The Cleveland Browns outplayed the Kansas City Chiefs for three quarters in the 2021 season opener, but ultimately came up short.
A fourth-quarter collapse cost the Browns, as some of us wonder if Baker Mayfield is the quarterback to pull out the game on the final possession.
The loss stings, but the big picture would indicate the Browns are close. The Chiefs are the class of the AFC Cleveland’s now given them two tough games, if you also count last season’s Divisional round playoff game.
Obviously, in disaster, which the fourth quarter was, there’s going to be some players who saw their stocks sink. But when you go punch-for-punch with the champs, there’s going to be some performances to recognize, as well.
Here’s a look at three Browns whose stock is up following the victory.
1. Cleveland Browns: Anthony Schwartz, WR
After a preseason reading and watching Donovan Peoples-Jones, it was a bit surprising to see Anthony Schwartz’s number called so often.
But with Odell Beckham Jr. out, Stefanski obviously wanted to make Schwartz and his speed a part of the game plan. Remember, the Browns didn’t really have that downfield threat in the AFC Divisional round last season.
The rookie’s average depth of target was 24.4 yards, a mark which led the squad. He had three catches for 69 yards, while also adding 17 yards on the ground via a reverse.
Schwartz’s performance particularly stood out because he played so sparingly throughout training camp and the preseason. Fans didn’t get a look at him until the final preseason game, and even then, it wasn’t a slam dunk he’d be on the field.
As a third-round pick, Schwartz isn’t as finally tuned as some of his peers taken earlier in the draft, but with OBJ out, the Browns couldn’t afford to waste his speed on the sideline.
Until OBJ gets back, Schwartz will offer Stefanski the downfield threat he needs. His progression will also be of interest because you’ve got to wonder if he could be Beckham’s replacement in the near future.
2. Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku
David Njoku looks like the most athletically gifted tight end on the field. It’s always been true, but the University of Miami has proved incapable of putting up the production that goes along with his appearance.
Hopefully, that’s going to change in the former first-round pick’s fifth season.
Njoku led the Browns with 75 yards, coming off three catches.
He posted an overall game grade of 83.9, the highest among the Browns three tight ends. His receiving grade was 88.5 and his average depth of target was 20.6, according to Pro Football Focus.
It gets forgotten sometimes, but it’s worth pointing out that Njoku is only 25 years old, meaning heh was 20 when the Browns drafted him. It was a bit a surprise when Sashi Brown pulled the trigger on making him a late first-round pick in 2017, but it was understood he would need some time to develop.
It was hopeful that would happen in year three–but it just didn’t transpire. It looks like Austin Hooper and rookie Harrison Bryant would give him the Heisman stiff arm on the depth chart, but Njoku proved to come up very big in spots last season, staying relevant.
He had a great camp and he played well. Let’s hope he builds on it in Week 2.
3. Cleveland Browns DT Malik McDowell
After Week 1, he’s got to be the front runner fo the NFL’s comeback player of the year.
It’s really remarkable what we’re seeing from McDowell so far, considering he had never even played in a preseason game until this season after being a 2017 second-round pick.
McDowell had a stellar pro debut, grading out as the Browns’ top defensive player in the eyes of Pro Football Focus, with a mark of 83.0
The stats show two tackles, one of which went for a losss, but McDowell was really a problem for the Chiefs all day.
For what it’s worth, free agent Malik Jackson graded out with a score of 67.0, while Andrew Billings was at 46.7.
McDowell has clearly passed Billings in the coaching staff’s eyes, as Billings recorded only 11 defensive snaps. Billings signed as free agent before the 2020 season, but then opted out to COVID-19.
If McDowell passes him on the depth chart, and it appears he has, Billings offers the line good depth.