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Cleveland Browns: Grades from 28-7 loss to Ravens

By Jonathan Goehring

Nov 10, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) runs as Cleveland Browns cornerback Tramon Williams (22) chases during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) runs as Cleveland Browns cornerback Tramon Williams (22) chases during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 10, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) sacked by Baltimore Ravens linebacker CJ Mosley (57) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) sacked by Baltimore Ravens linebacker CJ Mosley (57) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Line: F       

The offensive line was the root of all problems for the Browns in their blowout loss. Pass protection was non-existent, and the team didn’t even trust the line’s run blocking ability to give them much of a chance.

Joe Thomas had a rough night at left tackle, as did Austin Pasztor. Center Cameron Erving also came across as a misfit on an NFL football field, explaining why fans have such a great degree of spite for Ray Farmer.

The inability to move the sticks throughout the entire game is a reflection on the offensive line’s poor run blocking. This, coupled with a defensive line who could not stop the run, explains why the Browns held the ball for under 22 minutes, just over a third of the game.

The inability to protect all three quarterbacks who made appearances led to poor third down efficiency, as Cleveland converted just two of ten. This also led to a humiliating gap in first downs, as the Ravens moved the sticks 29 times compared to Cleveland’s 11.

If the team is going to have a chance in any of the following six weeks, it begins with the offensive line. This unit must find a way to get a running game going so that Cleveland can hold on to the ball, and pass protection so that they can convert on third-down and finish drives.

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