Cleveland Browns: Final grades of 2021 season
In a game that meant nothing to the overall standings, the Cleveland Browns ended the 2021 season on a winning note.
The 2021 regular season finale could have meant so much more had the Cleveland Browns taken care of business on several occasions earlier in the season. However, that was not the case and the game from Sunday essentially meant nothing, outside of draft position, which the Browns will pick 13th overall in April’s NFL Draft.
Sunday was the first time in the last four years that I have not had any feelings or expectations heading into a Browns game. I knew it meant virtually nothing, but I still cheered on from the comforts of my recliner.
It was kind of nice not having to be stressed out over a football game, but it was also somewhat sad as the game had felt like so many others in years past.
Cleveland was eliminated from playoff contention a couple of weeks ago, so the only thing on the line was pride, against the Bengals backups as their starters were resting ahead of the playoffs.
Before we get into the final grades of the 2021 season, let’s give a huge shout-out to Doug Dieken, who called his last Browns game as he is retiring after 50-plus years with the organization. The Browns named the radio booth “The Doug Dieken Radio Booth.” Enjoy retirement, legend!
Now, let’s discuss the final game of the season.
Cleveland Browns Special Teams Grade
For much of the season, this unit has simply not been very good as a whole. There weren’t many explosive returns and even fewer quality punts that shifted the field position. There will need to be a lot of evaluating of this entire room moving into the offseason.
As for Sunday, much of the same occurred. The Browns were able to return two kickoffs and four punts. Ja’Marcus Bradley returned both kickoffs for a total of 49 yards, a long of 25. That’s not the worst, but also not an explosive play either.
Donovan Peoples-Jones continued to field punts but also continued to have issues. Peoples-Jones returned four punts for a grand total of 20 yards. He even fumbled a punt, but luckily for him, AJ Green recovered the football. Why was he returning punts and not someone like rookie Anthony Schwartz who had Olympic-level speed?
The kicking game wasn’t too bad against the Bengals on Sunday. Chase McLaughlin ended his season how he started it; perfect. McLaughlin converted all three of his extra points attempts and did not attempt a field goal.
Dustin Colquitt punted four times for 150 yards with a long of 56. He was a much-needed improvement over former punter Jamie Gillan, who has regressed heavily since 2019.
Grade: C+