Cleveland Browns: 3 pleasant surprises at quarter-mark of season

CB Terrance Mitchell

When will we stop being surprised by Terrance Mitchell?

A guy who entered the season as a potential camp cut due to him being a John Dorsey signing, given his salary, and given the number of defensive backs signed this offseason, Mitchell has taken that chip on his shoulder and used it as a fire to compete. With the injuries to Greedy Williams and Kevin Johnson, Mitchell stepped into a starting role and does not look like he will be surrendering it any time soon.

Playing opposite Denzel Ward, who is playing at a borderline elite level to start the season, Mitchell has proven not to be a liability despite being targeted frequently. As the season crawls along, Williams may not have a job waiting for him when he gets healthy, except perhaps in the nickel where he will have to compete with Tavierre Thomas and Kevin Johnson for reps. This is how good Mitchell has been for the brown and orange to start the season.

At this point there is no reason to pull Mitchell out of his role as he is playing well opposite Ward. As the linebackers and safeties get acquainted, the Browns could see their defense take a jump on that side of the football as they are starting to get healthy. Mitchell has been a big reason for success in the back half.