Daily Dawg Tags: Browns injury concerns on offensive line were abnormal in 2021
By Randy Gurzi
The Daily Dawg Tags bring you all the Cleveland Browns news you need to know including a look at how abnormal their injuries on the O-line were in 2021
Every team in the NFL has to deal with injuries, that’s just how it goes. However, the Cleveland Browns seemed to have more than their fair share along the offensive line.
They lost both starting right tackle Jack Conklin and swing tackle Chris Hubbard by season’s end and left tackle Jedrick Wills was also dealing with an ankle injury all season. This left them relying heavily on Blake Hance — a guard by trade — and rookie fourth-round pick James Hudson.
Playing backups for most of the season had a lot to do with why Baker Mayfield was sacked as often as he was. Sure, it’s not the only reason he struggled but it sure didn’t help.
A story looking into the state of Cleveland’s offensive line, and more, can be found in today’s Daily Dawg Tags.
Cleveland Browns News
"“Hance gave up a team-high 31 pressures over the 14 games he played. PFF gave him grades of 70.1 as a run blocker and 36.9 in pass protection, a team low.Hudson’s pass blocking grade was better (57.9), but he earned a worse run blocking grade (61.8) in the six games he played.”"
Relying on reserves is never ideal and neither Hance nor Hudson were playing at the level of Conklin — who helped solidify the line in 2020. The NFL is a game of attrition and Cleveland struggled all season to field their five best guys on the O-line.
Liberty University Set to Hire Cleveland Browns Assistant Coach — Brandon Little, Browns Digest
"“Kevin Stefanski said that he expects the Cleveland Browns coaching staff won’t experience much turnover this offseason. That turnover started on Tuesday evening as assistant defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett was named the new defensive line coach at Liberty University, per a report.”"
This comes just one day after it was reported there were two members of the team’s front office being asked to interview for the GM job in Chicago. Cleveland’s front office and coaching staff are garnering respect in the football world, which means they could be poached each offseason.
Browns sign 3 more players to future/reserves contracts — Jared Mueller, Browns Wire
"“Tuesday, the team added three more players to future/reserves contracts:K Chris BlewittLB Willie Harvey Jr.OL Elijah Nkansah”"
Cleveland added several players on Monday and then picked up these three on Tuesday.
Eddie McDonald takes some time to look back over Cleveland’s final game against Cincinnati and hands out grades for all three units.
Next. Browns surprises and disappointments in 2021 season. dark
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