Tight Ends: F
There is good news and bad news for Cleveland tight ends. The good news is that Gary Barnidge led the team in receiving Sunday afternoon. The bad news is that he was only able to muster 27 yards in three receptions.
It was a very normal day for this group. Barnidge came through with several grabs, but the tight ends served as little more than statues on the field when blocking.
For an offense that uses formations with two tight ends frequently, they aren’t using these two spots efficiently. Blocking does not seem to be in their vocabulary, and their receiving is limited.
Seth DeValve was the other tight end who played a significant amount, and Randall Telfer contributed on special teams. Dan Vitale, who can be thrown in with the tight ends, made a name for himself in this one by dropping a pass on the goal line when he was wide open and ready to go in for a touchdown.
In future weeks, the Browns will have to ponder whether or not their use of tight ends is benefiting the team enough to continue. Judging based on this week, they won’t need to think too hard.