Cleveland Browns: 3 pleasant surprises in Week 1 blowout loss

TE David Njoku

Entering the offseason, there was no player more in the spotlight and under fire than fourth-year, and former first-round pick, tight end David Njoku. Recency bias has proven to be a trickster once again as many forget the productive 2018 season Njoku had, even the start of 2019 as well before breaking his wrist and suffering a concussion on the same play in Week 2 a year ago.

The struggles of Njoku seemingly overblown, the high-profile athlete put on a show in limited opportunities for the Browns on Sunday. While he, for the time being, lost the second tight end role to fourth-round rookie Harrison Bryant, Njoku should see an uptick from the 17 offensive snaps he saw on Sunday after making the most of them.

Not only did he score the team’s first and only touchdown on the season thus far, but he also came through with a big catch to keep the chains moving on a third down, then made the highlight of the day, displaying the other-worldly athleticism he possesses, making a leaping grab directly overtop of Baltimore nickel cornerback Tavon Young.

It has been a whirlwind of a year for Njoku, from his injury, to hitting the Freddie Kitchens’ doghouse, to requesting a trade, to now. However this coaching staff and front office told him how much he would mean to this team, picking up his fifth-year option and declining his trade request, and apparently they were not bluffing.

UPDATE: Njoku was placed on the IR with a knee injury, meaning he will miss at least three games.