Cleveland Browns studs and duds from frustrating Week 13 loss
By Randy Gurzi
Dud: Chris Hubbard, Justin McCray
Right tackle Chris Hubbard was signed as a free agent last season and it’s safe to say that he hasn’t been the player the Browns hoped they were getting. He’s struggled to hold things down on the right side of the offensive line and those struggles were on full display in Week 13.
At one point, Hubbard was called for a hold that nullified a four-yard gain by Jarvis Landry and pushed the Browns back and forced them into a second-and-20.
On the ensuing play, Baker Mayfield was sacked by Bud Dupree and he fumbled the ball away. Pittsburgh took over and once again had all the momentum going in their favor.
Justin McCray was in the lineup at left tackle for Greg Robinson and wasn’t up to the task of dealing with the Steelers talented edge rushers. The problems started on the first drive as he was called for a false start on a 3rd-and-9 on the Steelers 26.
The Browns overcame that mistake but couldn’t do so on some of the other problems he had — which included a huge sack that hurt Cleveland’s chances at making a comeback. The Browns had just surrendered a field goal and were down 20-10. They desperately needed a score to get some momentum back but on 3rd-and-7, but Bud Dupree beat McCray like a drum and got into the backfield to sack Baker Mayfield — which forced Cleveland to punt the ball away.
Next. Instant reactions from tough Week 13 loss. dark
No position has been more of a hindrance to the Browns this year than the offensive tackle spot. This is an area they desperately need to address in the coming offseason.