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Cleveland Browns: Grades from shameful loss in Buffalo

By Jonathan Goehring

Dec 18, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandon Tate (15) runs a sweep during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandon Tate (15) runs a sweep during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) runs the ball past Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Christian Kirksey (58) during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) runs the ball past Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Christian Kirksey (58) during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers: F

Now, it isn’t like it was just the defensive line who ought to be held responsible for the 280 yards Buffalo was able to gain on the ground. A poor afternoon from the linebackers contributed to this as well.

The most important duty of linebackers is to fill the hole and make tackles on running backs. Given the aforementioned 280 yards rushing the Bills were able to pile on, it is a fair conclusion to come to that this group did not do their job.

Demario Davis and Christian Kirksey were able to lead the defense in tackles, combining for 19. Even Jamie Collins decided to show up for the second week in a row, turning in five tackles.

Emmanuel Ogbah was also impressive, coming up with the only sack on the afternoon. But besides Ogbah, there was absolutely no pressure generated by this unit. Allowing quarterback Tyrod Taylor to run for 49 yards on seven carries, there was no containment either. Also, tight end Charles Clay led the Bills in receiving with 72 yards and a touchdown. Since covering the tight end is the responsibility of the linebackers, this unit didn’t do its job there either.

Ultimately, a reasonable question to ask is; what did the linebackers do all afternoon?

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