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Cleveland Browns: Week One Instant Reactions

By Martin McConnell

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Joel Bitonio Cleveland Browns
BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 11: Guard Joel Bitonio #75 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after kicker Travis Coons #6 of the Cleveland Browns kicked an overtime field goal to defeat the Baltimore Ravens 33-30 during a game at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

The Offensive Line Needs Time

For as much of a sure thing as Joe Thomas always was, the offensive line sorely missed the iron man’s performance in this game. Multiple times throughout the first half, Tyrod Taylor and Browns running backs were swallowed up by Steelers defenders. This was not because TJ Watt or Stephon Tuitt had ascended to a higher plane of being, but simply because the Browns’ offensive line simply could not handle the rush.

Desmond Harrison had a few false start calls, as well as Joel Bitonio. The offensive line looked unfinished at times, or at least like they needed a serious shot in the arm. The right side held together well during Cleveland’s first touchdown drive, but the left side often left something to be desired. Not to cry out for help and say that Joe Thomas is the Browns’ only hope, but he certainly could’ve been of assistance during this one.

This isn’t to say that the offensive line is bad. Desmond Harrison showed some flashes of being a pretty nice left tackle, he just needs to clean up his play. It’s still a bit confusing that Austin Corbett wasn’t even active for this game, but rest assured that he should definitely see some action later this season. The offensive line is not bad, however, they really could use some time working with each other.

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