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Cleveland Browns: Grades from thrilling victory over the Chargers

By Jonathan Goehring

Dec 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Jamar Taylor (21) celebrates after making an interception during the first half against the San Diego Chargers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Jamar Taylor (21) celebrates after making an interception during the first half against the San Diego Chargers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) makes a reception while getting tackled by Cincinnati Bengals free safety George Iloka (43) during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) makes a reception while getting tackled by Cincinnati Bengals free safety George Iloka (43) during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight Ends: A

Once again, Gary Barnidge proved to be the most reliable player on the field on Saturday. Coming up with five huge receptions for 42 yards, the 2015 Pro Bowler led the team in receiving. He also did whatever was asked of him, including blocking both at the line of scrimmage and down the field.

Seth DeValve also got in on the action, making a catch for 21 yards which set up a first-and-goal at the four-yard-line. The rookie out of Princeton was shaken up on the play, but did eventually return and make an impact blocking.

Tight ends were a significant part of Cleveland’s game plan in this matchup, as the Chargers struggle against large targets. This group answered the call, and did exactly what was asked of them.

Most notably, the group came through when the team needed them most. On a game-changing play in the first quarter, Barnidge made a spectacular grab on fourth-down which extended a drive that ended in a touchdown. With the Browns already down 7-0, giving San Diego good field position in this situation could have easily changed the outcome of the game.

This is just one example, as Barnidge was found for two more third-down conversions. Due to his and DeValve’s reliability both blocking and receiving, this often forgotten unit can be rewarded with an “A”.

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