Cleveland Browns Week 3 Stock Report

The Cleveland Browns handled the challenge of the Tennessee Titans in their Week 2 home opener, winning 28-14 and bringing their record to 1-1. But that doesn't mean that everyone on the team handled their business as written up by the coaches, nor does it mean there weren't standouts in the game.

As the Browns gear up to face the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, here are their players who have seen their stocks rise or fall.

Stock Up: QB Johnny Manziel

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With Josh McCown missing the Browns' Week 2 contest against the Tennessee Titans with a concussion, the starting quarterback duties fell to Johnny Manziel. And he managed to somewhat bounce back from his turnover-laden performance against the New York Jets a week before.

Manziel completed eight of his 15 pass attempts for 172 yards and two touchdowns, both long bombs to receiver Travis Benjamin. He refrained from running, scrambling just three times for one total yard, and though he fumbled the ball twice, he didn't turn it over.

The performance was a sign of progress out of Manziel, and proved that he is more than capable of stepping in for McCown when called upon.

Stock Down: QB Johnny Manziel

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Unfortunately for Johnny Manziel, Josh McCown was cleared to practice and play on Wednesday, and head coach Mike Pettine confirmed that McCown will be the team's starting quarterback against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.

Pettine explained his reasoning on Wednesday (via the Browns' official website):

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[McCown's] done everything that we have asked of him in the offseason and so far this year, he had earned the right to be our starting quarterback. We feel that he gives us the best opportunity to win on Sunday. That was truly the basis for the decision.

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Pettine did note that Manziel "did an outstanding job with his opportunity," adding, "As I said before, very proud of him, personally and professionally, with the progress he has made, a very positive thing for us." But he did make sure it was clear Manziel remains the No. 2 on the depth chart, saying, "we now feel that we have a backup that can come in, and he has already proven that he can move the team and make plays and win games for us."

So while the talent and preparation arrows are trending upward for Manziel, what he did in Week 2 was not enough to establish him as the Browns' starter just yet.

Stock Up: LB/DE Armonty Bryant

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This summer, the Browns prepared former defensive end Armonty Bryant to play a hybrid pass-rushing end/linebacker role, and so far he's embraced the job and ran with it.

Bryant brought the pressure to Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota in Week 2, totaling 2.5 sacks and three quarterback hits along with six solo tackles. He also had a tackle for loss in the game.

One of the main goals of the Browns defense this year, aside from improving against the run, was to make a day's work difficult for opposing quarterbacks. Moving Bryant around to new positions has been successful in this effort. Browns head coach Mike Pettine and coordinator Jim O'Neil have identified Bryant's strengths and have been able to maximize them.

Stock Down: C Alex Mack

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The prevailing wisdom was that the Browns' run game would improve with the return of a healthy Alex Mack, especially considering the nose dive the rushing offense took in 2014 after Mack suffered a season-ending leg injury.

But, whether for reasons of talent or lingering effects of the injury, Mack really hasn't been all that effective this year. According to Pro Football Focus, Mack was the Browns' worst performer in run-blocking against the Titans in Week 2 and is tied for 26th at his position out of 32 centers ranked through two weeks.

Mack has been one of the NFL's best centers throughout his career, but so far this year, something is off. Hopefully, whatever issues are affecting him are temporary ones and he'll return to his typical form as the season wears on.

Stock Up: WR/PR Travis Benjamin

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Browns receiver and returner Travis Benjamin's arrow continues to trend upward after his Week 2 performance. Against the Titans, Benjamin caught three passes on four targets for 115 yards and two touchdowns—one of 50 yards and another of 60.

This brings his receiving total to seven catches for 204 yards through two games. Add into the equation his total 164 return yards so far this year, and Benjamin is already up to 368 all-purpose yards for the season.

Much of this is owed to Benjamin's strong connection with quarterback Johnny Manziel. His production may not be as good with Josh McCown back under center. With defenses starting to pay attention to him and game-plan around him, Benjamin could find himself too well covered to constantly get the home run touchdown pass.

But it cannot be denied how impressive and explosive Benjamin has looked in the last two weeks. For now, his stock remains high.