5 Cleveland Browns whose stocks are up as Bengals tamed in Week 14

1. Bryan Cox

With under five minutes to go in the third quarter, Bryan Cox recorded a big sack of Andy Dalton, along with Larry Ogunjobi when Cincinnati was looking at 1st and Goal from the 1-yard line.

One player later, Cox applied difference-making pressure, forcing Dalton to throw the ball away.

The Bengals had the ball 4th and G at the 2 and ended up moving backwards, ultimately settling for a field goal.

With Myles Garrett suspended, and Olivier Vernon battling a nagging injury, Cox has been solid in relief. For the second straight week, he’s played a part in sacking the quarterback. He certainly looks to have some speed off the edge, which is something the Browns desperately need.

Cox entered the Bengals game poised to get even more playing time following the Browns release of defensive end Chris Smith. Many thought it was a hard move, considering Smith lost the mother of his newborn child at the onset of the season in a car accident.

Smith seemingly fell to the bottom of the depth chart against the Steelers, with Cox, Porter Gustin and Chad Thomas all moving ahead of him on the depth chart.

A good effort from Cox for a team that is desperate for help on the edge. The Browns will be looking for reserves at defensive end next season, and Cox is getting a prime chance to audition.