Baker Mayfield – Noteworthy
QB Baker Mayfield passed for a career-high 342 yards to go along with a touchdown and an interception on 25-of-43 passing Sunday. The first overall pick in this year’s draft now has 838 yards passing, three touchdowns and three picks in three games and two starts.
Christian Kirksey – Noteworthy
LB Christian Kirksey and Jamie Collins led the Browns with 12 tackles apiece on Sunday.
Denzel Ward – Noteworthy
CB Denzel Ward, a rookie, had two key plays Sunday. The first was an interception as Cleveland’s defense faced a second-and-goal in the second quarter. The second was a blocked kick before halftime.
Greg Joseph – Important
K Greg Joseph made the game-winning, 37-yard field goal in overtime, but it was an ugly, low kick that barely made it through. It looked as though somebody might have touched it, but Jackson does not think so. Joseph, who was signed on Sept. 18 to replace Zane Gonzalez, missed an extra point and a 55-yard field goal attempt earlier in the game. He had made all six of his previous field-goal attempts and all three prior extra points. Asked whether the Browns will look for another kicker to replace Joseph, Jackson said, “We will always find ways to improve the football team as we move forward. Right now, he is our kicker until he is not.”
Jamie Collins – Noteworthy
LB Jamie Collins and Christian Kirksey led the Browns with 12 tackles apiece on Sunday.
–
Nick Chubb – Noteworthy
RB Nick Chubb gained just 2 yards on three carries on Sunday after running for 105 yards on just three attempts the previous week. Head coach Hue Jackson said after Chubb’s big game against the Oakland Raiders on Sept. 30 that he should get more carries. He wound up with the same number of rushing attempts and a lot less production.
Rashard Higgins – Noteworthy – Injury
WR Rashard Higgins has a sprained MCL and will be evaluated after two weeks, coach Hue Jackson said Monday. Higgins injured his knee during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 12-9 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens. The victory improved the Browns to 2-2-1 and snapped their 18-game winless streak in the AFC North. The 24-year-old Higgins will miss the team’s next two games, a home contest against the Los Angeles Chargers as well as a road tilt versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.