Cleveland Browns: 5 players whose stock dropped in Ravens’ Week 17 loss
Offensive line run blocking
The line was just manhandled when the Browns’ tried to run the ball.
Nick Chubb hit the 1,000-yard mark for the season, but only had 24 yards on nine carries in the game.
Averaging fewer than three yards per carry isn’t a receipt to success when playing in a tough venue like Baltimore.
A couple things to consider when rushing the ball, though. Cleveland only attempted 14 runs in the game. Again, not a receipt for success, especially when you consider that in the recent wins, Mayfield’s been throwing 24, 25 or 26 times.
He threw 42 times against the Ravens, and because the Browns were down big so early, offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens needed to dial up the run.
There’s all kind of stats going around about how good Joel Bitonio and Kevin Zeitler have been at pass blocking. Greg Robinson‘s also shored up the left tackle position enough that Cleveland probably doesn’t need to take a replacement in with their first-round pick.
But with the Browns expected to contend next season, Cleveland has to be better in the trenches, especially in big games.