3 standouts (and 2 duds) from Cleveland Browns Week 1 win over Cincinnati

It's not often we get to say this but the Cleveland Browns are 1-0. For the second season in a row, they won their home opener — which is just the third time they've done so since coming back to the NFL in 1999.

This time, they took it to the two-time AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals by a score of 24-3. It was a game played in wet conditions and the Browns were able to shake off a slow start while the Bengals never figured things out.

With this game now in the rearview, let's highlight a few standouts and a couple of duds from the victory.

Browns Standout: Ogbo Okoronkwo, EDGE

Cleveland was able to force a punt on the opening drive, thanks in large part to their pass rush. Not only did pressure from Za'Darius Smith force an early incompletion, but the Browns were also able to get home on third-and-five from their own 47.

Joe Burrow dropped back to pass and was instantly under pressure. He was sacked by Ogno Okoronkwo for a two-yard loss — and he barely beat Maurice Hurst to the quarterback.

That set up a fourth-and-seven and got Cleveland the ball for the first time.

Okoronkwo, who was signed in the offseason to a three-year deal, had three total tackles on the day but he was able to set the tone. Cleveland was putting the heat on Burrow all day and while they might have had just two sacks, it felt as though they were dominating all day.

Of course, it helped that the secondary was all over the Cincinnati wideouts as well, making this a great debut for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

Browns Dud: Jedrick Wills, Left Tackle

On the Browns opening offensive drive, Deshaun Watson was under duress from the moment he touched the ball. He was sacked twice and was also hit when trying to deliver the ball to his wideouts.

On second-and-seven during that opening drive, Bengals' defensive end Trey Hendrickson was able to get right past left tackle Jedrick Wills and hit Watson as he aimed for Amari Cooper. The ball was short since Watson wasn't able to get as much under it as he wanted.

Again, Wills was beaten on second-and-11 early in the second quarter and this time, it had worse consequences. Hendrickson got past the fourth-year tackle and not only forced Watson's pass to fall short but he also fell into Jack Conklin, injuring their starting right tackle — Conklin even had to be carted off the field and might be gone for a while.

The second half didn't start any better with Wills surrendering a sack on second-and-eight during their opening drive in the third quarter. Following a two-yard run from Chubb, Cleveland went with an empty backfield and Hendrickson dropped Watson for a three-yard loss, helping their defense force a three-and-out.

Watson ended up being sacked three times but it could have been much worse if not for his running ability. As good as this offensive line is when it comes to opening up running lanes, they really need to figure things out with pass protection. And that starts with Wills, who continues to be an issue.

Browns Standout: Dustin Hopkins, Kicker

This time last year, we were all in love with a different kicker. Rookie Cade York, who was selected out of LSU in Round 4, had justhit a 58-yarder to give Cleveland the win over Baker Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers.

York was quickly a fan-favorite for the way he delivered in the clutch but then things fell apart. He finished with 10 total misses between field goals and extra points and then was even worse in the preseason.

Cleveland eventually gave up and released York, deciding instead to turn to veteran Dustin Hopkins. In order to land Hopkins, who just lost a competition with Cameron Dicker, the Browns sent a seventh-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers. After one game, it feels as though they got a steal.

Hopkins was 3-of-3 on field goals and 1-of-1 on extra points. He hit from 42, 34, and then 43 yards, and each kick was perfectly down the middle.

It might not seem like much but considering the issues this team has had in recent years, it was refreshing to see routine kicks sail through the uprights with ease. Head coach Kevin Stefanski even knew how much it meant, handing him a game ball after the win.

This game was wide open but there will be those that come down to the kicker. Knowing they have someone who has been in the league for a long time and can knock them through with ease is a huge benefit.

Browns Dud: Jerome Ford, Running Back

Much was made of the Browns backup running back position this offseason. For the past four years, this has been the deepest position on the team with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt lining up in the backfield together.

However, the Browns felt Hunt lost a step in 2022 and decided not to bring him back. Apparently, they weren't alone in this thought since Hunt is still without a team in 2023.

With him gone, the Browns turned to Jerome Ford who they drafted in the fifth round out of Cincinnati a year ago. Ford entered this game with just eight career rushing attempts for 12 yards, which is why fans weren't sold.

Following his first rushing attempt, those concerns only worsened.

Ford took a handoff and ran it for eight yards but fumbled at the end of the run. The Bengals picked up the loose ball and while they didn't score, it was still a frustrating turn of events.

He did get a chance to redeem himself and while he had a solid 17-yard run at one point, the majority of his attempts were underwhelming. Ford finished the day with 15 rushing attempts but had just 36 yards — for an average of just 2.4 yards per attempt.

Cleveland added Pierre Strong in a trade with New England and while he too has limited experience, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him get a chance if Ford doesn't improve going forward.

Browns Standout: Grant Delpit, Safety

After Deshaun Watson was picked off, Cincinnati was forced to kick a long field goal, which was missed. The main reason they had to settle for the kick was a great play from Grant Delpit.

On third-and-four, Burrow went for Tee Higgins who had single-coverage against Delpit. Typically, this is an advantage for a wideout but Delpit was right in stride with Higgins and swatted the pass away.

Cleveland went up 13-3 after taking over and as the Bengals tried to get back into the game and again, Delpit had an answer. On third-and-eight from their own 39, Burrow went to Irv Smith, who caught the ball five yards downfield. He was unable to take it any further since Delpit stopped him in his tracks, forcing another punt.

Delpit led the team with eight tackles on the day and seven of them were solo tackles. He also had one for a loss and provided a huge spark on defense.

This offseason, the Browns added Juan Thornhill to play free safety and he quickly became a vocal leader. Unfortunately, hornhill was unable to suit up in Week 1 due to a calf injury but Delpit was up to the task as the emotional leader on defense.

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