Several Cleveland Browns offensive players contributed to the team’s big win against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, but these 3 stood out more than others
Isn’t it a great feeling the day after a big win? The Cleveland Browns stunned the Carolina Panthers with a late game field gold by rookie kicker Cade York and pulled off the 26-24 win. Historically speaking, it may go down as one of the biggest victories in franchise history.
It was only Week 1 of the NFL season so let’s not try to get carried away, but for a team that hadn’t won an opening season game over the last 18 years, it certainly makes for a happy moment in franchise history as they finally ended a dreadful streak.
There were several contributors on the team that really stood out and helped get the win. Let’s look back at a few of those players.
3 Cleveland Browns that really stood out on the offense
Player No. 3: Nick Chubb, RB
It was by far Nick Chubb’s best Week 1 performance of his career. He was simply brilliant. He is the heart and soul of this Brown’s team and should be recognized for it. He started fast and didn’t slow down.
He had 79 yards at halftime and finished with 141 on the day. He didn’t score a touchdown in this one though, as he saved that for his counterpart Kareem Hunt who ended up scoring twice.
Is this good? I feel like this is good. https://t.co/C9mds2571I
— Dawg Pound Daily (@dawgpounddaily) September 12, 2022
He played with power and instincts that can’t be taught. That’s why he is considered one of the best running backs in the NFL. When the Browns needed a first down, he found a way to get that extra yard, or sometimes he just took the ball for 15 or 20 yards.
Would Chubb have liked to have scored a touchdown or two? Probably, but the former Georgia Bulldog has always said it’s about winning, and his team won on Sunday. His effort provided a much-needed spark to the offense.
No. 2: Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR
Donovan Peoples-Jones had one of the better games of his young NFL career as he caught six passes for 60 yards. It wasn’t an outrageous output but what stood out was how he delivered in the clutch.
Jacoby Brissett was a bit off with his accuracy during the ball game, however, DPJ was able to pull in a few contested footballs and that helped move the chains all afternoon. In the first half of the game, there were several passes that he dug up from the ground that in previous years he may have dropped.
His biggest and most important catch on the night came on a 2nd and 12 play when he got the first down, moving the offense to midfield as the clock was running out at the end of the game. That first down catch allowed the Browns’ drive to continue and set up the game-winning field goal moments later.
His receptions weren’t spectacular, but they were solid and may very well set the tone for what to expect from him the rest of the season. Cleveland’s No. 1 receiver, Amari Cooper, didn’t put up the expected numbers, so it’s always nice when your second guy can pull in a few extra passes to keep the offense rolling.
No. 1: Cade York, K
The winning kick by Cade York will likely go down as one of the most dramatic moments in recent Browns history. Not only was that kick big but he also contributed all afternoon with several field goals. In all, he had 14 of the 26 points Cleveland scored on the afternoon.
It certainly was a day to remember for the new kicker. There’s been a huge void in the kicking game since Phil Dawson left 10 years ago but Cleveland may have finally found his replacement on Sunday. York jerseys are already sold out across the area. Who would have guessed we would be buying up a rookie kicker’s jersey?
Having an established and reliable kicker in the NFL is really very rare these days. We see every Sunday how important kickers can be to the success of a team. The Browns certainly benefited on Sunday with theirs. And there will be more opportunities for York to continue to grow his legend.
Himmy Donovan will bring tears to your eyes 🥲 pic.twitter.com/UZivvWAhLM
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 12, 2022
York will miss a kick here or there and break our hearts once in a while but watching what he did Sunday was a thrill for everyone and something that can carry a career a long way.
Now the Browns will prepare for their Week 2 game against the New York Jets. Can Chubb, DPJ, and York continue their winning ways? Who else will step up and stand out in the home opener?
3 huge Browns takeaways from Week 1 victory over the Panthers
Nothing is more valuable in the NFL than wins and the Browns went out and found a way to win. Here are three huge takeaways from the Week 1 victory.