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Cleveland Browns Report Card: First quarter of the 2019 season

By Randy Gurzi

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Running Back Dontrell Hilliard #25 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Running Back Dontrell Hilliard #25 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns huddles with his team during the second quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns huddles with his team during the second quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Offense

This was supposed to be the part of the team that really stood out in 2019. Quarterback Baker Mayfield was on fire to end his rookie season and had a great bond with Freddie Kitchens who ascended from interim offensive coordinator to head coach.

In addition to what they were doing last season, the Browns added wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. which had fans salivating at their big-play potential. However, we haven’t seen as much of that as we expected.

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OBJ does lead the team with 21 receptions and had an 89-yard score in Week 2 against the Jets, but he enters Week 5 second on the team with 308 yards receiving. Surprisingly enough, Jarvis Landry is first with 328.

What makes that shocking is Landry’s reputation as a slot receiver who plays close to the line. This year, he hasn’t been doing that as he’s averaging 18.2 yards per grab.

As for Mayfield, he has yet to recapture his magic. He’s completed 59 percent of his passes and has more interceptions (6) than touchdowns (4). He’s also been sacked 12 times after only takin five in the final eight games of 2018.

As for the ground game, Nick Chubb has been just fine. He’s going for 5.1 yards per run and has four touchdowns — backup Dontrell Hilliard has two more on just seven carries. The second-year back just ripped off an 88-yarder in Week 4 as well to help seal the win over the Ravens.

Still, we expected more out of the offense and they have yet to really capitalize on their potential.

Grade: C-

The good news is, they’re trending upward. Their last game deserved an A, but they’ve had some duds as well. Kitchens’ play-calling needs to improve but they’ve shown now they can get it done.

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