Cleveland Browns: Grades from the horrendous loss to the Bengals

Offensive Line: F

What we saw in Sunday’s game from the offensive line is about what we have come to expect. It is no secret that the line is just not talented enough to compete at the NFL level with their current personnel. Still, this doesn’t excuse a very poor game they had against a tough Cincinnati defensive front.

John Greco‘s absence was costly in this one, as the Browns were forced to send a double team to the right side. Cameron Erving, Austin Pasztor, and even Joe Thomas were physically beaten up in this one, clearly overmatched by Cincinnati.

Unlike past weeks, the line’s struggles were covered up somewhat by Griffin’s ability to get out of the pocket and extend plays. However, their poor play was just as costly even if it didn’t appear to be, given the importance of a clean pocket to the deep passing game the Browns were trying to spark.

Run blocking started to open up some lanes later in the game, but it was not nearly consistent enough. Without the confidence to run the ball early in the game, the Browns aren’t even trying to hide the fact that their offensive line is horrible.

To be fair, this unit is doing their best with what they have. It is good experience for these young players to have opportunities that they really don’t deserve. Maybe Cleveland will use these games to find a diamond in the rough on their current line who will contribute in future years. But as far as this week is concerned, it was the type of performance fans are getting used to seeing from their offensive line.