns moved to 2-0 in the preseason with a win over the Colts. Here’s a look at who stood out and who didn’t in their second preseason game.

It was a true preseason game as the Cleveland Browns kept the majority of their starters on the sideline during their Week 2 meeting with the Indianapolis Colts. With Baker Mayfield, Odell Beckham, Jr., Myles Garrett, and Nick Chubb all sitting out, we got a long look at many of the players fighting for roles on the team.

Former AAF standout Garrett Gilbert got the start and played the first half before giving way to undrafted rookie David Blough — as they also let veteran Drew Stanton take the night off. We also saw Kareem Hunt for the first time in a Browns uniform, although he didn’t do much in this one as he was simply out there to knock some of the rust off.

The end result of the game led by their reserves was a 21-18 victory for the Browns who are now 2-0 in the preseason. Of course, the score and record are not what matter in the exhibition games. Instead, these contests are all about how the players look.

With that being said, we identify three studs and three duds from the latest Cleveland Browns game, starting with a couple of honorable mentions.

Honorable Mentions

Jamie Gillan showed off his powerful leg with his first punt in this game. He unleashed one that ended up not being caught by the Colts which allowed the Browns to down the ball at the 10-yard line following a 74-yard punt. The Scottish Hammer got a favorable bounce, but it was clear as soon as the ball hit his foot that this one was going for a long ride.

Mack Wilson had an up and down game in this one. Following a breakout performance last week, he struggled at times on Saturday. On the first running play of the second quarter for the Colts, Wilson broke through the line but then whiffed on a tackle attempt which allowed Marlon Mack to turn what should have been a loss to an eight-yard run.

Two plays later, he made a great stop on 3rd-and-2, but then on fourth-down, he had a free shot on quarterback Jacoby Brissett and missed — this allowed the Colts to convert for a first down. Later, Wilson and Anthony Zettel both made contact with Brissett and was flagged for leading with the crown of his helmet. He still was in position for a lot of plays, but things weren’t going his way this time.