Cleveland Browns: Grades from loss vs. Dolphins

Secondary: F

Yes, the Browns had two interceptions. One was even returned for a touchdown by little known rookie Briean Boddy-Calhoun, and the other was made on the first drive of the game by Jamar Taylor. But two plays far from captures the story of Sunday’s game; and the story of the game was Miami’s passing attack.

Miami entered the game with the league’s 13th-ranked passing offense, which makes sense considering their three potent downfield threats along with an improving quarterback. Far and away, passing is their greatest strength on offense. This coupled with a depleted Cleveland secondary spelled trouble from the very beginning for the Browns.

This secondary really never had a chance, missing Joe Haden and losing Tramon Williams during the game. As a result of these injuries, other players stepped up, mostly young players, and did what they could. But simply put, everything they could do was far from enough.

Collectively, Miami’s receivers torched Cleveland’s secondary for 319 yards and three touchdowns. Even on plays which were obvious passing plays from the beginning, a receiver found himself open and made it easy for Tannehill.

Safety Jordan Poyer led the team with 10 tackles on the afternoon, which pretty much says it all. The fact that so many tackles were made 15-20 yards downfield is a direct reflection on what Cleveland most has to work on moving forward. Even if it isn’t the young players’ faults individually, the unit as a whole is partially responsible for the failure to get Miami’s offense off the field in many key situations.