Down 14-7 against the Titans in the second quarter in Week 7, WR KC Concepcion Jr. caught a short in-breaking route from the slot for a 21-yard gain. Two plays later, QB Deshaun Watson found Concepcion in a soft spot in Tennessee's zone coverage on another quick-hitting pass. Concepcion accelerated up field for a gain of 32 yards.
On those two plays, Concepcion showcased his explosive after-the-catch ability, which was a big reason the Browns drafted him with the 24th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Concepcion finished the game with a career-high stat line of eight receptions for 129 receiving yards, while also adding three carries for 23 yards on the ground. His 152 yards from scrimmage is the most by a Browns player in a game this season. Concepcion isn't satisfied though, and he's looking to make his breakout game against the Titans a routine performance, starting with the Browns' Week 8 matchup with the Steelers.
"I thank the Lord for allowing me to go out there and play this game that I love," Concepcion said. "But I'm trying to build off that. I'm trying to get another 100-yard week."
Throughout the beginning of the season, Concepcion patiently waited for the opportunity to display his entire skillset. With flashes of his excellence in space on display multiple times, including a 25-yard reception in the Browns' Week 4 game against the Steelers, Concepcion's Week 7 performance wasn't surprising.
"We know he could do that at any given point in the game and for him to be able to go put that on display just really propelled us, gave us a lot of momentum to continue to go and win that game in the end," WR Denzel Boston said.
Concepcion and Boston, the 39th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, have established a close connection since joining the Browns. While Concepcion worked to find his rhythm over the first couple weeks of the season, Boston continued to encourage him in between plays and on the sideline. When both Boston and Concepcion weren't finding the ball, they challenged each other to make an impact with their blocking.
Concepcion also noted that his hard work in the film room quickly started to pay off following the Browns' Week 1 game against the Jaguars. That's when he began to pick up on opposing defense's schemes quicker during games, a trait that is critical for a receiver like Concepcion that can find holes in zone coverages. Through the first seven games this season, Concepcion leads the Browns with 30 receptions and is second with 315 receiving yards.
"I stayed in the film room seeing how they disguise coverages," Concepcion said on Oct. 25. "I would say after the Jacksonville game, it started slowing down for me a little bit more. I started seeing coverages before they happened. I started watching film and tuning into little keys that would help me out to see if they're in zone, or if they're in man; and if they are in zone, are they playing cover three, are they paying cover two, cover four."
Prior to his performance against the Titans, wide receivers coach Christian Jones said Concepcion's next step in development is continuing to learn how to diagnose defenses and make quick decisions based off those defensive looks. As Concepcion continues to progress through his rookie season with game reps, Jones explained, the faster he will be able to identify coverages.
"You only get those reps and you only get used to the speed of the game by being in the game," Jones said on Oct 23. "And being around the distractions and all the talk and all those other things."
The Browns' offense will look to feature Concepcion as he continues this path of development. Head coach Todd Monken has recognized Concepcion's ability to make plays, and he wants to keep putting the ball in his hands.
"Not only is he quick, he's powerful, he's tough, and thinks 'score' every time he touches the ball," Monken said. "So, finding ways to get him the ball is obviously critical to our offense."
As the Browns prepare to face the Steelers in Week 8 to retain possession of first place in the AFC North, Concepcion is focused on stacking weeks. He has his sights set on how he can continue to play a productive role in the Browns' ascending offense.
Browse photos of the Cleveland Browns practicing at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus as they prepare for their Week 8 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Head Coach Todd Monken during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Quincy Williams (5) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Spencer Fano (55) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Austin Barber (58) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver KC Concepcion Jr. (1) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive Coordinator Mike Rutenberg during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Quincy Williams (5) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Quincy Williams (5) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) and Linebacker Quincy Williams (5) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Head Coach Todd Monken during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Spencer Fano (55) and Defensive end Logan Fano (99) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (11) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Spencer Fano (55) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (98) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Quincy Williams (5) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Tylan Wallace (16) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Head Coach Todd Monken during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Quincy Williams (5) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Spencer Fano (55) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
The running backs and Running Backs Coach Duce Staley during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (20) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Krys Barnes (43) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Head Coach Todd Monken during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
The linebackers during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive end Sam Williams (54) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive tackle Eric Johnson II (67) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Krys Barnes (43) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Krys Barnes (43) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Tylan Wallace (16) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Special Teams Coordinator Byron Storer during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Head Coach Todd Monken during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Audric Estime (36) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (6) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Audric Estime (36) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Dale Jones during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Krys Barnes (43) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running Backs Coach Duce Staley during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle KT Leveston (72) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive end Nadame Tucker (60) during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running Backs Coach Duce Staley during practice on October 28, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (98) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Special Teams Coordinator Byron Storer and Assistant Wide Receivers Coach John Wozniak during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Krys Barnes (43) during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
A football during practice on October 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
