Here's our take on the Browns' top players on offense, defense and special teams in the 30-12 loss at Houston on Sunday: 

Offense: QB Colt McCoy

The Texans' pass rush was simply better than the Browns' pass protection, and McCoy, under way too much pressure throughout, was sacked four times. However, all things considered, McCoy did play fairly well, completing 14-of-22 passes for 146 yards with a TD pass to Josh Cribbs, who was the Browns' best receiver Sunday with five catches for 50 yards. McCoy's biggest mistake was an interception late in the first half that Houston converted into a field goal, but it was unclear whether the miscue could be completely pinned on him, as there seemed to be a miscommunication between McCoy and WR Greg Little on the route. Was this a sparkling performance from McCoy? No, but it was a gutsy one, and probably as well as could have been expected considering the state of the offense right now.

Defense: MLB D'Qwell Jackson

Jackson had another productive day. He notched eight tackles, recorded two QB hits and intercepted a tipped pass. On the season, Jackson has 73 tackles in eight games. Overall, the Cleveland defense had a day to forget, with all three levels (DL, LB, DB) having their problems vs. the run, but Jackson came up with one of the few momentum-stopping plays for the Browns.

Special teams: PK Phil Dawson

This was a no-brainer. The last original "new" Brown connected on field goals of 51 and 50 yards. Through eight games, he has made six field goals of 50-plus yards, which is a career-high and three short of the NFL single-season record. For an offense that has utterly lacked punch, Dawson has played a key role in keeplng Cleveland competitive.