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Cleveland Browns: Grades from home opener vs. Ravens

By Jonathan Goehring

Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) runs the ball for a first down against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) runs the ball for a first down against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) leaps over the pile during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) leaps over the pile during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers: D

A lot of the responsibility for the inability of Cleveland’s defense to get off the field on third down rests upon the linebacker position. When bringing the typical exotic blitzes dialed up by defensive coordinator Ray Horton, the linebackers had the opportunity to make some plays on the quarterback all afternoon. Unfortunately, they failed to do so for the duration of Sunday’s contest.

Demario Davis did have a good game for the second week in a row, and Christian Kirksey showed some discipline and made some plays as well. The linebackers were able to help the defensive line in stopping the run at times, the one positive Cleveland can take away on defense.

Still, this unit was absolutely torched in coverage, and could not make amends with their pass rush. Dennis Pitta was the unit’s responsibility, and he recorded nine costly receptions which added to 102 yards. As a result, the Browns had troubles on third downs, and their linebackers had a really rough time in the home opener.

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