Browns studs and duds: Safeties shine in Week 15 win over Ravens

Browns Stud: John Johnson III, Safety

Several defensive players have been highly criticized this season but perhaps none more than John Johnson III. The veteran safety brought some of the criticism on himself when he was vocal about wanting to see more commitment from his teammates, only to be seen giving up on a play against Baltimore that very weekend.

In the re-match with the Ravens, he made things right. Johnson stood out from the beginning, coming in and making a huge stop on fourth down to set the tone.

Johnson met Patrick Ricard at the line of scrimmage as he and Jadeveon Clowney stopped the 311-pound fullback in his tracks. That ended a 10-play 71-yard drive but it wasn’t the last good play from Johnson.

Right after the Browns’ touchdown, Johnson forced a fumble as he punched the ball out of Demarcus Robinson’s hands, then recovered it as well. Unfortunately, Johnson was sent to the sideline with an injury but he made his mark on the game before having to step out.

Dud: Wyatt Teller, Guard

Wyatt Teller missed some time this season as he battled a calf injury and he might not be back to 100 percent. Far too often in this one, he was unable to hold his block and didn’t open up the running lanes the way we’re used to seeing.

As the game went on, the rushing attack improved — as did Teller — but it wasn’t his best outing.