Cleveland Browns: Grades from the bizarre defeat in Pittsburgh

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Jan 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) throws a pass during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Line: C

Though they didn’t earn the highest grade, the offensive line was the most pleasant surprise. Coming in with injuries which basically moved every lineman around, expectations were extremely low. After Pittsburgh got to Cody Kessler and Josh McCown eight times in the two teams’ November 20 meeting, there was a lot of concern coming in.

But even with Anthony Fabiano at center and Shonn Coleman at right tackle, the pocket was relatively intact for the most part. The Browns faced adversity when former first-round draft pick Cameron Erving went down with an injury in the fourth quarter. But the young group excelled after this, creating a hole for Crowell’s 67-yard run which led to the game-tying score.

In total, Griffin was sacked four times, two of which could be blamed on his inability to release the ball soon enough. With two “coverage sacks”, only two sacks could be solely blamed on the line. Against an aggressive Pittsburgh pass rush, this is a major improvement.

The rushing statistics speak for themselves as to how well the offensive line created holes up front. Averaging seven yards per carry, Cleveland rushers were escorted effectively by this group.

There were still lapses in pass protection causing some early Griffin throws, but the play of the offensive line was effective enough for the team to notch the victory.

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