6 Studs and Duds for the Cleveland Browns in playoff-clinching win
By Greg Newland
The Cleveland Browns break the curse
With the playoffs on the line, the Cleveland Browns tried to choke, but the Steelers were just too battered to give the game away. For the first time since 2002, the Browns will be in the playoffs. It will be all too familiar as they once again travel to Pittsburgh to take on their division rival.
Both teams were down starters because of COVID-19 and rest, but at the end of the day, the Browns did just enough to get into the playoffs, and fans finally have something to celebrate.
The team and staff won’t have much time as they will begin preparation for the Steelers this morning, but we can enjoy the studs and duds of Sunday’s game while drinking our coffee with a smile today.
Dud: Offensive Line
After a poor performance last week, it was disappointing to see the pass protection this week with Jedrick Wills and Wyatt Teller returning to the lineup. One thing that is extremely unusual was the pass blocking struggles of Joel Bitonio as well as mental errors. Bitonio is usually a dominant pass blocker but gave up two sacks on Sunday which ultimately led to the demise of Mayfield. We also can’t forget the crucial false start on fourth and short the Browns were originally going to go for.
We have seen time and time again; Baker Mayfield is a different quarterback when he is under pressure vs. in a clean pocket, and the offensive line struggled much of the day on Sunday. Mayfield was sacked four times and had to make a bunch of plays with his feet.
With the playoffs looming, let’s hope that their position coach Bill Callahan can come up with the game plan and get things back on track. Remember, this poor performance came with Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt, not on the field. Things will have to be better for the Browns to win next week.