Cleveland Browns: 4 players who will be key to winning in Week 2

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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs scrables as defensive tackle Malik McDowell #58 of the Cleveland Browns defends during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

2. Cleveland Browns DT, Malik McDowell

Malik McDowell could very well be on his way to having the redemption story of the 2021 NFL season.

He was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft, but injuries and off-the-field issues prevented him from playing in the NFL until last Sunday against the Chiefs. Not only did he play for the first time since being a Michigan State Spartan, but he was a starter.

That in its own right is quite the redemption story.

In his first career NFL start, he registered one pressure, three tackles, and three stops. He was giving the Chiefs offensive line fits and helped the Browns allow only seven rushing yards and a touchdown.

He will be a key in Week 2 as the Texans ran down the Jaguars throat in Week 1. Houston rushed 41 times for 160 yards, the bulk of it coming from Mark Ingram, who rushed 26 times for 85 yards and a score.

If McDowell can have a similar or better performance than he did in Week 1, it will not only stuff the run game of the Texans but will also allow Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney to work the edges and apply pressure to quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

McDowell has a lot of raw, untapped potential, and if Week 1 was any indication, the Browns defense, especially the line, will be in good shape for the next 16-plus games.

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