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Cleveland Browns: Grades from loss to Patriots

By Jonathan Goehring

Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins (81) after the game at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Patriots won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins (81) after the game at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Patriots won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) throws a pass against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) throws a pass against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Line: D

Cleveland has experienced a roller coaster of offensive line play so far this season. It started off miserably, but improved very much the last two weeks as the running game got going. This improvement was highlighted the outstanding play of by Austin Reiter, the backup center replacing the injured Cameron Erving.

Unfortunately, Reiter is injured, forcing natural guard John Greco over to the center position. To say that this did not bode well for the Browns on Sunday would be an understatement. The unit was manhandled by New England’s defensive line all game long, and was often times overwhelmed by the pass rushing linebackers.

The offensive line only surrendered two sacks for 14 yards in total loss, and also only committed two penalties. But on the flip side, they didn’t do a whole lot which proved to be productive. As horribly as the running backs performed, some of this responsibility still falls upon the shoulders of this unit. 27 yards rushing in total is not acceptable. Not to mention, all of the times which all three of the Browns’ quarterbacks were rushed out of the pocket before plays even truly developed completely fractured so many snaps and slowed drives.

No matter what the stats say or what excuses could be made, the offensive line must improve and return to last week’s form before this Cleveland offense has a chance.

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