Spread the news: the Cleveland Browns are 5-2. After overcoming an early 14-0 deficit against the Tennessee Titans, the Browns responded by scoring 17 unanswered points in the 2nd quarter. It wasn’t necessarily a back-and-forth affair, but Cleveland was able to find a way to come out with a victory.

1st Down: Offense has best game as a unit

If there was any chance for the Cleveland Browns offense to have a confidence-building game, Sunday against the Titans was the perfect opportunity. Overall, the unit had one of its better performances of the season. In terms of the quarterback play, another good performance for Deshaun Watson. Despite the interception that wasn’t necessarily his fault (but it’s not worth rehashing), he was getting the ball out quickly, going through his progressions and using his legs when necessary.

The offensive line also deserves their flowers as well. In terms of pass protection, the group was stout in that department, but the main thing that was impressive was the run blocking. The running game was able to materialize to some degree, as the running lanes were being opened, which allowed the running backs to find open space and gain positive yards.

However, there will be a play when the defender breaks through the line of scrimmage or meets directly at the line of scrimmage. It isn’t to say that the running game is completely fixed, but Sunday was a positive development. Overall, a good day at the office for the offense.

2nd Down: Defense struggles, let’s talk about Jared Verse

From a defensive standpoint, the Browns didn’t play their best, but it wasn’t an abysmal performance. It just wasn’t a good performance by their standards. Running back Tony Pollard must have a vendetta against Cleveland because every time he plays against them, he has a monster game. Pollard was an issue last time these teams played, and he was an issue on Sunday.

Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg continues to show why the defense is in good hands with him leading the show. However, Rutenberg will tend to play more zone coverage than I like. In the 4th quarter specifically, quarterback Cam Ward was able to find the soft spot in the zone, which allowed the Titans to drive down the field. Tennessee’s offense has talent, make no mistake, but at times the defense made the Titans’ job easier.

When the Browns traded away Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Verse as well as draft capital, we all had some thoughts, including me:

I’ve seen my share of Rams games, and oftentimes Verse was nonexistent. Verse is very good; however, he’s not great. His pass rush skill set is limited, and he’s not going to beat you with speed. When his bull rush isn’t working, he has nothing to counter with.

The Browns were never going to get 3 firsts for Garrett; it was impossible. Expecting Verse to replicate what Myles did was impossible as well. However, he can’t have games in which he’s not getting multiple pressures and/or turning those into sacks or forcing a turnover, as he did on Sunday.

Verse would benefit from a star edge rusher across from him rather than being the main guy.

3rd Down: KC, Judkins and Fannin Jr made an impact

It makes sense to focus on wide receiver KC Concepcion, tight end Harold Fannin Jr and running back Quinshon Judkins for this section. Starting with Concepcion:

When the ball is in his hands, he’s likely going to make something happen. The one thing that the Browns lacked in the passing game was generating explosive plays, and Concepcion does that. Aside from the performance, the rookie receiver is someone that you want to root for. From his work ethic to his overall demeanor, you can see why Cleveland took him so early:

Running back Quinshon Judkins had a bounce-back game, and he looked confident when he was running the ball.

Tight end Harold Fannin was a topic of discussion due to his lack of targets this season, but like Concepcion, it changed for him on Sunday. Fannin has been asked to do more than expected, mainly due to the lack of depth in the tight end room, but when his name is called upon, he makes a play. He benefitted from the team moving him around and utilizing him in different ways, but this specific play was the reason why the Browns came out with a win:

4th Down: 5-2 is 5-2, so enjoy it and ignore any detractors

Personally, as long as you are winning, I don’t care how it’s supposed to look. Sunday’s game wasn’t any different. Despite their record, the Titans have talent on their team, so the idea that the Browns should’ve steamrolled them is a little too far-fetched. Both squads are rebuilding teams, with Cleveland ahead of schedule, and this game had the potential to be close. Why? It’s the NFL.

As far as the Browns go, I’ve seen people try to discredit their 5-2 record, and I won’t allow it. Going into the season, many experts had this team finishing with the worst record in the league. Instead, the team has eclipsed their win total from last season, and they are finding ways to win. That’s all that matters. Whether the team is a playoff team is another topic for another day, but for now, enjoy this because it doesn’t happen as much as it should.

Extra Points:

• The Browns getting the referee group that has thrown the most penalty flags this season wasn’t a coincidence at all. The officiating in the NFL has been egregious this season.
• Yes, RT Dawand Jones should’ve been called for a false start during the Browns last possession late in the 4th, but the Titans should’ve been called for a delay of game on their drive when they tied the game in the 4th, so it doesn’t really matter.
• Not a great game from WR Denzel Boston, but it’s the NFL; he’ll bounce back
• Expect the Browns to be buyers at the trade deadline considering how the AFC playoff picture is wide open

What are your thoughts now that you’ve had a day to digest the Browns most recent win?