Bailey Zappe and DTR don’t look like answers moving forward.
Below, we analyze the snap counts and stats on offense for the Cleveland Browns’ Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens.
- QB: Compared to DTR, Bailey Zappe at least had what I’d consider to be more a more competent pocket presence. He was also victim to a few nice passes that he had made to Jerry Jeudy, and Jamari Thrash, that were flat out dropped. With that said, he also didn’t have the arm strength that I’d like for even a backup quarterback (although the wind was supposedly a factor). I don’t expect Zappe to return to the quarterback room next year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a clean sweep with DTR out too.
- RB: With Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong out, D’Onta Foreman got the start, and Justin Kibodi was the backup who got to make a few plays in the final week. Similar to the quarterback position, I don’t expect Foreman or Kibodi to factor much into the team’s plans next season.
- WR: The last two weeks were a bit rough for Jerry Jeudy compared to the rest of the season, which puts concentration slightly into focus. His wider body of work during the season still has me confident in him, though, and he set the franchise record for most receptions in a season. It was disappointing to see Thrash not hold on to his touchdown opportunity, he ended up finishing his rookie campaign with just 3 catches for 22 yards.
- TE: I said it for a couple of weeks, but Jordan Akins once again was the definition of “do you job,” and is a solid backup receiving option at tight end. He finished the year with 40 catches for 390 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- OL: For as banged up as the Browns’ offensive line was for the first parts of the season, the four anchors — Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller, and Jack Conklin — all finished the season pretty well and healthy. Let’s hope the team indeed goes back to the wide zone blocking scheme, which was this group’s strength and then the team made the baffling decision to abandon their strength all season.