John Nestor

The Cleveland Browns have already bounced back from a rough opening to the new season and can actually still get off to their best start in a long time.

With a season-opening loss to the Cincinnati Bengals behind them, the Browns can get off to their first 2-1 start since 2002 with a win Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

The Browns (1-1) have lost the third game of a season seven straight years but this year they have a number of young contributors that appear to be ready to make a difference.

Contributions from young players start right up front on the defensive side of the ball where defensive tackle Phil Taylor, a first-round selection (21st overall), and defensive end Jabaal Sheard, a second-round pick (37th overall), made their presence felt Sunday in the Browns' 27-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

The Browns spent their first two draft picks on defensive linemen for the first time in franchise history by selecting Taylor and Sheard who are teaming with veterans Ahtyba Rubin and Jayme Mitchell for create a formidable line.

"I think the defensive line as a unit played very well," said Cleveland coach Pat Shurmur. "Our linebackers covered well and in the secondary, I think we challenged. There were some real good things to build on."

Rookie wide receiver Greg Little is building on his performances each day and should be a factor in Cleveland's West Coast offense this season.

After catching only one pass for 12 yards in his first NFL game against the Bengals, Little had four receptions passes for 38 yards, including an 18-yarder on the Browns' second possession of the third quarter.

"It felt really good to come to a team and get a team win," Little said Monday. "I think the general presumption was that we all did our parts and came out victorious."

If the young Browns all play their parts Sunday, Cleveland should have even more to build on.

NFL 2011 - Browns Youth Could Help Team Get Off to Best Start in Years