Dawgs By Nature
Browns Week 8 victory could mean more if Cedric Tillman continues to grow
The Cleveland Browns are 2-6 but a huge upset over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8 was an important game for the team with nine games left in the season. A day after the Voice of the Browns Jim Donovan passed away, the Browns put together their best game of the season in front of their home crowd.
Injuries continue to be a concern with Denzel Ward leaving with a head injury and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah being carted off the field and taken to a hospital with a neck injury.
The failures on offense have been an issue but Cedric Tillman came through with a career game, a week after having what was his best game of his career. The third-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft had 21 receptions for 224 yards and zero touchdowns as a rookie.
In the first six games of the 2024 season, Tillman had three receptions for nine yards.
Then Week 7 and 8 happened with Dorian Thompson-Robinson and then Jameis Winston taking over at quarterback. The second-year receiver out of Tennessee has combined for 15 receptions for 180 yards in just two games, both coming against AFC North opponents.
When the Browns traded WR Amari Cooper for a third-round pick, many wondered what the team’s future looked like at receiver. Elijah Moore, who also had a good game in Week 8 (eight catches, 85 yards) is a free agent at the end of the season while Jerry Jeudy (five receptions, 79 yards this week) hasn’t established himself in Cleveland yet.
Enter the 6’3”, 215-pound Tillman.
Coming out of the Tennessee Volunteers system, Tillman struggled with the nuances of route running but the raw traits were evident as the NFL draft process showed:
Big and fast is a strong combination at the receiver position. The ability to catch the ball is the primary skill with Tillman only being credited with one drop as a rookie.
While teams are always looking for the top flight receivers in the mold of Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, the Browns hope to develop Tillman and bring along Jeudy as high-end receivers a notch below the upper echelon. Add in David Njoku and Cleveland would have three very good weapons for the future.
A lot depends on Tillman’s ability to sustain this kind of production. Consistent route running and good hands to go along with that size and speed unlocks the entire route tree. It also unlocks the Browns ability to spend money and draft capital in other areas or a complimentary pass catcher.
Comparing Tillman’s stats before Week 7 and after should have Cleveland fans giddy with excitement:
While we all want and need to see more, do you think the last two weeks show what Tillman can do long-term in the league or just a blip?
