It wasn’t pretty, but the Cleveland Browns were able to earn the win over the Detroit Lions in Week 11.
The expectation was that the Browns would be able to easily win this contest.
Detroit came into this game as the only winless team and had backup quarterback Tim Boyle under center.
Somehow, the Lions were actually able to keep it close against Cleveland.
However, the Browns were able to prevail with the 13-10 win on Sunday.
There weren’t many positives to take from this game for Cleveland, but there were a few players that stuck out.
Austin Hooper
It’s not often that tight end Austin Hooper actually makes an impact on offense.
Coming into this contest, Hooper had 24 receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns through 10 games.
That is not exactly the type of stats you want to see from a two-time Pro Bowl tight end.
Despite his slow start to the season, Hooper was able to make some quality plays on Sunday.
As mentioned Friday at FBGs, #Browns will leverage its TE play with greater frequency. Well designed TE screen to Austin Hooper pic.twitter.com/Ska30vZNDN
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 21, 2021
The sixth-year tight end hauled in four of his seven targets for 53 yards in the win.
Those 53 receiving yards actually set a season-high for Hooper.
The 27-year-old certainly has big-play potential, but hasn’t put together many explosive games in a Browns uniform.
This wasn’t a mind-blowing performance, but it’s a step in the right direction for Hooper.
Nick Chubb
It’s amazing that opposing organizations still have no answer for running back Nick Chubb.
Coming into this contest, Chubb had already posted three 100-plus yard games on the season.
It’s even more incredible that he has only played in seven games heading into Week 11.
The two-time Pro Bowl back continues to be unstoppable even four years into his career.
His success continued versus the shaky Lions run defense on Sunday.
Chubb rushed 22 times for 130 yards and hauled in two receptions for 14 yards and one touchdown in the victory over Detroit.
Nick Chubb 🤝 Endzone
📺: #DETvsCLE on FOX
📲: Browns mobile app pic.twitter.com/ZPMi5Z8msW— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 21, 2021
The passing game continues to be a mess for Cleveland, but at least they’ve been able to run the ball.
It seems like no organization has an answer for the Browns running game and hopefully that continues.
The 25-year-old is showing that he is well worth the extension.
Now, it’s time for the Browns to figure it out in the passing attack and give Chubb some help.
Jarvis Landry
Much like Hooper, wide receiver Jarvis Landry has been off to a slow start this season.
As of right now, Landry appears to be on pace to finish with his worst season of his professional career.
Despite that, the five-time Pro Bowl wideout was able to shake off some of the rust against the Lions on Sunday.
He finished with four receptions on eight targets for 26 yards in the win.
However, his most eventful play came on a 16-yard rushing touchdown in the wildcard formation.
JARVIS LANDRY OUT OF THE WILDCAT 🔥pic.twitter.com/e3CR7NjZ9z
— PFF CLE Browns (@PFF_Browns) November 21, 2021
The 28-year-old said he wanted the ball in his hands more often.
Well, the Browns gave Landry more opportunities and he took advantage of them.
Obviously, Cleveland wants to see more than 26 receiving yards from their No. 1 wideout.
However, that’s not all his fault as quarterback Baker Mayfield once again struggled to connect with his receivers.
The hope is that Hooper and Landry will build off these performances heading into Week 12.
NEXT: Studs And Duds From Browns’ Win Over Lions
