The Cleveland Browns weathered injuries and some poor play to beat the Texans in Week 2 but who stood out as the studs and duds from the first win of 2021?
It wasn’t the blowout that some fans expected but the Cleveland Browns earned their first victory of the 2021 NFL season, defeating the Houston Texans, 31-21, in their home-opener. They weathered injuries to the likes of Baker Mayfield and Jarvis Landry while already being without Odell Beckham Jr. and Chris Hubbard, and picked up a win.
There’s a lot that the Browns can work on moving forward. The defense is still working to gel as a unit under new coordinator Joe Woods. But a win is a win, and the Browns are now 1-1 to start the season.
We’re highlighting the studs and duds for Cleveland in their win.
Cleveland Browns Week 2 Stud: Baker Mayfield, QB
Baker Mayfield is earning his money.
The quarterback was pinpoint accurate all day against the Texans, going 19-of-21 for 213 yards with a touchdown and also rushing in a touchdown. His one interception was also not even close to his fault as Anthony Schwartz gave up on his route and left a ball right into a defender. For Mayfield’s part, he was incredible.
If that weren’t enough, he also showed his toughness. After making the tackle on that interception, he injured his shoulder. He played through pain but came back into the game and led his team to victory when they were very much in need of that type of leadership. It’s becoming harder and harder to detract from No. 6.
Cleveland Browns Week 2 Stud: Grant Delpit, S
After missing all of his rookie season with an Achilles tear and then being banged up for Week 1, Cleveland fans finally got to see safety Grant Delpit on the field. And it was hard not to come away impressed with what the LSU product brought to the table.
Not only did he come up with a huge a late sack but he was flying all over the field and wearing a ton of hats. It’s not overstating it to say that Delpit was the most flashy and perhaps the best defensive player for the Browns in Week 2.
Delpit has a ton of versatility, which is something this franchise clearly values. He’s still inexperienced so could be a bit up and down but his first start turned a ton of heads.