Rightfully so, Malik McDowell listed as Cleveland Browns Week 2 starter

As the Cleveland Browns Week 2 unofficial depth chart arrives, defensive tackle Malik McDowell is listed as a starter

Coming into the new season, I had listed defensive tackle as one of the more concerning and weaker spots on the Cleveland Browns current roster. I know, it’s been a minimal sample size, but if Malik McDowell can play like he did Sunday, the Browns will be getting a much needed season long boost.

As the new unofficial depth chart has arrives for the Browns Week 2 matchup against the Texans, there have been some changes from Week 1.

One of those changes? McDowell is listed as a starter.

After a Week 1 performance like McDowell had, this should come as no surprise.

McDowell ended up grading out as the third best defensive tackle in all of football for week one after Sunday’s games came to an end.

While the tackle numbers from Sunday’s game were nothing crazy, he seemed to be getting pressure on more plays than not and making lots of noise on that defensive line. McDowell also ended up with the highest grade on the entire Browns defense after week 1. His first snap did not disappoint either, as it he blew the play up for a tackle for loss.

McDowell is listed as a starter over Andrew Billings, who the Browns picked up from the Bengals two years ago. While it appeared he was going to be a solid signing, he ended up opting out of last season, and had a below average pre season with McDowell getting all of the attention.

The Browns defense as a whole played solid Sunday, despite losing and giving up 33 points to the Chiefs. Field position didn’t help, and they were not put in the best situations.

As Cleveland gets ready to face the Texans, they’ll look to take another step forward and mesh together as they go for win number one on the young season.