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By Josh Edwards
October 9, 2017
The Cleveland Browns defeated the New York Jets in nearly every phase of the game Sunday.
However, the team was not able to capitalize in the red zone. Cornerback Jason McCourty delivered another solid performance and is now the second highest rated cornerback in the NFL this season. He posted a 91.6 on a scale to 100 according to Pro Football Focus.
"McCourty surrendered five receptions on seven throws into his coverage, but the long completion went for just six yards to Jermaine Kearse. He also intercepted an out cut thrown slightly behind Robbie Anderson on the sideline, and broke up another throw late that was intended for Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Jets QB Josh McCown had apasser rating of just 36.3 when throwing into McCourty’s coverage on the day."
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (82.6), defensive tackle Jamie Meder (80.6), offensive tackle Joe Thomas (80.3) and offensive guard Kevin Zeitler (79.0) rounded out the list of top five performers on the day.
The top two Jets performers, linebacker Demario Davis (82.1) and cornerback Buster Skrine (79.6), are former Browns.
Running back Duke Johnson made his impact on the game with a 41-yard touchdown that kept Cleveland alive. He posted a 76.2.
"Johnson finished with 2.17 average yards after contact and finished with an elusive rating of 55.0 and averaged an impressive 3.17 yards per route run coming out of the backfield. Johnson gave the Browns life in the fourth quarter taking a routine screen pass 41 yards for a touchdown."
Quarterback Kevin Hogan relieved DeShone Kizer in the second half. Did he do enough to earn more playing time with his 71.8 grade?
"Hogan impressed in relief duty finishing 15-of-18 for 185 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Hogan completed 2 of his 3 deep passing targets (20 yards or more) that he attempted."
Finally, defensive end Myles Garrett impacted the game with the first two sacks of his professional career. However, the statistics are more impressive than his actual production.
"Garrett’s career got off to a fast start, as he tallied a sack on the first drive of the game after a missed pickup by the Jets’ offensive line, and posted a second one later cleaning up on a McCown scramble. Otherwise, he was ineffective in the rest of his 16 snaps, as he posted a run defense grade of just 45.2 and made no other impact on the pass-rush."
The Browns have to find a way to stop shooting themselves in the foot if they are hopeful to log their first win of the year.
