The Cleveland Browns have done it again. With another win, the Browns are now 2-1 on the year and have set themselves up for a big matchup in Week 3.
Against the Panthers, the defense of the Browns had its best game of the year. Through the first three quarters, Bryce Young and their entire offense couldn't catch a break or have a moment to build momentum. The constant pressure from their defensive front made an impact and held them without a touchdown for three quarters. Then, when the offense struggled in the fourth, they stuffed several Panthers drives and held them to a field goal, keeping the score within reach.
In the end, Deshaun Watson and the Browns' offense, led by Harold Fannin Jr., had their moment in the fourth quarter. They scored
a go-ahead touchdown with under two minutes, and that three-point lead they established was all their defense needed.
With the stag set, here is how the team's position groups were graded in our post-game report card.
Quarterback: B
Deshaun Watson through three quarters was looking abysmal. He had 67 passing yards before the final 12 minutes of the game, when he showcased that he still has some greatness in him. He looked the part, but the Browns could have avoided a last-minute touchdown if the rest of the game had some semblance of average quarterback play.
Running Back: A
Quinshon Judkins had his best game of the year and showed he could be an impactful player in this offense. Sadly, the offense wasn't as invested in the running game as they should have been. Nevertheless, both Judkins and Raheim Sanders made some good plays and helped them secure a win.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: A
Denzel Boston and Harold Fanning Jr. had themselves a day. The tight end especially made the most of his chances in Week 3 as he hauled in two touchdowns. The second one helped the Browns secure their win, and he reestablished himself as one of the top tight ends in the NFL.
Offensive Line: C
Tytus Howard is the reason this grade is as low as it is, and perhaps it could even be lower. He was tied for the NFL lead in penalties committed at one point, and his play is a reason this offense was hamstrung at certain points. The penalties overall by this group ruined drives and momentum, and they have to be better in the coming weeks.
Defensive Line: A+
Mason Graham had two sacks on the day, and the unit as a whole was very impressive. Isaiah McGuire also pitched in with some pressures and sack of his own. This unit has really turned a corner the last two weeks and it is showing as they have won both games.
Linebackers: C+
Chuba Hubbard and the middle of the field were open for the Panthers' offense. Bryce Young was finding his tight ends on play-actions, and the end result was the Panthers nearly stole this game. The unit needs to play with some heightened coverage ability over the next couple of weeks given what schedule is ahead for them.
Secondary: A
The Browns kept Tetairoa McMillan locked up as he had just two catches for 17 yards. Their main receivers were their tight ends, which falls on the linebackers, but the play of the safeties and cornerbacks was top tier on Sunday.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Report Card grades from the Browns' Week 3 win over the Panthers
