New York Jets Team Grades vs. Cleveland Browns

Run Defense: A

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) runs with the ball during the first half of their game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets run defense was stout against the Browns, as they bottled them up throughout the afternoon. Last season the Jets were one of the best teams in defending the run, allowing only 93.1 yards per game. Even without Richardson in the lineup yet, the Jets’ run defense looks as stout as ever.

The Browns don’t have the most talented group of running backs, but no matter who they put back there the Jets held in check. Isaiah Crowell led the way with 12 carries, but managed only 20 yards, eight of which came on one carry as his longest for the day. Rookie Duke Johnson Jr. had an underwhelming debut, but performed better than Crowell, toting the rock seven times for 22 yards.

The leading rushers for the Browns on the afternoon were actually their quarterbacks scrambling, which is all you need to know about their struggles in Week 1. Manziel had the most rushing yards on the team, getting 35 on five carries. He made some plays with his legs, but also fumbled when scrambling. He adds a dimension to the Browns offense with his legs, but needs to protect the ball better.

Not far behind Manziel was McCown, who scrambled three times for 23 yards. The last scramble he had was his last play of the afternoon though. He got helicoptered at the goalline by Calvin Pryor and fumbled it out of the back of the end zone. He walked off the field and looked okay, but the independent neurologists on the sidelines wanted to do more tests and it was revealed he had a concussion, ending his afternoon.

In total, the Browns managed to only gain 104 yards on 28 carries for an anemic 3.7 yards per carry. Both should be performances that continue throughout the season as the most dynamic runner the Browns have is their quarterback, and the Jets have a strong run defense up front.

Next: Special Teams Grade