BALTIMORE -- A few thoughts on the Cleveland Browns' 20-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium:
What it means: That Connor Shaw was not wasting his time on the practice squad. Shaw obviously was watching and learning, as he looked comfortable in the pocket and came up with a play. He eluded a rush, and the game never seemed too big for him. The offense was not as complex as he went 14-for-28. He wasn't glittering, but given the task, he did what was asked of him fairly well. That is what a backup should do, and though the Browns did not win, Shaw should feel good about his effort.
Stock watch: Could it get any lower for Josh Gordon or Johnny Manziel? While the remaining Browns players fought hard for a win in Baltimore, Gordon was at home after being suspended and Manziel watched from the locker room. The two were the subject of swirling and negative stories all day Saturday and Sunday about their approach, their professionalism and their attitude. It's a credit to the rest of the team that the Browns played so well while their younger teammates were acting so unprofessionally.
Back in action: The yo-yo of the Browns' running backs continued to the end, as Terrance West got the bulk of the carries after Isaiah Crowell got them the week prior. West had five carries against Carolina, but he got the start in his hometown and ran well, gaining 94 yards with a touchdown on 18 carries. West's carries the last seven games went this way: 26, 5, 14, 7, 15, 5 and 18.
Game ball: This week's game ball goes to the season MVP, and that was a battle of Joes. Joe Thomas was his usual reliable self and made his eighth Pro Bowl in his first eight seasons. Joe Haden provided tremendous cornerback play the second half of the season. There's little separating the quality of the two players, but the vote goes to Thomas, whose professionalism and play have been mainstays of the team since he joined the Browns.
