Hawkins looks to maintain early season success

BEREA, Ohio-- Surprisingly, the Browns offense has been the bright spot through the bye week. The offense is in the top half of teams in the both the AFC and the NFL (sixth in the AFC; 13th in the NFL).

They have done this without Pro Bowl wide receiver Josh Gordon. When the Browns signed Andrew Hawkins as a restricted free agent, it was with the idea that he would be the third or slot receiver with Gordon and Miles Austin or Nate Burleson on the outside.

However, with Gordon being suspended for 10 games and Burleson not panning out, Hawkins has moved to the outside opposite Austin.

Hawkins has done so with much success thus far. He has 21 receptions for 244 yards, with an 11.6 average. Hawkins is on pace for over 110 receptions.

But will he be able to continue that productivity?

"It's a fair question because he has typically been in the slot," receivers coach Mike McDaniel said. "One thing that you need on the outside is -- one of two things, you have to separate from a defender at the time of the play so whether you're fast enough to do it or your big enough to do it, it's neither here nor there.

"His ability to beat man-to-man coverage, that's all it takes to play on the outside," he said. "That's the issue is man-to-man corner, and you have to beat him on routes that are deeper than five-to-10-yard routes. He has the speed to do that. I wouldn't say it's surprised me. He's lived up to my expectations since he's been in-house. I thought the same thing when he first was signed. I was assuming, I didn't really realize he'd have so much outside potential. He proved that in the spring and the summer, I think."

Hawkins said the adjustment hasn't been that tough for him.

"I think it's just getting the reps," Hawkins said. "I can't thank (offensive coordinator) Kyle (Shanahan) for putting me in a great position."

Hawkins is currently tied for 10th in receptions, despite having only played in three games. The current leader, Antonio Brown, has 29 catches, but has played in four games. There is only one receiver in the AFC ahead of Hawkins who has played in just three games, Broncos Emmanuel Sanders with 25.

Besides playing on the outside, Hawkins is still being very productive on third down.

He is one of the leaders in the league in third down catches with six catches for 66 yards for an average of 11 yards a catch.

Hawkins isn't making any predictions on his statistics, but is pleased with the way the arrow is pointing.

"It's really early, but time will tell," Hawkins said "I wish I could answer that."

Hawkin's journey to the NFL started after being undrafted from Toledo with the Browns as a tryout player under Eric Mangini in 2009. After an unsuccessful stint with the Browns, Hawkins went to the Canadian Football League before getting a chance with the Bengals.

He is very grateful for the opportunity the Browns have given him.

"I continue to say it, but I can't thank God enough for the blessings that I have," Hawkins said. "Coming from where I've come from being on the couch and praying for a chance to be on a practice squad. God has blessed me so much. There are times I didn't think this would be possible.

"It has been a very tough journey and I don't take anything for granted," Hawkins said. "God has blessed me with this opportunity and I feel I would be doing a disservice if not being out there and giving it everything I have."

Hawkins is excited for the prospects of being on the field with Gordon down the stretch.

"If I had my choice he'd be here now," Hawkins said. "Josh is an incredible receiver, one of the best in the league and I think he'll make us so much better. I can't wait to have Josh back."

For now, the Browns are counting heavily on Hawkins to continue his production and McDaniel likes what he sees.

"He'll give you everything he has," McDaniel said. "I'm sure if you asked DBs that he's played against, you go through warm ups and you see a smaller stature. You're just not expecting that feistiness.

"He is a football player," he said. "That's what's special about him. He's not just a slot, skill, finesse player. He's a football player. He's played defense. He's played offense. He's not afraid of the physicality and will do whatever it takes to make both him and his team successful."