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Browns vs. Chargers: Rookies Billy Winn, James-Michael Johnson help in impressive defensive effort

The Cleveland Browns received big contributions from rookies Billy Winn and James-Michael Johnson in Sunday's 7-6 win over the San Diego Chargers.

Winn, a defensive tackle out of Boise State, recovered Chargers running back Ryan Mathews' fumble after Johnson, a linebacker from Nevada, forced the miscue. Winn told Tom Reed of The Plain Dealer about the importance of the Browns creating turnovers, at which they've had great success over the past three games:

"It's tough to win a game when you don't have turnovers -- everybody knows that. But they don't just come to you, you have to create them."

Winn has recovered two fumbles this season, while accumulating 12 tackles and a sack. Meanwhile, Johnson had the best game of his career to date, racking up 10 tackles and the forced fumble. Browns head coach Pat Shurmur was pleased with Johnson's effort, as well as that of the rest of the team's rookies:

"I think he's been like all of our rookies, they're playing a little better each week and I think he showed up well today."

The Browns allowed just 265 total yards to the Chargers' offense, which contains a myriad of weapons. Cleveland will need a similar effort in Week 9 with the Baltimore Ravens coming to town.

Photographs by spatulated, Triple Tri, and chrischappelear used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.