Cleveland Browns: Grades from game vs. Redskins

Running Backs: C

Remarkably, Cleveland’s rushing attack seemed to be their most effective way of moving the ball for most of the game despite Kessler’s solid performance. Isaiah Crowell moved through large holes created by Cleveland’s offensive line with ease, on his way to 112 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.

Even when the Browns did not block very well up front, the running backs found ways to sneak through holes or push the pile. Crowell showed an immense amount of promise on Sunday, playing quite possibly the best game of his career.

Even so, the running game which fueled the Browns throughout most of the game played a key role in the team’s downfall in the end. On Malcom Johnson‘s first carry of the season, he brought the ball inside the Washington 10-yard-line, but fumbled there just before the Browns could go in for another touchdown. At this point, the Browns were leading 20-17 and were in position to take a two possession lead. As the final score indicates, the team did not score another point following the miscue.

Not to be outdone though, Duke Johnson coughed up the ball around midfield the very next possession. While there was much confusion on the controversial call, Johnson is still responsible for originating the chaos. At this point, the Browns were once again driving down 24-20, and the fumble served as another turning point in Washington’s favor.

Fair or not, these plays prevent the running backs from receiving a successful grade. Unfortunately, their early dominance was cancelled out by late miscues which proved to be costly in the Browns’ defeat.