Cleveland Browns: Grades from the bizarre defeat in Pittsburgh

Jan 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Cobi Hamilton (83) catches a game winning twenty six yard touchdown pass against Cleveland Browns strong safety Briean Boddy-Calhoun (20) in overtime at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Cobi Hamilton (83) catches a game winning twenty six yard touchdown pass against Cleveland Browns strong safety Briean Boddy-Calhoun (20) in overtime at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receivers: B

Thanks to the fact that this game miraculously ended up in overtime, Terrelle Pryor was able to exceed the 1000-yard mark on a nine-yard reception. In total, his 94 yards on seven catches capped off an impressive season which marked his full transition to the position.

Unlike past weeks, the receivers were more involved in this one and played fairly well. Three receivers besides Pryor had receptions, including rookies Ricardo Louis and Corey Coleman. Veteran Andrew Hawkins also contributed with five receptions, including a key third-down conversion in the fourth quarter.

With the way the Browns’ offense works, the wide receivers are always going to have an impact on the game statistically. What separates the good performances from the bad ones are how many drops the unit has, as well as how well they block on the outside. In comparison to past weeks, there were strides made in both of these areas.

Moving forward, the future of Pryor and Hawkins in Cleveland are uncertain. But with a young core of receivers led by the rookie Coleman, this group should not concern fans nearly as much as several others.