Cleveland Browns: Studs and duds from the regular season opener

Dud: Tyrod Taylor

Coming into Sunday, the hope was that Taylor was going to be a steady hand for the Browns offense, helping create the plays that needed to be made.

But on Sunday, it almost seemed like Taylor wanted no part of being in the pocket and making throws downfield. Once Taylor would get to the top of his drop, scrambling seemed to be the first thing on his mind instead of getting the ball out of his hand.

And when Taylor did throw the ball, he struggled to put the ball in places for his receivers to make plays. The CBS broadcast noted that Taylor’s accuracy struggles when the defense is in man coverage, and it showed on Sunday.

Overall, Taylor completed only 15 of his 40 passes for 197 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also rushed the ball eight times for 77 yards and a touchdown.

Taylor showed that he is dangerous as a runner. But the Browns need him to get the ball to the weapons that surround him to create opportunities for the offense.

Taylor also threw an interception late in the fourth quarter when the Browns were in a prime position to get into field goal range to potentially kick a game-winning field goal. Gordon beat his defender and was streaking down the sideline, but Taylor under-threw Gordon, and the pass was intercepted at the Steelers eight-yard line.

The weather could have played a major part in Taylor’s performance on Sunday. But if Taylor is not willing to throw to receivers that are not wide open, the Browns offense could be in trouble.