We have hit the midway point of the NFL season and the Cleveland Browns are 5-3 despite some major injuries to key players. Nick Chubb hasn’t played since Week 2, Deshaun Watson has missed nearly four games, and Jack Conklin went down during the opener. Despite all of that, Kevin Stefanski has his team in the playoff race and within striking distance of first place in the division.
While plenty of players expected to play at a high level, there have been some surprises along the way that have really helped this team compete. Jim Schwartz has gotten the most out of his players and put them in situations to consistently succeed and make big plays.
Injuries are unfortunate but they also can open the doors for young players to step in and step up to the challenge. There are several players that have played some of their best football this year but here are the three that have surprised me the most.
1
DT Jordan Elliott
Coming into training camp a lot of people, including me, wanted to move on from Jordan Elliott, who was virtually unplayable his first three seasons in Cleveland. And then along comes Jim Schwartz, who has put Elliott in favorable situations and added more talent around him, and he has blossomed into a nice role player.
There have been several pass-rushing reps that have been plain fun to watch and remind you of the player he was in college. It’s not just as a pass rusher but he has been solid in run defense too. He just looks like a different player. It has been fun to watch his growth as a player and he has played a big part in the success of the defense.
2
OT Dawand Jones
Seeing Dawand Jones fall into the fourth round of April’s draft seemed like a mistake for teams to continue to pass him over and so far, he has shown that was the case. It was never about talent with Jones. Some questioned his love for the game, while others wondered if his size was sustainable over time. He was thrust into action in the season opener and so far has proved he is up for the challenge.
It was clear he has the talent to be a successful player in this league but it’s still a shock he has been so good so quickly. He still needs to work on his run blocking but he has already shown some improvement in that area.
But as a pass protector, he has been really good. His size makes it nearly impossible for defenders to win with power and his hand placement and technique make running around him no easy task.
3
DT Maurice Hurst II
Back to the defensive tackle room, we go with Maurice Hurst II, who was kind of an afterthought when he was signed in the offseason. This was a player everyone thought was a long shot to even make the team due to his recent injury history. But the tape showed that when he has been on the field, he has a skill set that has a place on an NFL defense.
Well, now he has stayed healthy and made his presence felt as a relentless pass rusher with a great get-off and a nice blend of both speed and power moves to get to the quarterback. Mix in his signature belly rub and you have a player no one expected to love impressing Browns fans week in and week out.
