Cleveland Browns: How bad was the OL vs Buccaneers?

The third sack came with 8:33 left in the second quarter. The Browns had a first-and-ten on their own 49-yard line. In one of the few occasions the Browns lined up in the pistol formation, Duke Johnson was the tailback with Malcom Johnson at fullback.

The play was a basic drop back pass play. As the play developed, he had Barnidge open over the middle. Unfortunately, he was not afforded enough time get the pass off. As he was dropping back, both offensive tackles struggled to block their men.

Dan France struggled in pass protection all night. On this particular play, France slid back and set on his heels. When the defender engaged, France was initially pushed backward. After getting France off-balance, his man finished the job with a speed rush for the initial swipe at Griffin forcing him up into the pocket. France avoided a vicious hit on the quarterback by holding his man on the speed rush. The penalty was declined.

For Austin Pasztor this play was proof he can set on balance. He dropped back into slide pass protection, landed on balance and set up to block his man. On this particular play, Pasztor was unable to drop his hips, anchor down and hold off the bull rush. He was eventually pushed back into Griffin who was climbing the pocket to avoid France’s man. Pasztor was shed and gave up the sack.

On this play, both France and Pasztor looked overwhelmed in pass protection. This sack clearly belongs to the offensive line.

Next: Sack 4