Browns studs and duds: Reserves shine in Preseason Week 1 win

The Cleveland Browns defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in their first preseason game of 2022. Here were the studs and duds from that win.

The Cleveland Browns shook off an ugly start and defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in their first preseason game of the 2022 season.

It was a highly anticipated game as Deshaun Watson made his debut with the Browns, but it was a forgettable one for him as he managed to complete just one pass and left the field with his team trailing 13-0.

Cleveland’s reserves took over from there and played much better en route to the win. Here, we look back at the game and identify the studs and duds from their first exhibition game.

Browns studs and duds Preseason Week 1

Stud: Isaiah Thomas

One of the rookies that seem to get forgotten about at times is defensive end Isaiah Thomas. Not only was he the second defensive end drafted behind Alex Wright, but he was also the second defensive lineman from his school selected.

Thomas was a seventh-round pick, joining the Browns after Perrion Winfrey who was taken in the fourth round out of Oklahoma. However, Thomas was the one who stood out in his debut game.

He recorded a sack early in the third quarter but also had a tackle for a loss in the first half. He continued to get snaps and recorded a second sack in garbage time, giving him quite the first game.

Dud: Alex Wright

Alex Wright was a third-round pick out of UAB and is expected to develop into a solid contributor. His first game, however, showed he has some growing to do.

The rookie was drawn inside a couple of times by the Jags, which allowed them to get their runner on the outside. Wright was also called for a roughing the passer penalty when he hit C.J. Beathard in the face.

Wright is an extremely talented pass rusher but his first game proved that he’s a work in progress. It’s no reason to panic just yet but this wasn’t his best showing.