Grading the Browns key players half-way through the season

Special Teams and Coaching

K Cody Parkey: B+

He’s kicking over 90% for both field goals and extra points but he’s on his second stint with Cleveland and has already played for five teams for a reason.

P Jamie Gillan: B+

The most popular punter since Chris Gardocki, and a pretty dang good one too.

RS Donovan Peoples-Jones: D+

He’s yet to score a return touchdown and has more than once flubbed a return opportunity. Combined this with him largely being overlooked on offense and this is a high grade.

DC Joe Woods: D-

We’re giving Joe Woods the benefit of the doubt. Maybe the defense is that bad, but right now, he’s not showing his worth as the defensive play-caller.

OC Alex Van Pelt: S
We’re not entirely sure how much input Alex Van Pelt has in the games, so we’ll give him an “S” for satisfactory.

HC Kevin Stefanski: B-

Kevin Stefanski has made some mistakes in game plans and play-calling, but he’s owned those and has tried to rectify them. He’s learning and should see a stronger grade at years end.

Overall Team Grade: C+

Some decisions are baffling, and others understand. Right now Andrew Berry’s big offseason acquisitions have largely not lived up to the hype, and there were a few bad decisions made about who to let go. If the team makes noise in the playoffs, then all is forgiven.