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6 Studs and Duds for the Cleveland Browns in playoff-clinching win

By Greg Newland

Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) kneels in the end zone before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) kneels in the end zone before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; The Cleveland Browns celebrate an interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Stud: Jacob Phillips, Linebacker

This entire season the linebacking core has been a major question for the Cleveland Browns. While nothing was different on Sunday, rookie Jacob Phillips got his shot at middle linebacker with B.J. Goodson once again missing the game because of COVID-19. And in his third start of the season, Phillips played well with 10 total tackles which included one for loss and a quarterback hit.

Although the secondary was bad, Phillips made a couple of huge plays and showed that he can be a crucial piece of the puzzle moving forward. While he wasn’t likely ready to make the start this season, injuries forced things to happen quickly, but the experience will only help him moving forward.

Two things that Phillips brings to the group that no other linebacker on the roster holds. Speed and toughness. Mack Wilson can fly around but struggles to be in position and misses too many tackles. Sione Takitaki and Goodson are decent in the run game, but lack athleticism to play side to side and can get beat up in pass coverage.

Phillips looked to have tremendous instincts and flew around the field on Sunday. He made multiple plays at the line of scrimmage and didn’t have any horrendous missed tackles. Phillips will continue to learn the scheme and get stronger this offseason and should be a major player for the Browns in the upcoming seasons.

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