Browns vs. Steelers: Stock Up, Stock Down
The Browns just keep on finding ways to win and this week they were able to out Steelers the Steelers, which is hard to do. Behind rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and yet another dominant defensive effort Cleveland ekes out a 13-10 win to improve to 7-3.
As always there were a number of standout players – too many to highlight them all on defense – and some other's who put up forgettable performances. It brings us to our latest installment of stock up and stock down.
Stock Up: Dorian Thompson-Robinson
It wasn't pretty, but all the talk about the fifth-round pick being more equipped to lead the Browns offense after his disastrous debut back in Week 4 were accurate. With a week of notice instead of hours, Kevin Stefanski set him up for success with his play calling and even though the keep it simple approach nearly cost Cleveland in the second half, Thompson-Robinson delivered when it mattered most. A cool four-for-four on the game-winning drive, DTR showed some poise.
Stock Up: Kevin Stefanski
I'm banging the drum for a Kevin Stefanski extension, so of course he had to show up on here as trending up. Criticisms over the last two years were warranted, but against all odds – no Nick Chubb, no Deshaun Watson, a host of other injuries – the man has his team at 7-3 and in the drivers seat to clinch a playoff berth. It's time to give Stefanski his flowers.
Stock Down: David Njoku
After an assortment of drops, one that would have been a touchdown, Njoku ends up on the wrong end of things this week. For what it's worth, he did come up with a huge 11-yard catch on the game-winning drive that advanced the ball to Pittsburgh's 26, which help set up Hopkins' game-winning kick. Also, Njoku is already trying to make up for his bad game as Stefanski shared that the 27-year-old FaceTimed him Sunday night while he was getting some work in on his in-home JUGS machine.
Stock Down: Jerome Ford
After what was arguably his best game as a pro in Baltimore last week, where he put up 107 yards on 17 rushes for a whopping 6.3 yards per carry, Ford followed it up with one of his worst outings. 12 rushes, 31 yards and a dismal 2.3 yards per carry. Pittsburgh's run defense ranks in the bottom third of the league. This felt like it could have been another opportunity for Ford to feast, but instead he struggled.
Stock Down: James Hudson III
Half of the right tackle rotation for Cleveland on Sunday and it didn't go well for him against T.J. Watt. Watt's only sack on the day came in a one-on-one with Hudson. Anytime those two face off it doesn't tend to go well. Thankfully, the next guy was able to help the situation.
Stock Up: Dawand Jones
Jones returned from injury on a rotational basis and handled one of the best pass rushers in football in Watt. The rookie continues to impress since taking over for Jack Conklin and his health down the stretch of the season will be key to keeping fellow rookie Thompson-Robinson upright and effective in the passing game.
Stock Up: Martin Emerson Jr.
The second-year corner was instinctual as a tackler, flying up to make plays when necessary. He was also solid in coverage, giving up just two catches for 12 yards when Kenny Pickett threw his way. Emerson Jr. continues to grow into a nice cornerback at the NFL level.
Stock Up: Ogbo Okoronkwo
The new dad strength was real for Okoronkwo on Sunday. He was constantly in the backfield and racked up four tackles for loss, including a sack. Another one of those plays came on Pittsburgh's second to last drive as he blew up running back Najee Harris in the backfield for a loss of five to stall the drive by forcing a long third down. Okoronkwo continues to be one of the steals of the offseason for Andrew Berry and company.
Stock Up: Dustin Hopkins
All this guy does is hit game winners. He may just be the Browns MVP this season.
