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Browns at Dolphins: 3 things we learned

By Matt Kerns

Sep 25, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Cleveland Browns kicker Cody Parkey (3) reacts after missing a field goal during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.The Miami Dolphins defeat the Cleveland Browns 34-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Cleveland Browns kicker Cody Parkey (3) reacts after missing a field goal during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.The Miami Dolphins defeat the Cleveland Browns 34-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite falling short 30-24 on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns fans have some reasons for optimism.

Adam Gase got his first win as a head coach in the NFL, but it wasn’t an easy one, and it certainly didn’t come without some stressing moments. After Ryan Tannehill fumbled with 26 seconds left in the game, Browns kicker Cody Parkey was in prime position to win it for Cleveland.

But Parkey failed to make the 46-yard field goal, hooking it wide left. The game went to overtime, and after both teams possessed the ball, the Dolphins went down the field in three plays, covering 44 yards and scoring the game-winning touchdown.

Here’s what we learned.

1. Ryan Tannehill hasn’t taken any steps forward under Gase

When the Dolphins brought in Gase from Chicago, a lot of fans and analysts thought he would be the key ingredient to take Tannehill to the next level. Gase has a track record working with quarterbacks and getting the most out of them. He served in Denver as Peyton Manning’s OC for three seasons, and then last year was the Bears OC and brought out the most in Jay Cutler.

Through three games, Tannehill has thrown five touchdowns to four interceptions. Sure he’s seventh in the league in yards but he just doesn’t look fine tuned. Is this the QB you want taking your team to the playoffs? Or leading a late minute drive for the win?

2. Terrelle Pryor can do it all

“Pryor, go play receiver.” Check. “Pryor, go play quarterback.” Check. “Pryor, what else can you do? Free safety? Go right ahead.”

Seriously, what can’t this man do? Pryor was the reason why the Browns were even in this game in the first place, registering eight more targets than the next leading receiver on Sunday. In total, Pryor had 14 targets, catching eight of them for 144 yards for an average reception of 18 yards.

Superman Pryor is a huge reason why Browns fans should tune in for the rest of the year. I’m anxious to see just how head coach Hue Jackson will use Pryor. Imagine Pryor, Corey Coleman, and Josh Gordon, all healthy and on the field. That’s terrifying!

3. Cleveland gashed Miami’s front seven

Most thought that the Dolphins strength on defense was their front seven, in particular the defensive line. This was not the case Sunday, as the Browns ran for 169 yards and averaged 5.3 yards per carry. The Browns started rookie quarterback Cody Kessler, so it’s puzzling as to why the Dolphins couldn’t stop predictable runs.

Next: Dolphins win, but look every bit the total disaster

Cleveland ran it 32 times against the Dolphins. Kessler only threw it 33 times. It’s not as if Cleveland was fooling anyone with their gameplan, so the fact that the Dolphins couldn’t get any push is troubling. They came into the game giving up 136.5 yards rushing per game, so this will only hurt their cause more.

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