Cleveland Browns: Grades from the horrendous loss to the Bengals

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Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) runs with the ball after a catch as Cleveland Browns cornerback Jamar Taylor (21) makes the tackle during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Secondary: F

It wasn’t a very active day for the secondary, to say the least. The Bengals likely didn’t have to pick on the secondary as much as they did in order to coast to the victory. With only 28 pass attempts in 70 plays, the unit had very few chances to seize.

When the ball was put in the air though, the results did not bode well for Cleveland defenders. Andy Dalton completed 20 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, a very efficient performance. Despite not having A.J. Green to deal with, the Browns still couldn’t solve Tyler Boyd, Tyler Eifert, and Brandon LaFell.

Joe Haden led the secondary in tackles, and Jamar Taylor was not far behind. However, most of these plays came after demoralizing receptions, including six third-down conversions which went through the air.

The first two drives were especially disheartening for this unit, as Dalton threw wide open short pass after short pass, controlling the clock and wearing down the defense.

Nobody got beat deep for the Browns, as Cincinnati’s longest completion went for just 18 yards. But they were beat consistently, unable to come up with a momentum swinging play.