Cleveland Browns: Studs and duds from Week 2 win vs. Bengals

Cleveland Browns Stud No. 3: Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, RB

For as impressive as Mayfield was, the rushing attack was the star of the victory for the Browns. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have been called the best 1-2 punch backfield in the NFL and they looked the part against Cincinnati.

Chubb rushed 22 times for 124 yards and two touchdowns on the night, even if he did fail to punch it from the 1-yard line on three tries to end one drive with a turnover on downs. Hunt, not to be outdone, rushed for 86 yards on 10 carries with a score to go along with 15 receiving yards and another touchdown.

Fantasy managers may be frustrated by the time-split but, if this offense is working correctly, both Chubb and Hunt can be factors in every game. The Browns simply have two RB1 caliber players on the roster and they plan to use them both to succeed.

Cleveland Browns Dud No. 1: Linebackers and secondary

Finally talking about something negative, the lack of quality and/or depth at linebacker and in the secondary was obvious on Thursday night. With Jacob Phillips, Greedy Williams and Kevin Johnson were all out for the Week 2 contest, it showed in a number of ways.

Despite the fact that Burrow was consistently pressured throughout the night, the young quarterback still threw 61 times for 316 yards and three touchdowns. Yes, Joe Mixon got bottled up but Burrow was able to attack the likes of Tavierre Thomas in the slot or Malcolm Smith and Sione Takitaki time and again.

When healthy, this may not be as much of an issues for Cleveland’s defense. In this particular game, though, the weakness of the back seven was far too obvious for anyone’s liking.