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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 /
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Nov 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) catches a touchdown pass defended by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns (25) 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 tight end Gary Barnidge (82) catches a touchdown pass defended by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns (25) during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Steelers won 24-9. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight Ends: D

Much like past weeks, the tight ends were virtually irrelevant in this game. Of course, on a positive note, Gary Barnidge found the end zone for Cleveland’s only touchdown. He also had a key fourth-down catch, but made no other plays in the passing game.

For the majority of the game, the tight ends were asked to block. This went about as well as it did for the offensive line, as the Steelers showed the Browns all sorts of exotic blitzes which fooled them.

In an otherwise uneventful afternoon for this unit, it is worth noting that Hue Jackson‘s offense contains numerous formations including two tight ends. The objective of these sets are to enhance the blocking up front as well as provide another target that a defense must account for.

This sounds wonderful, yet somehow, it seems to be having a reciprocal impact on Cleveland. All of a sudden they can’t block, and they struggle to find open receivers. Not to mention, Barnidge is the only capable tight end on the roster. Something just isn’t working out with this unit.

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