Terrelle Pryor evolving into true threat on offense after historic day

Cleveland Browns receiver Terrelle Pryor continues to make significant strides as a receiver after a historic day in the loss to the Miami Dolphins.

The Cleveland Browns were disappointing once again last Sunday in a loss to the Miami Dolphins.

The Browns had their ups, but just had more downs throughout the 30-24 defeat in Miami. Rookie quarterback Cody Kessler fumbled twice to begin his NFL debut, losing one of them, but was average for the most part.

The defense had two interceptions including a pick-six, but simply allowed too much in the passing game to win. There were not many positives to build upon from the loss, except for Terrelle Pryor’s breakout game.

The quarterback-turned-wide receiver did it all against the Miami Dolphins, and impressive is an understatement. Pryor corralled eight receptions for 144 yards as a receiver, though lined up at quarterback several times too. Pryor completed three of his five passes for 35 yards and rushed for 21 yards on four carries.

He provided the Browns an electrifying attack despite the expected struggles due to numerous injuries on the team. Head Coach Hue Jackson did an extraordinary job with his game plan involving Pryor, knowing he needed to make plays for the Browns to have a shot to win. Of course, the Browns had a chance to win, but Cody Parkey missed his third field goal as time expired. In all fairness, the Browns signed the kicker right before Sunday’s game where he went 3-of-6 on field goals.

The former five-star quarterback recruit was eager to make up for a questionable taunting penalty assessed to him the week before, arguably costing Cleveland the game, and was eager to make up for it against the Dolphins. And make up for it he did.

Pryor’s effort resulted in some remarkable feats as his day became quite historic as it went on. He became the first player to have three passing attempts, three rushes and three receptions in a game since 1964. He was the first player with over 20 yards in passing, rushing and receiving since Cecil Shorts did in 2015. Lastly, his 144 receiving yards were the most since Josh Gordon‘s 151 in 2013.

Several players on both teams spoke highly of Pryor after the game. Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas called it “a shame” they couldn’t win for him.

"“Terrelle did an unbelievable job and it’s a shame that we lost because people will forget, but that was one of the single handed most impressive performances from a player that I’ve seen in a while”"

Miami Dolphins defensive lineman and one of the NFL’s most feared players Ndamukong Suh also touched on Pryor’s effectiveness.

"“He’s a dynamic athlete. Whether he’s playing quarterback, or he’s playing wide receiver, he’s obviously effective.”"

Moving forward, the game plan should be pretty simple for the Browns. Pryor’s involvement for this offense is essential for it to have a heartbeat with limited weapons offensively – at least until Corey Coleman and Josh Gordon return within the next few weeks.

Next: Moving on from The Move

Cody Kessler didn’t have much help from other receivers in his first NFL game, so relying on Pryor and the running backs is critical to the success of not only himself, but also the Browns as the season progresses.