Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi capped off a brilliant opening night for the Cleveland Browns with an 86 yard punt return for a touchdown. The punt team made some key blocks that created an easy path for Sheehy-Guiseppi, but he also had the speed to finish the job.
Comparatively, no other punt returner had near the impact that Sheehy-Guiseppi did. D’Ernest Johnson had one return for 12 yards and Dontrell Hilliard had two for 17 yards total. Sheehy-Giuseppi didn’t have an opportunity to return a kickoff, but that could change next week. If he somehow continues to have the impact he had tonight, it will make it difficult for the Browns coaching staff to cut him. The team has not had a strong punt/kick returner since Josh Cribbs. The impact of a good returner can not be understated. Cribbs single-handedly kept the Browns in games and actually won a few for them with his returns.
The added icing on the cake? What would be a nightmare situation for everyone, turned out to be another stroke of luck for Sheehy-Guiseppi. He misplaced his cleats and Odell Beckham Jr., let him borrow his!
The entire team is pulling for the man and his continued good fortune could help him do the impossible. The coaching staff really needs to think about it because field position can change a game. The man needs more chances and hopefully he continues to shine as the preseason goes on.
