5 Studs and duds from Cleveland Browns Monday Night Football defeat

Stud: Olivier Vernon, Defensive End

The Browns defense struggled for much of the night, especially in the run game, but the performance by Olivier Vernon can’t be overlooked no matter how many rushing yards Lamar Jackson ended the game with.

Vernon will remember this December Monday night for a long time as he had two sacks, three total tackles, and a batted ball in a crucial part of the game that was a catalyst to get the defense fired up to give the Browns a chance at winning the game.

Not only that, Vernon likely earned himself millions of dollars. If you remember before the season Vernon was one that many (myself included) wondered if he would even make the roster because of his crazy salary. The Browns were committed to him and he ultimately restructured to save the team some money.

After a loss like that, it doesn’t feel like there were any winners from the game, but there is no doubt that Vernon was one. Although he won’t admit it tonight, he will look back and realize this game kept his career alive another two years.

A loss is a loss, but this one stings more than most. It’s easier to accept losing by 30, but at least the Browns fought back and gave us a reason to be let down. Stefanski has the ship going in the right direction, now the team must handle the Giants next week on Sunday Night Football.