6 Browns with rising stock following win over Bengals

Stocks are on the rise for several Cleveland Browns players after they got a big win against their rival Cincinnati Bengals

It was a much-needed win for the Cleveland Browns on Monday night as they beat the Cincinnati Bengals 32-13. It has given the team some hope that the season is not a loss yet. The Browns now get a bye week and then they return to action to play their next two away games against the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills.

The weeks ahead will not be easy for Cleveland as they try and get back into playoff contention, however, after Monday’s big win they may have gathered some momentum for the rest of the season. There were several players, especially on the defensive side of the ball that played well in this last game and their stock has certainly started to rise, and maybe just in time.

The only player from the big win that some might be tempted to suggest has his stock falling right now is offensive lineman Jedrick Wills. The former Alabama standout continues to struggle at times or looks like he quits on his plays too soon. In the game against Cincinnati, he had another holding penalty called against him and he also allowed a couple of plays to get blown up by his poor blocking on run attempts. To date, he’s had six penalties called on him which is the fifth most by an NFL offensive lineman and he’s given up four sacks. His overall PFF (Pro Football Focus) grade is only 65.8.

Wills is in his third season with the team, and it was hoped that he’d be more consistent with his play by now and that still doesn’t seem to be the case. Despite having a player like Wills still struggling let’s shift our focus onto several players that have their stock rising.

6 Browns with rising stock

6. A.J. Green, CB

A.J. Green made an immediate impact in the Monday night win as he was able to intercept a Joe Burrow pass to set the tone early. The Bengals were moving the ball well on their initial drive until Burrow had his pass tipped by defensive end Myles Garrett which Green was able to grab.

He made a bolt for the endzone but was ruled down by contact after the pick. Nonetheless, it halted a drive by Cincinnati and gave Cleveland some opening-game momentum.

In the absence of veteran cornerback Denzel Ward, who’s been out with a concussion over the last few weeks, it was nice to see a young player like Green, who hadn’t had a lot of playing time this season get his opportunity and make the most of it.