3 Cleveland Browns whose stocks are down after a needed win vs Washington in Week 3.
Finding stock down candidates wasn’t easy in Week 3, and that’s great news for the Cleveland Browns. When a team wins, the warts can be easily covered up.
That’s especially true when a team like Washington comes into town and commits five turnovers. The “Football Team” was begging the Browns to capitalize of their mistakes and Kevin Steafanki’s bunch was happy to oblige.
So, the stock down list only has three names this week. It’ll be interesting to see how the Browns move forward from here, as they’ll actually be tasked with beating some good teams as Dallas is on deck, while the Steelers are waiting in Week 6.
Cleveland’s win puts the Browns over .500 for the first time since December of the 2014 season, and while the Browns were supposed to win this game, no victory should be shrugged off–especially in Cleveland.
While plenty of players saw their stocks rise in Week 3, here are the stock down candidates as the Browns sit at 2-1 following their win against Washington.
1. Jedrick Wills
Jedrick Wills’ stock is down, but only slightly in just the third game of his NFL career. Matched up against a talented Washington defensive front that boasts several first-round picks, Wills was beat more than a few times in pass protection.
He also flagged for a few false starts, indicating he might’ve been feeling the pressure from Washingotn’s rush.
Now, while it wasn’t his greatest game, Wills didn’t commit any game altering blunders, and considering he’s still in his first month as a rookie, there are going to be some minor setbacks.
The rest of the Browns’ line continues to be stellar, as Wyatt Teller is turning into a beast at right guard. Plus, right tackle Jack Conklin returned for this contest. You never hear the names of J.C. Tretter or Joel Bitonio, signaling they’re just doing their jobs without any hiccups.
Ultimately, not a great game for Wills, but something to build off for the future, which looks bright by the way on the left side of the Browns’ offensive line.
2. The secondary
Andrew Sendejo could be the lone name here, but it’s not fair to the veteran. Once Grant Delpit was drafted, it became clear Sendejo’s role was going to be that of a mentor/back up.
Now pressed into starting duty due to Delpit’s season-ending injury, the Browns are often hindered by Sendejo’s lack of speed in secondary. That was evident on the first touchdown pass to Inman, in which Sendejo was very late to help.
Alas, that wasn’t Sendejo’s man…rather, it was Denzel Ward who allowed Inman to make the grab, marking the second straight game in which Ward has allowed red-zone touchdown completion.
Inman’s second touchdown was a mirror image of his first score. This time, the corner was
Terrance Mitchell, who couldn’t keep up. Safety Karl Joseph was let in getting over to help and the result was an easy touchdown for Haskins.
With a more polished quarterback on deck in Dak Prescott in Week 4, the Browns’ secondary could be in store for a long afternoon against Dallas—especially if Ward can’t play.
Ward left the game after the groin injury he suffered during the end of the practice week flared up. Greedy Williams also missed Sunday’s game, leaving Cleveland without its supposed dynamic duo at corner.
3. Baker Mayfield
Stock down? Baker Mayfield? Maybe it’s unfair, but it’s not like he blew me away, either. Really, his stock stayed even..but hear me out….
First off, credit where credit is due. Mayfield made some big plays in the third quarter, especially connecting with Odell Beckham for 15 yards on a 3rd and 12 play that kept the chains moving in the second half.
He was an efficient 16-of-23 for 156 yards and two scores. He wasn’t asked to do much, thanks to Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, who combined to rush for over 150 yards.
But the third quarter aside, I thought Mayfield was just king of “meh.” He was carried by the rushing attack, yet again, in addition to Washington and Dwayne Haskins begging the Browns to win by committing five turnovers.
The most alarming part of Mayfield’s game comes when he’s in the pocket. He starts dancing around like someone who’s never danced before and be bails out too early. When he sticks in the pocket, his throws are often inaccurate and he still holds onto the ball way too long.
Then when he rolls out—what he does best—a couple throws got away from him. One sailed over the head of Beckham in the first half, and another out of the reach of Austin Hooper.
On the flip side, he threw a beautiful ball to Harrison Bryant on the same type of play later in the game.
Maybe Mayfield’s stock shouldn’t be down and this should just serve as a warning. He managed the game and most importantly, he and the Browns won—a statistic that should never be downplayed for starting quarterbacks, especially in Cleveland.
But eventually, Mayfield’s going to play better teams and he’s going to have to make throws consistently. He may get that test next week against the Cowboys.