Cincinnati Bengals
Grades from the 31-17 loss to the Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals

Grades from the 31-17 loss to the Bengals

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:27 a.m. ET

Oct 23, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) reacts on the sidelines against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

How did each Cleveland Browns position group fare in the 31-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals? Grades are handed out after another loss.

Many are starting to wonder when, and if, the first win is going to come. The Cleveland Browns fell 31-17 to the Cincinnati Bengals to fall to 0-7. Dating back to 2014, this serves as the Browns’ 22nd loss in the last 25 regular season games.

This week, it actually wasn’t a problem with field-position, or time of possession, or turnovers or even penalties. Big plays haunted the Browns all afternoon long, as the Bengals connected with four 40-plus-yard plays. Though some may take the fact that the Browns played better in other areas of the game as a positive, others see it as even more discouraging, as the team continues to find creative ways to lose.

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Maybe it wasn’t realistic to think that Cleveland could come into Cincinnati and steal a victory. But for those fans who stuck this one out, being fooled again by several promising moments is not appreciated.

The following is a complete breakdown of each of the ten major position groups and how they performed in the team’s seventh consecutive loss. Each are evaluated with a letter grade, A-F. The grades for this week are based on players’ performances this week only, with no other factors considered.

Oct 23, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Kevin Hogan (8) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback: B

Overshadowed by an otherwise miserable game played by the Browns, their quarterbacking was once again solid. Cody Kessler played well when in the game, completing nine of eleven pass attempts for 82 yards. A complete performance was hindered by an injury, which is still being evaluated.

Kevin Hogan provided a spark in the running game, and even made some elusive plays to move the Browns down the field. In the end, Hogan completed 12 of 24 passes for 100 yards, but threw two interceptions. On the ground, he ran for 104 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown run, the longest ever for a Cleveland quarterback.

Hogan’s stats weren’t the most impressive. He was, however, a quarterback just promoted from the practice squad, and thrust into an NFL game. Plus, his playmaking ability showed that even under the least ideal circumstances, the rookie out of Stanford was able to make the most of everything.

Moving forward, the Browns will still need to determine who their quarterback is. The latest news is that they’re down to about a hundred different options. But regardless, the Browns no longer suffer most because of the quarterback position.

Oct 23, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs: C

All in all, Cleveland’s running game wasn’t bad, averaging 6.9 yards on the ground in a collective effort anchored by Hogan. Isaiah Crowell chipped in too though, rushing for 63 yards on 12 carries, including one touchdown. Duke Johnson carried the ball six times for 15 yards.

Especially early on in the game, the rushers had holes to sneak through with a lot of open space on the other end. Crowell had two carries of 20 yards or more, sparking drives that would later fizzle. Johnson didn’t do much, but did make the most of the limited room he was given, going straight at the defense despite his small stature.

At the end of the day, the running backs themselves had little to do with the outcome of the game. They didn’t help the cause a whole lot, but it’s not like they ever were given much of a shot to. Later in the game, their role became mostly to block for a pass-heavy offense. Once again, they were mediocre in this facet of the game as well. not to excuse the mistakes made by Crowell and Johnson, but it truly was other groups which cost the team the game.

Oct 23, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) misses a pass against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (27) during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers: D

Quite possibly the most reliable position group thus far in 2016 has been the wide receivers, anchored by standout Terrelle Pryor. In this contest though, Pryor’s injury limited him, and he had little impact on the game. Finishing with just two receptions for 18 yards, the converted quarterback was virtually irrelevant.

As a result, Cleveland needed other receivers to step up. For the most part, they didn’t. Andrew Hawkins and Rashard Higgins tied as the Browns’ most productive pass catchers on the afternoon, each recording two receptions for a total of 19 yards.

In total, Cleveland receivers produced just 61 yards for an offense which prides itself in throwing the ball. This matches just over 10 percent of Cincinnati’s total yards, which just isn’t going to get it done.

The Browns needed a receiver like Pryor to offset A. J. Green, Cincinnati’s leading receiver. They didn’t have that go-to player Sunday afternoon, and it cost them. The real question is though, why did the Browns keep throwing the ball if their receivers weren’t making plays? This is a question to examine later.

Oct 23, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) tackles Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) as he pitches the ball in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line: D

There were plays after plays on Sunday that the Browns’ offensive line looked clueless. To make matters worse, injuries impacted the game. Cameron Erving and Spencer Drango went down. As a result of Erving’s injury, which was just an illness according to the Browns, John Greco had to move over to the center position. As was the case the last time this happened, not much turned out in Cleveland’s favor after this move.

The team surrendered just two sacks which cost them ten yards, but this stat is somewhat deceptive. Cincinnati’s offense was still able to force Hogan out of the pocket numerous additional times, forcing tough throws which often sailed out of bounds. Shon Coleman particularly had an atrocious game pass blocking.

As for run blocking, it was either feast or famine for the offensive line. They provided some holes at times, but also allowed far too many negative plays. This can not continue if the Browns want to begin moving the ball consistently. Consistency is key, and it is something Cleveland has struggled with on their offensive line in past weeks.

Oct 23, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) makes a catch against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darqueze Dennard (21) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Tight Ends: A

Finally, it appears that Gary Barnidge is back to previous form. After several mediocre games in a row, 2015’s breakout star had a fabulous game on Sunday. Serving as the leading receiver, Barnidge caught six passes for 66 yards. He was only targeted seven times during the game, making his numbers very efficient as well.

Even more impressively though was Barnidge’s blocking ability. Running with Hogan and providing several key blocks proved as crucial in the rookie’s breakout game. Much of what Cleveland’s tight end did creating holes filled some voids which were left by the offensive line.

Barnidge’s afternoon was highlighted by one especially creative play. On Kessler’s final play of the game, the play that he was injured, he flipped the ball out strangely before getting hit. Barnidge caught the ball with one hand, and powered down to the 5-yard line. Though not the most glamorous of plays, this proved significant as it led to a Crowell touchdown.

As the Browns move forward, they will need more of these types of efforts from their big tight end. Not many “A”s are given following Browns losses, but Barnidge absolutely deserved this one.

Oct 23, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) carries the ball against the Cleveland Browns in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line: F

Partially to blame for the 559-yard outburst from Cincinnati’s offense was the miserable play of Cleveland’s defensive line. Danny Shelton and Jamie Meder especially had rough games, failing to get off of their blocks to pursue running backs or the quarterback.

A very telling stat was the fact that the defensive lineman with the most tackles on the afternoon for the Browns was just the fifth-leading tackler for the entire team. This means that most of the tackles were made far from the line of scrimmage, further proving the fact that the Bengals’ 559 yards of offense were no accident.

With just over five minutes remaining, when the Bengals were running the same play every play, head coach Hue Jackson called a timeout and called the defense over to the sideline. Standing in the middle of them, he presumably informed the defense of what he felt about the effort. It obviously wasn’t a real analytical football talk, but a disgusted coach releasing some steam.

This moment gets to the root of the problem. As good as the Browns’ run defense had been most of the year, their Week 7 performance is the result of a clear lack of effort. This, of course, isn’t acceptable. It is also an automatic fail.

Oct 23, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Alex Erickson (12) is tackled by Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Joe Schobert (53) during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Linebackers: F

Cleveland’s linebackers were much like the defensive line in that they were torched all afternoon. Missed tackles plagued this unit, especially when Jeremy Hill ran the ball. Their inability to slow down Hill pretty much cost Cleveland the game. The former LSU Tiger averaged 18.7 yards per carry on nine carries, an absolutely ridiculous stat. A perfect microcosm of the afternoon was Hill’s 74-yard touchdown run, a turning point in the game.

Unfortunately, the linebackers couldn’t help cover the pass either. Cincinnati brought a lot of speed, as well as the ability to run the ball. These two factors combined to bring the linebackers up, and Bengals’ receivers would run right by them.

They also failed to rush the passer. Emmanuel Ogbah had another solid game, with five tackles and two sacks. But as a unit, the linebackers did little to disrupt the Cincinnati quarterback’s rhythm.

The linebackers really didn’t do anything to help the Browns. Even when they knew which running play was coming, they couldn’t stop it. Missed tackles in the open field were especially a problem, but an overall lack of awareness of what was going on seemed evident as well.

Oct 23, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Secondary: F

Cleveland’s secondary had its worst game of 2016 on Sunday, and that’s really saying something. Over and over again, Andy Dalton and A.J. Green torched the Browns with chunk play after chunk play. In the end, Green put up 169 yards and a touchdown on just eight receptions. Brandon LaFell also chipped in with 83 yards and a touchdown on just four receptions.

Of course, Browns fans knew that Cincinnati would have a productive day through the air. What they didn’t know though, was that they would put up 308 yards, without Tyler Eifert being a major factor. Also, it wasn’t expected that the Bengals would average 16.2 yards per catch. It goes without saying that this is a major problem.

These stats may be slightly skewed by the final play of the first half. On a “Hail Mary” sort of play, three Browns defenders surrounded Green in the end zone, but Green still managed to haul it in. This was undoubtedly an unbelievable individual effort by the former Georgia Bulldog. Still though, someone in Cleveland’s secondary needed to knock the ball down. This play proved detrimental, as it opened up Cincinnati’s lead to 21-10 at the half.

The Browns clearly don’t have the personnel in their secondary to compete with the likes of Green and LaFell. This is why many will argue that it isn’t fair to judge them harshly. But they still play in the NFL, and they still should be held to a standard within what is reasonable. Allowing more than 300 yards through the air and missing tackle after tackle is not reasonable.

Oct 23, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns kicker Cody Parkey (3) kicks a field goal against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams: C

It really wasn’t a very active day for Cleveland’s special teams unit. They didn’t have much of an impact on the outcome of the game in any way, as field-position was not the issue it was in the team’s Week 6 defeat.

Britton Colquitt hit five punts throughout the course of the game, averaging 41.8 yards. It is worth noting though that two of these punts were intentionally short in an effort to pin the Bengals deep. Therefore, his true average is very solid at over fifty yards if these punts are taken out of consideration.

Kicker Cody Parkey hit his only field goal attempt of the game from 28 yards out. He also converted two extra point attempts.

The kick and punt return games were not a big factor. With the exception of a holding penalty on the Browns while they punted, it was a fairly clean game. Not surprisingly, Duke Johnson and Tracy Howard did little in the return game, and the Browns held the Bengals in check in their return game.

Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson watches game action during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Coaching: D

It’s not nearly time to write off Hue Jackson or his coaching staff. But it is time to seriously question some of the in-game decisions they are making.

Jackson has gotten pretty good at finding some sort of spark early on in games to get the offense moving. Unfortunately though, this soon fizzles, and the offense is back to what it was.

Sometimes, it doesn’t seem like they know what they’re doing, a direct reflection on the coaching staff. Other times, the offensive line implodes, struggling with their technique and being physically dominated. Once again, this reflects on the coaches.

To be fair, the balance in the offensive game plan was better. They ran the ball 26 times to 35 passing plays, a much smoother balance than last week. Also, penalties weren’t an issue as they have been. Some credit is due to the coaching staff for cleaning this element of the game up to a degree.

What really made it difficult though to consider Jackson’s performance “average” was how he managed the end of the first half. When it appeared that Marvin Lewis was content with running out the clock, Jackson thought it would be a good idea to call a timeout. He was over-aggressive, and showed a false confidence in his defense. This cost the Browns a touchdown, a momentum-shifting one at that.

Maybe NFL coaches shouldn’t be judged on one mistake. In a game of inches though, they are. And fair or not, Cleveland coaches will be evaluated the same way, and must adapt.

Whether or not Jackson is the coach of the future is not what is being debated here. His coaching performance in this game only is why he earned this grade. But the Browns are 0-7, and are now on their sixth quarterback. It is somewhat impressive that Jackson has held everything together to a certain degree. But at the end of the day, coaches are judged by wins, and Jackson doesn’t have any.

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