The Cleveland Browns dominated the Cincinnati Bengals in the season opener. The 24-3 score only partially captures the beatdown they handed to their division rival. The Browns excelled in all phases of the game, including special teams. While quarterback Deshaun Watson got out to a slow start, Nick Chubb rushed for over 100 yards again, Myles Garrett was dominant again, and the Browns played complimentary football.
The Browns must build on this win as they navigate the AFC North gauntlet. They will now face the Pittsburgh Steelers (off of a loss to the San Francisco 49ers) this week on Monday Night Football before taking on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4.
Buy Browns TicketsStarting strong will significantly increase their chances of making the playoffs in a year where they pushed all of their chips into the middle of the table. Before we jump ahead, however, we must highlight this week’s studs and duds.
Here are the Browns players who stood out the most in the win against the Bengals.
Stud: Nick Chubb
When the offense struggled to find its rhythm, the solution was simple: give the ball to Nick Chubb. As always, Chubb stepped up and played like a football-playing superhero. Chubb continues to perform like the best running back in the league.
He amassed 106 rushing yards on 18 carries and showcased his skills as a pass-catcher by hauling in all four of his targets for an additional 21 yards. Despite not scoring a touchdown, Chubb was fantastic in his expanded role, setting the foundation for his most productive year.
Dud: Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson was one of the main reasons the offense couldn’t find its rhythm. In the first half, Watson’s play was inconsistent. He appeared off-kilter, uncertain, or lacking trust in what he was seeing, leading to difficulties in finding downfield targets.
The quarterback underthrew two potential touchdowns to Marquise Goodwin and misfired on a few passes. However, Watson started to look better as the second half began. As he began to run the ball, he gained confidence. He made a nice throw to Donovan Peoples-Jones on an out route to the far hash. There were moments of quality quarterback play to build upon for the rest of the season.
Stud: Grant Delpit
The fourth-year safety was all over the field in Sunday’s win. Delpit made impactful plays at every level of the field. He led the team in tackles, got a quarterback hit on Burrow, and made an excellent pass breakup against Tee Higgins.
Delpit chased the Bengals down all day, and it wouldn’t surprise me to hear that he haunted their dreams tonight. The underrated safety had an exceptional game in the season debut. In his contract year, if he continues to play like he did today, Delpit will make it impossible for the Browns to move on from him, regardless of the price.
Dud: Jerome Ford
Jerome Ford had a very rough first showing on offense. The second-year back struggled to find his footing today. Ford started the game poorly, fumbling the football outside the red zone after gaining 8 yards on a mishandled snap.
The running back seemed anxious as he doggedly followed his running path, regardless of the blocking. Ford appeared to regain his explosive self on a 17-yard run near the end of the game, but it was a little too late. He finished with 15 carries for 36 yards. I like Jerome Ford and believe in his talent and potential, but he needs to drastically improve to retain the backup running back job.
Stud: DE Myles Garrett
Myles Garrett played as if he had a vendetta against the Bengals. Whether it was the brief exchange with Ja’Marr Chase or Orlando Brown Jr. this offseason, Garrett seemed extra motivated today. Garrett finished the game with one sack, four quarterback hits, and two tackles.
These numbers do not include the multiple pressures he put on a terrified Burrow. Garrett’s impact on this game could be felt by everyone watching. The defensive end must continue his warpath to win the Defensive Player of the Year. Garrett has yet to grasp the elusive award, but games like today help push him towards the trophy.
