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CLE-SEA Grades: Russell Wilson continues his high-caliber play

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson passes against the Chicago Bears in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

Here are the top takeaways and highest-graded players from the Seahawks' 30-13 win over the Browns.

Cleveland Browns

– QB Johnny Manziel (-2.9) was given his fifth start of the season this week. Outside of the fumble and interception on the Browns’ final drive with the game already out of reach, Manziel did not make any dangerous mistakes. On multiple occasions, he made throws to open receivers that still could have been caught for first downs, but his inaccuracy made the receivers’ adjustments and the catches much more difficult than need be. Manziel completed just three of nine passes targeted 10+ yards downfield, and did not throw a pass targeted 20+ yards downfield prior to the final drive.

– RG John Greco was injured on the opening series, allowing rookie Cameron Erving (-2.7) to pick up significant playing time for the fourth time this season. His performance was a step up from two weeks ago against his -7.5 overall outing versus the Bengals, but still struggled yesterday against the Seahawks. He had negative grades in both pass and run blocking, with two sacks and two hurries allowed.

– With CB Joe Haden going on injured reserve last week, rookie CB Charles Gaines got the start opposite Tramon Williams for the third-consecutive week. It was a mixed bag overall for the rookie. He struggled in the red zone, as he gave up two short touchdowns to WR Doug Baldwin. He also had a nice pass breakup on a deep post while covering WR Tyler Lockett. On the day, he allowed six catches for 54 yards on nine targets, with 45 yards coming after the catch.

Top performers:

LT Joe Thomas (+3.0)
LE Randy Starks (+2.9)
RT Mitchell Schwartz (+1.9)
SS Donte Whitner (+1.6)
ILB Karlos Dansby (+1.5)

 

Seattle Seahawks

– Outside of a Tramon Williams' (-1.4) dropped interception late in the game, QB Russell Wilson (+3.2) played nearly flawless on Sunday. He was pressured on over half of his dropbacks for the fifth time this season, but it was the first time since Week 7. Over the last five weeks, Wilson’s +20.8 overall cumulative grade ranks second among quarterbacks, just behind Cam Newton’s +21.5. During that timespan, Wilson leads the league with a 87.6 percent accuracy percentage, and a 79.5 accuracy percentage when under pressure. On plays without play action since Week 11, Wilson has completed 81-of-103 for 15 touchdowns, 10.5 yards per attempt, and a 150.0 passer rating.

– With SS Kam Chancellor out, Kelcie McCray was given his first career start. While it’s impossible to replace Chancellor, McCray did play well versus the Browns' offense. He was targeted just two times and allowed one catch for 7 yards for a +1.8 coverage grade.

– After a great start to the year, DE Cliff Avril’s performance has noticeably dropped over the last five weeks. In Weeks 1-10, Avril’s +32.6 overall grade ranked fourth among all edge defenders. Since Week 11, though, he has earned a -6.0 overall grade, the fifth-lowest over that time span. Yesterday, Avril generated just two pressures on 31 pass rush snaps, and was mostly a non-factor in a run defense that included a missed a tackle. Add in his two offsides penalties, and he earned a -4.9 overall grade, his lowest since joining the Seahawks.

Top performers:

DE Michael Bennett (+4.2)
QB Russell Wilson (+3.2)
HB Christine Michael (+2.2)
CB Marcus Burley (+1.7)
WR Doug Baldwin (+1.6)

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