The starters played their most snaps of the preseason, and some are certainly included on this list, but some notable reserves also made an impression in Saturday's 31-7 win at Tampa Bay.
Here are the five who stood out most on a steamy night at Raymond James Stadium.
WR Travis Benjamin
You return a punt for a touchdown, you're going to make this list every time. Benjamin built off the momentum established by the Browns defense's game-opening three-and-out and sent a jolt into Cleveland's sidelines with his 53-yard punt return for a touchdown. What was most impressive about it was how easy it looked for Benjamin, who has played with a high level of confidence throughout training camp. On top of the return, Benjamin co-led the Browns with four receptions for 39 yards. His acrobatic, third-down catch on Cleveland's opening drive was pivotal and preceded the team's first touchdown of the night.
DL Jamie Meder
The Parma Heights native had the odds stacked against him at the start of training camp, but he's continued to impress. Saturday's game was the latest example, as he led the team with five tackles and collected a sack despite relatively limited playing time. That's a hard thing to do as an interior lineman, but Meder was relentless and played like the game was on the line even though Cleveland led by 24. The former Ashland standout got important game experience in last year's regular season finale and has pushed himself hard to draw serious consideration for a final roster spot.
WR Josh Lenz
After a quiet first two preseason games, Lenz was on the receiving end of the longest play -- by a longshot -- in Saturday's game. Near the end of the third quarter, Lenz shook his defender with a double move and caught a 48-yard Thaddeus Lewis pass in stride down the left sideline. Lenz has impressed throughout August, and he's become more and more active on special teams, where he's filled in for the injured Marlon Moore at gunner on punts. With a number of starters expected to rest Thursday, he'll have plenty of opportunities to impress against the Bears in his fight for a spot in Cleveland's crowded wide receiver room.
DL Desmond Bryant
Bryant had a game to remember within the first seven plays Saturday. He teamed with Paul Kruger on a sack to end Tampa Bay's first series and did it by himself on the Buccaneers' second possession. As defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil says, the presence of 339-pound nose tackle Danny Shelton "changes the math" for opposing offenses, and that means more one-on-one opportunities like the ones Bryant took advantage of Saturday.
DB Ibraheim Campbell
Once again the recipient of extensive playing time, Campbell made the most of it, as he led the team with five tackles and even collected his first career sack. These repetitions have been significant for Campbell, who is capable of playing both of the safety positions. With Jordan Poyer still out with a concussion, Campbell has held down the role of first safety off the bench like a veteran. Odds are Campbell will be playing early and often Thursday against the Bears because of the Browns' injury situation and forthcoming rest for a number of starters.
