Cleveland Browns: 5 players whose stock is up after Buccaneers loss

1. Joe Schobert

Joe Schobert‘s got to feel good after this one because a lot of fans and media members have spent the better part of the last month and a half trying to fire him.

Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Schobert got the start and continued his role as the “quarterback of the defense.”

This trait is probably underrated. But defenders of Schobert haven’t forgotten how out of sorts the Browns defense got last season when Schobert missed time due to injury.

In addition to his role as the defensive play setter, Schobert made plays. He brought pressure up the middle on multiple occasions, forcing a holding penalty with 6:13  in the second quarter. He later impacted one of Jameis Winston‘s throws with 2:18 left in the half.

To top it all off, Schobert tipped a pass before halftime.

By the end of the first half, Schobert had tallied five total tackles, two of which were for a loss.

It was a really nice effort for the Wisconsin product because he just wasn’t a “coverage” linebacker against Tampa. He got into the backfield and blew some things up.

The adage, “You don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone” probably applies to Schobert. He’s a quality player, but not elite. It’s for this reason fans want to see the likes of Sione Takitaki and Mack Wilson.

Efforts like this serve as a reminder how valuable Schobert can be, though.