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Grades from the blowout loss to the Cowboys

By Jonathan Goehring

Nov 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs with the ball as Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Joe Schobert (53) and strong safety Derrick Kindred (30) defend during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs with the ball as Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Joe Schobert (53) and strong safety Derrick Kindred (30) defend during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line: F

It is safe to say that the Browns’ defensive line was dominated in every way on Sunday. They failed against the running game, failed to manufacture a pass rush and failed to keep a contained pocket.

Nothing more needs to be said when considering running back Ezekiel Elliot‘s numbers. The rookie averaged over five yards a carry, recording 92 yards on 18 carries and scoring two touchdowns. The defensive line had no answer all afternoon for the budding superstar, either being beaten physically or losing the edge.

They also failed to create any pressure on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott. The rookie out of Mississippi State was not sacked, rarely hurried and not contained in the pocket. The offensive line of the Cowboys did their job so effectively that it often appeared that Cleveland’s defenders were not even moving.

They got no push off of the line of scrimmage and could not fill the holes created. They also jumped offsides three times on third down plays. If there was ever a day to forget for Cleveland’s defensive line, Sunday was that day.

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