Browns vs. Colts
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback
- Garrett Gilbert: 13/19, 151 yards, 2 TD, 1 sack
- David Blough: 7/12, 74 yards, 1 TD, 1 sack
Baker Mayfield is clearly set as the starter in Cleveland, and the team has its highest hopes in more than a decade. He sat for the night along with backup Drew Stanton, meaning it was up to Garrett Gilbert and David Blough to fight for third strong duties. Gilbert played the first half and showed well. His passes were on target, and he led the team on two scoring drives. This is Gilbert’s second strong showing, and I expect him to be close to locking up the third-string duties. Expect to see more of Mayfield next week.
Running Back
- D’Ernest Johnson: 10 carries, 53 yards; 3 receptions, 26 yards, 1 TD
- Kareem Hunt: 2 carries, 6 yards
Like Mayfield, breakout star Nick Chubb was also sitting out for this one. It’s hard to watch a young talented team and not get to see any of that talent. That being said, Kareem Hunt made a quick appearance early on. He only had 2 carries, so there wasn’t much to say here. Still, we know what he can do with a full workload. If anything happened to Chubb this year, Hunt should slide right in as an RB1. D’Ernest Johnson likely confused viewers after the Duke Johnson trade (D. Johnson) and he looked more than capable. I could see him getting some work this year behind Chubb while Hunt sits.
Wide Receiver/ Tight End
- D.J. Montgomery: 3 receptions, 77 yards
- Rashard Higgins: 4 receptions, 34 yards
- Ishmael Hyman: 1 reception, 24 yards
- Jalen Strong: 3 receptions, 14 yards
You know how this starts by now: Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry enjoyed a great view from the sidelines while Browns fans pray that nothing happens to the big three (Mayfield, Chubb, OBJ). D.J. Montgomery, undrafted out of Austin Peay, had a few big plays and led the Browns in yards on the night. Adding in the touchdown from last week, Montgomery seems to be making quite the name for himself. Rashard Higgins was also regularly involved and helped keep drives alive. Both guys have a good shot to make the roster if they finish the preseason strong.
Indianapolis Colts
Quarterback
- Chad Kelly: 12/17, 115 yards, 1 TD, 1 sack
- Phillip Walker: 10/17, 109 yards
- Jacoby Brissett: 8/10, 100 yards, 1 TD
With the recent Andrew Luck injury news, football fans must be a little bit down in Indianapolis. However, week two of the preseason presented a bit of a silver lining. Jacoby Brissett started the game and looked like a seasoned pro. He led the Colts on a touchdown drive in the second half that was capped off by a beautiful touchdown pass to Eric Ebron. It’s almost impossible to replace an Andrew Luck but you could do much worse than Jacoby Brissett. Former seventh-round pick Chad “Swag” Kelly also had a nice showing including a touchdown pass of his own. If he continues to develop, I think Kelly has the potential to become a starter someday.
Running Back
- Marlon Mack: 6 carries, 10 yards; 1 reception, 6 yards
- Nyheim Hines: 1 carry, 9 yards
- Aca’Cedric Ware: 7 carries, 24 yards
Marlon Mack saw the first work in the backfield, and the Colts proved right away that he can, in fact, catch passes. Mack was mostly bottled up on the night in limited action, but he had one nice run at the start of the second quarter for eight yards. Nyheim Hines saw a catch as well, and then it was on to the backups. Aca’Cedric Ware saw the bulk of the remaining carries, but no one stood out much. Expect a healthy dose of Mack and Hines as we head into the season.
Wide Receiver
- Deon Cain: 7 receptions, 80 yards
- Hale Hentges: 4 receptions, 34 yards
- Marcus Johnson: 3 receptions, 32 yards
- Eric Ebron: 2 receptions, 28 yards
- Jack Doyle: 1 reception, 19 yards
T.Y Hilton and Parris Campbell both sat out this one, but neither is in much doubt when it comes to playing time. There are a plethora of capable pass-catchers in Indy, so let’s break it down. Eric Ebron had an athletic touchdown grab about five minutes into the second quarter. He was double covered and took off for the corner of the endzone. Jacoby Brissett threw a nice pass, and Ebron hauled it in for the score. I’ve had thoughts that Jack Doyle could cut into Ebron’s TD upside, but maybe I was wrong. Deon Cain had a busy night with seven receptions. His highlight came six minutes into the third quarter. The pass was a little high, but Cain hauled it in and found space behind the defense for a nice 38-yard gain. I think Deon Cain could break out this season, and his ADP makes him worth the investment.
— Mike Miklius
Haven’t played fantasy football in awhile just wondering…besides actual talent which positions should be drafted in the early rounds? Not sure I trust ANY bears fans to give advice but I’ll go with my gut for now.
Haha, thanks for reading Aaron. In the first 4 rounds I will only draft RB and WR and I base my choices on whoever is the best player available at the moment (even if the means I get 3 rb and only 1 wr or vice versa). Travis Kelce will likely go in the 2nd round and I personally would take him at the start of the third. Typically, I’ll draft a TE in the 7th or 8th round. I’ll then go for my QB somewhere in rounds 8-10. Hope this helps!