Surprise!
The Cleveland Browns stunned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 23-19, to score the first win of the Todd Monken era. The Browns were big underdogs going into this game but fought back in the second half to stun Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers.
Let's take a look at each part of the team in this week's report card.
Cleveland’s passing game came alive when the Browns needed it most
Quarterback: A
It wasn't a perfect effort for Deshaun Watson, but it was definitely worth an A. He went 24 for 30 for 238 yards and two touchdowns. He was in control of the offense and seemed confident and determined with his decisions all game. When he needed to use his legs to get some yards or a first down, he did.
He made accurate short throws but also several intermediate throws that were on the money. He also hit the big plays, highlighted by rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston's catch and run for a 55-yard touchdown.
The performance was easily Watson's best outing in years. There had been speculation that this game might be his last if he didn't perform well. He certainly was better and will likely start the Week 3 home opener.
Running Back: D
Quinshon Judkins, where have you gone? Judkins again didn't run the ball well in this one. He went for 21 yards on 11 carries. That's a 1.8 yards-per-carry average.
Watson led the rushing attack with 22 yards. When your quarterback is your leading rusher, that's usually not a good sign. However, the other parts of the offense were functioning better.
Wide receiver/tight end: A
The wide receivers and tight ends came to play. Boston caught a bullet pass from Watson and proceeded to break three tackles and rumble to pay dirt. Tight end Blake Whiteheart turned a short leak-out pass into a 17-yard touchdown late in the game to give the Browns the lead.
Tight end Harold Fannin grabbed five passes for 54 yards, including a nice 21-yard pass play. Wide receiver KC Concepcion had six catches for 28 yards. While the catches didn't go for big gains, they were important receptions that kept the ball moving forward for the Cleveland offense.
Offensive line: B
There were some penalties by the linemen in the first half, but they didn't have any in the second half.
The offensive line kept its quarterback upright and gave the team a chance at victory. The running game needs work, but the pass protection was solid. Watson was sacked twice but finished with 80 percent completions.
Defensive line/linebackers: B
The defensive front four and linebackers came to play in this game. They put pressure on Mayfield and sacked him three times. Linebacker Carson Schwesinger had a huge late-game sack. Interior lineman Mason Graham registered his second sack in as many games to open the season.
The Buccaneers had a bit of a run game in the first half. The Browns were able to shut that down in the second half and gave their offense a chance to get back in the game.
Defensive backs: B
The secondary had a very big bounce-back game after its Week 1 performance. Denzel Ward, Tyson Campbell, Grant Delpit and Myles Harden all had five tackles. They made Mayfield look mediocre. Mayfield went 21 for 34 passing for 182 yards.
Browns safety Ronnie Hickman recorded a sack. Harden also intercepted Mayfield in the first half. On Harden's interception, Mayfield was confused by the Browns switching from man to zone coverage. The whole secondary stepped up in this game.
Special teams: A
This part of the team just keeps doing their job well. Browns kicker Andre Szmtz was perfect again on the day, going 3-for-3 on kicks, including a 50-yarder. He was also perfect on his extra points.
Punter Corey Bojorquez kicked four punts for a 49.5 average and had two go inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
Kick returners Malachi Corley and Reheim Sanders both had nice kick returns. Corley averaged 23 yards on his returns and Sanders averaged 25 yards on his run backs.
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