Browns: 5 players who actually stepped up against the Lions

The Browns defeated the Lions thanks in part to these players.

The Browns did not look great in their win against the Lions but a victory is a victory in the NFL. Cleveland struggled a lot on both sides of the ball, but five players did step up to remind fans everywhere that this team does in fact have playmakers.

Even if they don’t always show up when called upon.

That said it was good to see some of those inconsistent guys have mega games, and it’s even better to see some of the top guys on the team step up and showcase their skills. It’s the reason they got paid or will get paid the big bucks.

So let’s take a look at five of the guys that helped Cleveland get the win.

Five players who stepped up against the Lions.

Nick Chubb

Are you at all surprised that Nick Chubb did Chubb-like things? He’s heads and shoulders the best runner in the NFL, and it’s almost laughable that people compare Kareem Hunt to him. The only running back in the NFL who’s in his league is Derrick Henry. He’s a future Hall of Famer and could one day be the best Browns’ running back to ever put on the helmet. He had 130 yards on just 22 carries, and that doesn’t take into account the 50-60 yards he lost on penalties. He could’ve had a 200-yard game if guys like Wyatt Teller weren’t shooting the offense in the foot.

Anthony Walker

I can admit when I was wrong, and Anthony Walker has made me a believer. Linebackers wearing single numbers will never sit well with me, but I’m on board with the Browns offering Walker an extension (within reason). He’s not as good as Joe Schobert in the passing game, but he’s the best tackler the Browns have had in years. He isn’t going to let running backs or receivers out of his grasp if he can get his hands on them.

Greedy Williams

Greedy Williams played the Lions really strong and has been playing that way all year. He’s not a shut-down island player like save prime Darrelle Revis but he’s got Pro Bowls in his future.

Denzel Ward

He’s starting to finally look like the All-Pro player he was supposed to be, so fans should take a deep sigh of relief that Denzel Ward looks to be back to form. He had a nice game and even snagged an interception from the Lions. A rarity these days and a great thing to see.

Malcolm Smith

He isn’t a great player by any means and his interception was hilarious to watch. We clearly know why he was a linebacker and not a tight end or receiver. Jokes aside that wasn’t the only major moment of the game, as Smith also flew in like a raptor and stuffed the Lions on third and short in a key defensive stand for the Browns.