Cleveland Browns: Surprises and disappointments at quarter mark of 2018

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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 20: David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to the game against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Disappointment: David Njoku

This season was supposed to be a breakout season for the second-year tight end. After playing less than 50 percent of the offensive snaps in 2017, the expectation was that with more playing time in 2018, the more plays that David Njoku will make.

But through four games, Njoku has not made the impact that anyone expected he would make. He has caught 14 passes for 121 yards and no touchdowns. He has had issues with dropping passes this season, which has been a concern since he was drafted.

Part of the blame for Njoku being a disappointment this season is due to the lackluster play from quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Taylor never seemed to be able to deliver an accurate throw, which hindered every Browns receiver.

Njoku’s total receiving yards have gone up in every game this season. His five receptions for 52 yards against the Raiders were both season highs for the 22-year-old receiver.

If it weren’t for the expectations that this would be Njoku’s breakout season, the tight end would likely not be seen as a disappointment in the first four games. But with the offense being lackluster at the beginning of the season – until Mayfield took over as quarterback – the hope was that Njoku would be able to make some plays to help get the offense going.

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