Cleveland Browns: Grades from loss vs. Dolphins

Quarterback: C

Determining a final grade for the quarterback play from Sunday’s game depends on which quarterback is being graded. Both Cody Kessler and Terrelle Pryor took snaps at the position, both in a traditional format, making them each true quarterbacks. At times, Pryor excelled, and at times, Kessler struggled.

Collectively, the quarterbacks threw for 279 yards on 24 completions, as Kessler threw for 244 yards and Pryor threw for 35. For the most part, Kessler looked like a quarterback starting his first career NFL game, but he also looked like one with a reasonable amount of potential.

Unfortunately, the coaching staff did not do what they needed to with Kessler, as they failed to get him into any sort of rhythm. It didn’t help that he fumbled on the first drive of the game after Cleveland forced a turnover, but the plays called for him still were not sufficient in allowing Kessler to take what was given for him. Overall though, the young quarterback out of USC handled the difficult situation nearly as well as he could have as the Browns’ 26th starter since 1999, avoiding an interception despite the relentless pressure.

As for Pryor, merely the amount he played was a surprise. But how he played also pleasantly shocked a lot of Browns fans, as he was electric at times under center. Still, it doesn’t appear that Pryor is a natural NFL quarterback despite playing the position in college, and the Browns cannot proceed with him at quarterback. All things considered, Cleveland’s quarterbacks put forth an average performance, at least allowing their team an opportunity to notch the victory.