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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 tight end Connor Hamlett (89) catches a touchdown as New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) defends during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Patriots won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Connor Hamlett (89) catches a touchdown as New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) defends during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Patriots won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight Ends: B

Finally, a positive aspect of Sunday’s game. After four weeks of underperforming, the Browns’ tight ends came to play in Week 5. In an offense which tight ends are used heavily, often two in a given formation, one would expect this group to provide the offense with their fair share of production. On Sunday, this actually happened.

Gary Barnidge was Cleveland’s leading receiver, gaining 76 yards in five receptions. Even Connor Hamlett, the pleasant surprise of training camp, caught a touchdown pass from Whitehurst.

Not only this, there were other time where Barnidge especially was wide open over the middle of the field but could not haul in a reception due to a poor throw. This reveals that the 2015 breakout tight end is returning to previous form, finding himself open on many plays once again and giving the Browns offense an effective safety valve option.

Even through all of this, the tight ends must find a way to improve their run blocking. This offense cannot afford to use a two-tight end formation if these players are not each effective blockers. Helping the running game needs to be a top priority of this offense at every position, not just the running backs. This will help stimulate the rest of the offense. All in all though, on Sunday, the tight ends served as an encouraging light in the midst of numerous poor performances.

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