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Cleveland Browns instant reactions: Team doesn’t show up for Freddie Kitchens

By Dan Justik

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 29: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 29: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 29: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball as Jessie Bates #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals makes the tackle during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 29: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball as Jessie Bates #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals makes the tackle during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Offensive line is still a massive problem

The running theme for the Cleveland Browns offense in 2019 was the inability of the offensive line to limit pressure. No matter who they were lining up against, the Browns offensive line looked like a bunch of turnstiles, mainly off the edge.

On Sunday, the Browns offensive line could not help keep Mayfield upright. The Bengals defense sacked Mayfield six times and registered nine quarterback hits. Mayfield was hurried on more than half of his dropbacks.

Some of the hurries were because the Bengals were playing good coverage and not giving Mayfield any windows to throw into. But at the same time, Mayfield could not sit in the pocket and survey the field because there was almost always pressure in his face.

The Browns passing offense could not gain much momentum because they were typically playing behind the chains. Without the run game gaining chunks of yardage, it was on Mayfield to push the ball down the field.

Knowing this, the Bengals could drop into coverage and allow their defensive line to create havoc. Without having to send many blitzes, the Bengals were able to get home and create disruption in the backfield.

The Browns are facing a huge offseason, as they need to prove they are worthy of being considered contenders. In order to do so, fixing the offensive line is going to be the No. 1 priority and should be a point of emphasis.

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