Dawg Pound Daily
FanSided

Cleveland Browns: Position grades from an ugly loss to Pittsburgh

By Jonathan Goehring

Nov 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) is led off the field after suffering a concussion against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) is led off the field after suffering a concussion against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 11
Next
Nov 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Steelers won 24-9. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Steelers won 24-9. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs: F

When analyzing the trainwreck known as the Browns’ offense, one needs not to look much beyond the rushing attack. All season, the inability to stay on schedule has been fueled by a lack of a run game. This week was no different, and even worse in some cases.

Cleveland running backs totaled 20 yards on the afternoon on 10 carries, which may as well wrap up the recap. Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson shared the yardage, taking ten a piece.

For purposes of comparison, Pittsburgh running back Le’Veon Bell produced 146 yards on the ground, more than seven times the production of the Browns. Even with a wide gap of talent in the offensive lines, the backs are still partially responsible. Bell’s ability to wait for the hole to open up was on display, while Crowell and Johnson had no patience whatsoever. Each Cleveland running back seemed satisfied when just falling for a one-yard gain.

The Browns can search for answers offensively all they want, but they aren’t going to get anywhere without a rushing attack. The inability to get anything going on the ground sparked a relentless pass rush which gave the team fits. With both Johnson and Crowell completely overmatched in pass protection as well, they did the Browns no favors on Sunday.

Home/Browns News