NFL News & Analysis

PFF ReFocused, NFL Preseason Week 2: Cleveland Browns 21, Indianapolis Colts 18

D'Ernest Johnson and former AAF standout Garrett Gilbert both turned in outstanding performances in the Cleveland Browns‘ 21-18 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.

PFF's ReFocused series features immediate takeaways from the two analysts who graded the game live. The two offer a detailed breakdown of the game's most notable performances before the grades and advanced stats are reviewed and finalized by Senior Analysts.

All of PFF's grades and advanced stats from this game and the other games played this week will be finalized and made available to ELITE subscribers within 24 hours of the final whistle. ELITE subscribers can view player grades, advanced statistics, positional snap counts and more in Premium Stats.

Final Score

Cleveland Browns 21, Indianapolis Colts 18

Cleveland Browns

Mack Wilson had another solid game, getting pressure on the quarterback on multiple occasions against the Colts' offensive line. He also made a spectacular play in run defense where he bull-rushed the Colts' left guard into the backfield and made a nice tackle for loss on third down.

Rookie running back D'Ernest Johnson showed off great burst and pass-catching ability in his bout with the Colts' defense on Friday. He forced multiple missed tackles and finished the game with 79 yards and a touchdown from 13 total touches.

Indianapolis Colts

Jacoby Brissett moved well in the pocket and made several tight-window throws look easy against the Browns' defense after earning the start on Saturday. He handled pressure well and thrived from a clean pocket, looking every bit comfortable across in limited action.

Veteran defensive interior Caraun Reid recorded multiple pressures and had several positive plays in run defense en route to a strong performance against the Browns' offensive line on Saturday.

Cleveland Browns

Browns' Austin Corbett struggled significantly in pass protection against Indy.  He allowed multiple pressures on the day and didn't pick up any of the slack as a run-blocker.

Daniel Ekuale, an undrafted defensive interior from the 2018 class, struggled significantly in run defense and provided next to no value as a pass-rusher.

Indianapolis Colts

Josh Andrews, an undrafted free agent from the 2014 class, didn't play a ton in this one, but his efforts on the field weren't great. He was an absolute liability in pass protection and rarely made a positive impact in the run game.

Cornerback Quincy Wilson allowed multiple receptions for first downs in coverage and recorded a missed tackle in his limited action. The former Florida standout needs to avoid games like these to carve out significant playing time in the Colts' defense.

[Editor's Note: All of PFF's player grades and advanced statistics are finalized and made available to ELITE subscribers within 24 hours of the final whistle of each game during the preseason. Sign up today to gain access!]

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