Browns at Broncos: Stock Up, Stock Down

A strange game plan from head coach Kevin Stefanski and a lack luster performance from the defense bring some new names to this week's list

The Browns west coast trip got off to a rough start after a 29-12 loss to the Broncos. There just wasn't much that went right for Cleveland. 

First off, Kevin Stefanski seemed to overthink things offensively, as his run game was M.I.A. for most of the game. Making matters worse, that usually reliable Browns defense had one of its worst outings of the season, getting gashed for 169 yards on the ground. Broncos QB Russell Wilson didn't put up gaudy numbers but in key moments he rose to the occasion and delivered a fifth straight victory for Broncos country. 

All that brings us to the latest edition of Stock Up, Stock Down, where for the first time in quite some time we have some disappointing defensive performances to mention.

Stock Up: Dorian Thompson-Robinson

Before exiting the game as he entering the concussion protocol there was evidence of DTR developing in real time. On the team's only touchdown drive – one series prior to being injured – he completed a few really nice tight window, touch throws that looked like he was starting to build some momentum. Stefanski put too much on him in a game where he barely ran the football against the worst run defense in the league. Thompson-Robinson deserved better. Unfortunately, his progression may be on pause this week as he works his way through the protocol.

Stock Down: Greg Newsome

The Broncos made a point in attacking Newsome and they had their way with him. In fairness, the pass interference called against him on Denver's first possession was ticky-tack. But it kind of served as a sign of things to come for his day. Newsome was targeted seven times, with four completions, including a long 31-yarder to Courtland Sutton later on that same drive. PFF gave the Browns nickleback a coverage grade of 34.1 for Sunday. Just not his day. Hopefully Denzel Ward returns soon and makes his life easier.

Stock Up: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

JOK was the highest graded Browns defender this week according to PFF and rightfully so. On the fourth play of Denver's first possession Owusu-Koramoah blew up Javonte Williams in the backfield for no gain and let everybody know that it was on. He's been stellar this year with the freedom to play fast and instinctual. Been a welcomed sight all season. 

Stock Down: Kevin Stefanski

He's still an offensive wizard, and has his team 7-4 despite all the adversity they've faced this season. But his Week 12 game plan was bizarre. Against the 32nd ranked run defense he runs the ball 16 times with running backs? Truly mind-numbing. The guy had a bad week so he ends up with a stock down, but he's been a stock up for the season as a whole.

Stock Down: P.J. Walker

If Thompson-Robinson can't play, it has to be Joe Flacco under center this weekend. The Walker experience has run it's course. He's a turnover machine and it's obvious that what he gives you won't be enough the rest of the season.

Stock Up: Cedric Tillman

A bright spot from Sunday is that the rookie had his coming out party, catching four passes for 55 yards. One of those Tillman shed several would be tacklers on his way inside the red zone to set up a Browns scoring drive. Fans finally got to see some of the potential the third-round pick brings to the table. Something to build upon moving forward. 

Stock Down: David Njoku

For most of the afternoon, Njoku seemed to be having a bounce-back game with six catches for 59 yards — those figures led the team mind you. But then the drops returned, particularly in some key moments in the second half, including just a few plays before Thompson-Robinson left the game, on a play that he had some room to run if he simply makes the catch. Who knows how that play alters the outcome of the game if DTR never got hurt and the Browns had moved the sticks there. We'll never know but Njoku has now put together back-to-back clunkers. Let's hop he can get back on track against the Rams this weekend.