Cleveland Browns studs and duds from first win of the season

Stud: Joe Schobert

Christian Kirksey reminded us all why he was again named a team captain. He was everywhere on Monday night which included him being in on a perfect read of the wildcat play where Le’Veon Bell gave it to Ty Montgomery. He showed up later on that same drive when he stuffed Bell for just one yard on a screen pass. As great as he played though, he wasn’t the best linebacker on the field for the Browns.

That honor, instead, goes to Joe Schobert who also found himself around the ball all game long. He was stuffing the screen pass and forcing running backs to settle for short gains — and several losses as well. His most impressive stop came when the Jets went for it on fourth down in the third quarter near the Browns end zone.

It was a fourth-and-two and Luke Falk dumped the ball off to Bell, who made a move and got past cornerback T.J. Carrie but didn’t get away from Schobert. No. 53 was there to smack Bell in the mouth and keep him from gaining the final yard.

As good as that play was, it was topped by the offensive play that followed. The Schobert stop came right before Baker Mayfield hit OBJ for the 89-yard touchdown play which just made sure to take any drama out of this win. He wasn’t down there, however, as Schobert stayed locked in even when others may have been ready to go home.

Nearing the midway point of the fourth quarter, Schobert delivered a shot on Bell as he was racing down the sideline following a huge gain. When the Cleveland linebacker delivered the hit, the ball came flying out and was picked up by T.J. Carrie.

Schobert, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, is ready to get paid just like his teammate Kirksey did not long ago. Should they be able to keep both together, their defense should continue to be strong.