As the Browns moved down field on their opening offensive drive, TE Harold Fannin Jr.caught a pass from QB Dillon Gabriel in space and took off running, gaining 19 yards on the reception. Three plays later, Gabriel connected with Fannin again when Fannin found open space in the red zone, caught the pass and ran into the end zone for the touchdown.
The 18-yard touchdown catch marked Fannin's second touchdown this season. He recorded six receptions for 62 yards and one touchdown in the Browns' 32-13 loss to the Patriots.
Fannin was named one of the six nominees for the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of Week for Week 8.
"Harold's got a really good way about him, approaches it the right way, comes to work, puts himself in a position to have success," offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said recently. "Some guys have a knack of getting open and finding ways to do it, and hopefully we can continue having him put himself in position to do that for us. But it really starts with he's a very humble kid that came in with his head down, and put himself in position to move around, and learn the offense and understand what we're asking him to do."
On the season Fannin has totaled 38 receptions for 352 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. His 38 receptions lead the team this season and are the most ever by a Browns rookie through the first eight games. He has also earned seven starts in his first eight games this season.
Fannin was nominated for the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of Week alongside Giants QB Jaxson Dart, Broncos RB RJ Harvey, Texans RB Woody Marks, Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan and Chargers TE Oronde Gadsden.
Fans can vote for one of the six nominated players here and on the NFL Mobile app through Thursday at 11 a.m. ET to determine who will bring home the Rookie of the Week championship belt for Week 8.
After the regular season, six players will be nominated for NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Fans can vote for the winner here throughout the month of January.
