3 Studs (and 2 duds) from Browns sloppy win over Colts

It wasn't easy but the Cleveland Browns got the win in Week 7 as they edged out the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 39-38.

Cleveland entered the game excited to have Deshaun Watson back but he went to the sideline after just five passes and P.J. Walker was again asked to step up.

The defense also had its issues with Gardner Minshew throwing for 305 yards with two touchdowns while the Colts added 168 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. With all that being said, let's take a look back at who stood out as both studs and duds in Week 7.

Cleveland Browns Stud: Dustin Hopkins, Kicker

When the Browns traded a seventh-round pick for Dustin Hopkins, they believed that had a kicker who could hold the job down for the 2023 season. After seven weeks, it wouldn't be a surprise to find out they plan on keeping him for as long as they can.

Hopkins has been phenomenal this year, coming into this one 12-of-14. He was a huge reason they knocked off the 49ers last week and it was more of the same in Indy. Hopkins was called upon four times and not only hit all of them, but three of the kicks were from 54 yards or longer.

As if that wasn't impressive enough, he also made history as the first NFL kicker to ever hit a 50-yard-plus field goal in five-straight games.

His final kick was good from 58 yards which temporarily gave the Browns the lead late in the fourth quarter.

It's safe to say Cleveland loses this game with just about any other kicker. And it could lead to Hopkins securing the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award for the second time in a row.

Cleveland Browns Dud: P.J. Walker, Quarterback

It's tough to be too hard on P.J. Walker since he wasn't thrown into the best situation. Added to the practice squad following the decision to trade Josh Dobbs to the Arizona Cardinals, Walker was thrust into the starting role in Week 6.

This came after Dorian Thompson-Robinson started for Deshaun Watson in Week 4 and struggled mightily. Cleveland then used the bye week to get Walker ready for the No. 2 role and with Watson out again, he had to start against the San Francisco 49ers.

Walker got the win on his record but he had a few issues, including two interceptions. One of those nearly cost Cleveland the game but they pulled it off thanks to Dustin Hopkins and a missed kick from Jake Moody.

Against the Colts, Walker was again called into action after Watson had to exit the game. The Browns got the win and he did better on the final drive — although they were stopped on third down but were aided by an illegal contact call. Then, a questionable interference gave them the ball on the one-yard line, which set up the win.

The result helps but Walker still struggled mightily, completing just 15-of-32 attempts for 178 yards with no touchdowns and a pick. That pick was a third-and-long but it appeared Amari Cooper had a step.

He also inexplicably ignored Cooper for the majority of the game, although Coop did have two unfortunate drops once the ball came his way.

Cleveland Browns Stud: Kareem Hunt, Running Back

Cleveland's rushing attack took a huge hit in Week 2 when Nick Chubb went down but so far, Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt have been getting the job done. This isn't to say either — or even the pair combined — replaces what Chubb brought to the table, but they have kept the ball moving on the ground.

That was again the case in Week 7 with both players doing their part — although Hunt was the one they really relied upon when it mattered. His numbers weren't great with 31 yards on 10 attempts but he was able to score twice, including the game-winner. That one came on a fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line and was anything but easy as No. 27 barely got the ball into the end zone.

Hunt was questionable leading into the game so his gritty performance deserves to be applauded. He's not the player he once was but he continues to step up when asked.

The veteran was needed in this one after Ford got the ball rolling with a 69-yard touchdown on just the third offensive snap of the game but had to exit with an ankle injury.

Cleveland Browns Dud: Deshaun Watson, Quarterback

After missing the past two games, Deshaun Watson returned to the field for the Cleveland Browns against Indianapolis. Coming off an unexpected win over the 49ers with P.J. Walker under center, there was a lot of excitement about seeing Watson against the Colts defense.

That excitement faded in a hurry, however.

Watson threw an incompletion on the opening drive, but was bailed out when Jerome Ford ran a 69-yard touchdown. His next two passes were also incomplete with his third attempt of the game landing in the arms of Julian Blackmon.

Watson was trying to get the ball to Marquise Goodwin but the connection between the two continues to be a nightmare. Watson has yet to complete a pass to Goodwin and the speedy wideout has just two on the year.

He did hit Donovan Peoples-Jones on the next drive for a mere five yards which was his lone completion on the day. Watson finished 1-of-5 with an interception and was nearly picked on his final play. That ruling was overturned but a hard hit sent him to the blue tent to be evaluated for a concussion.

While he passed the tests from an independent neurologist, Watson didn't return to the game. Clearly, his shoulder was still bothering him and he shouldn't have suited up in this one.

Cleveland Browns Stud: Myles Garrett, Defensive End

With 15 seconds to go, the Colts got the ball back but needed a miracle to win. That didn't happen since Za'Darius Smith recorded his first sack of the season and forced Gardner Minshew to fumble for the third time. And for the third time, Cleveland recovered it.

Overall, it was a frustrating day for the Browns defense as they allowed Minshew to throw for 305 yards while giving up 168 on the ground. But when it mattered most, they made the key plays and while Smith got the final one, it was Myles Garrett who rose to the occasion nearly every other time.

Garrett finished with nine tackles and two sacks, both of which caused a fumble. The first allowed the Browns to tie the game back up at 14 courtesy of a short field. His second gave them a lead with Tony Fields II recovering the loose ball for a defensive touchdown to go up 24-17.

As if that wasn't enough, Garrett stood out on special teams as well when he blocked a field goal attempt from Matt Gay.

Garrett has made no secret his desire to be the NFL Defensive Player of the Year one day. So far in 2023, he's been playing like it with 7.5 sacks through six games.

In years past, the lack of wins has kept him from getting the national recognition he deserves but if Cleveland continues to win and he keeps showing out, this could be the year he finally gets that trophy.

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