Cleveland Browns: Grades from loss vs. Dolphins

Offensive Line: F

The Browns’ offensive line was one of their key issues in the 30-24 loss. Nearly every play, the unit was faced with relentless pressure from Ndamukong Suh and Cameron Wake, which they did not handle very well. Most of all, not only was this pressure difficult to suppress, Miami was able to manufacture pressure on Kessler without blitzing, meaning that they did not need to bring the house to move Kessler out of the pocket. As a result, they were able to still defend the receivers effectively while simultaneously making matters miserable for Cleveland’s quarterback.

Cameron Erving‘s injury clearly had an impact on the line, as any team who is without their starting center will feel the effects. John Greco may not have played horribly, but he was most definitely out of position at center.

As for the rest of the offensive line, Joe Thomas played consistently at left tackle for the most part, even though he did struggle at times to get push for the power rushing attack on the left side. However, Austin Pasztor played an absolutely miserable game, being pushed back on most plays and committing five penalties. Maybe, as Browns play-by-play radio announcer Jim Donovan stated, Pasztor should take a coffee run while the tape is being examined.

In the end, it is up to the offensive line to protect the quarterback and give the running game a boost. Neither of these objectives were reached, even if some of the skill position players covered up these shortcomings. The team surrendered four sacks and allowed their quarterbacks to be rushed all afternoon. As the game wound down, the offensive line could not make the blocks they needed or formulate the pass protection necessary to give the offense a chance.