Cleveland Browns studs and duds from Week 14 victory over Bengals

Dud: Rashard Higgins

Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins did not make any bad plays on Sunday, but that was only because he could not get on the field to make any. Instead of being the No. 3 wide receiver, Higgins is a complete afterthought on Cleveland’s depth chart.

Higgins had an opportunity this season to have a breakout year with most of the attention from defenses being focused on Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry. Instead, Higgins’ season has been mired with an injury and issues with Kitchens.

Despite the Browns relying on intermediate throws in the middle of the field, the area of the field in which Higgins excels, the wide receiver has created enough issues with the coaching staff to where he can not even get on the field. On Sunday, Damion Ratley was Cleveland’s primary No. 3 receiver.

The reason why Higgins is a dud is because the Browns passing attack has primarily revolved around Landry. With other receivers not creating space and giving Mayfield a window to throw into, the Browns receiving corps has not provided Mayfield that often. Higgins has strong chemistry with Mayfield, but Higgins is obviously not showing enough during the week to make an impact on Sunday’s.

Higgins has largely been a dud all season. But not being able to get on the field Sunday is a major issue and should be a wake up call for the receiver. The Browns offense needs help from their weapons, but they aren’t able to make an impact when they are riding the bench.