4 Cleveland Browns stocks that actually went up vs the Raiders in Week 8.
If you’re into Cleveland Browns highlights, Sunday’s disappointment against the Las Vegas Raiders isn’t for you–unless you like highlights of field goals.
On on weird weather day, the Browns played their weirdest game of the season. They were “out-physicaled,” for the lack of a better word, by a traveling west come team.
Despite being the favorite, the Browns lost really the first game of the season they should’ve won. Nobody was all that shocked by the performances in Pittsburgh and Baltimore–but to be that flat against the Raiders, it was a tough game to watch.
There was plenty of bad to go around if you were looking for stocks that plummeted, and while it took some time, there were some players whose stock went up.
Take a look at these four players who actually saw their stock go up on what was a stinker of a day on the lake front.
1. Porter Gustin
Fans were high on Porter Gustin after a stellar outing against the Bengals in Week 2, but after that game, the USC product kind of fell off the face of the earth.
Gustin reminded the Dawg Pound that he’s still on the roster, with a solid game against the Raiders. PFF graded him out as the Browns’ best defender, with a mark of 81.4.
In a game where no one could stop the run, Gustin did respectably, earning a grade of 77.0 against the rush. Unfortunately, he’s just one player, as we know what happened to the rest of the team. Additionally, Gustin had a team-high six sacks, in addition to quarterback sack. He played 34, or 77 percent of Cleveland’s defensive snaps.
Hopefully, Gustin is able to build off this game, because Myles Garrett left the game with an apparent knee issue and the depth on the defensive line has been virtually non-existent.
2. Olivier Vernon
Olivier Vernon does in fact still play for the Cleveland Browns, as the team’s other defensive end was credited with two sacks and three pressures in defeat.
Vernon hardly took over the game, but we’re talking about a player who really, really needed something positive to go his way.
The argument could be made that he didn’t help against the rush, and that’s fair. However, I’d argue Vernon’s job is to get the quarterback. He did it twice on a day the Browns lost Myles Garrett for the second half.
Like Gustin, Vernon needs to put together another good game after the guy. Gustin is, at least, a backup. Vernon disappeared for too long, and that’s something a starter can’t afford to do.
His importance could become even greater, depending on whether or not Myles Garrett is able to return after the bye.
3. Ronnie Harrison
The Browns safety is remembered for almost coming up with an interception of Derek Carr in the first half. He dropped it, but from the 10,000-foot view, it was good to see a Browns’ safety around the ball.
Harrison’s shown he has the ability, coming up with an interception against the Colts, in addition to a fumble recovery against the Bengals.
Harrison had five tackles and recorded the second-best tackling grade (81.6), according to PFF.
The Browns’ starting free safety, Andrew Sendejo, graded out with a mark of 41.3. Cleveland’s been committed to the veteran, who was forced into starting action following an injury to Grant Delpit in Training Camp.
We had to wait longer than expected to get an extended look at Harrison, and so far, it’s paying off. Now, you’ve got t wonder if we’ll see more of Sheldrick Redwine or Karl Joseph at safety following the Bye.
4. Joel Bitonio
The Browns rushing attack was brutal because it could not sustain drives. I lumped the entire offensive line into that category, but truthfully, left guard Joel Bitonio played well.
Often the pulling the guard on runs, Bitonio recorded a grade of 87.1, according to PFF. That was, by far, the Browns best offensive grade. Bitonio had a run blocking grade of 81.6, so he showed up.
The line didn’t allow a quarterback pressure, but here’s how the rest of the line graded out: Chris Hubbard, 79.0; Jack Conklin, 70.3; JC Tretter, 63.7; and Jedrick Wills Jr.,47.4. Hubbard recorded a run blocking grade of 72.3, while Jedrick Wills graded out with a mark of 39.6.
The Browns’ line could rightfully be questioned for being out-toughed by Las Vegas–with the exception of Bitonio.
He’s been playing in Cleveland since 2014 and play at his best when the elements were at their worst.