3 takeaways as the Browns fall to 0-11

Pray for Cody Kessler.

The rookie quarterback has not led the team to a win in 2016, but he has done his best to make this dismal offense competitive. That is, when he is healthy.

Kessler was knocked out of yet another game this season after suffering a concussion in today’s loss. He was getting drilled all day, with linemen openly ignoring blitzers and giving them a free shot at the young quarterback.

No matter why the line continually blows these blocks, this cannot happen. The coaching staff cannot put an inexperienced player on the field if the line is going to not protect him. That is their only job.

This lack of protection is clearly due to a lack of understanding that an offensive line cannot be stripped of talent like other positions, as it is just too dangerous. Players are getting hurt because the front office wanted to save some money and build through the draft. Well, the team isn’t going to have a healthy quarterback if the line has these problems again next year.

Kessler is unfortunately the sacrificial lamb this year. He does have a problem with holding onto the ball too long, but he is also an easy target for opposing defenders. There were countless instances Sunday when defenders were untouched until they got to Kessler. This cannot happen at any level of football, let alone the NFL.