Cleveland Browns’ Receivers Struggling Amid Lackluster Season Performance

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Five weeks into the NFL season, the Cleveland Browns‘ receiving corps is struggling to find its rhythm. The team ranks 30th in both yards per reception and touchdowns, tallying only five touchdowns through five games.

Despite not drafting a wide receiver this offseason, the Browns are relying on Jerry Jeudy as their top option. Cedric Tillman and Isaiah Bond have contributed, but Tillman’s recent hamstring injury has sidelined him. Jamari Thrash, a fifth-round pick in 2024, may need to step up to fill the gap.

The receivers have faced criticism, which some argue should also extend to the quarterbacks. Statistically, Jeudy and Tillman are tied for 102nd place in separation yards created, with just 2.1 yards. Bond has managed 2.6 yards, ranking him 82nd. While the team is seventh in receptions and third in targets, gaining yards after the catch has been an issue.

Cleveland is tied for 24th in yards gained after the catch, averaging 4.5 yards. Bond leads the team with a 3.9 yards after catch average, but he ranks sixth overall among all receivers on the team. Jeudy and Tillman follow with just 2.1 and 1.5 yards, respectively.

As a result, the Browns also rank poorly in 20-yard receptions, with only ten such completions and no receptions over 40 yards. Deep targets have not yielded better results either. Bond caught just two of five deep attempts while Jeudy has only a 37.5% catch percentage on eight deep targets.

Contested catches have been another concern. While Bond has three catches from four contested targets, Jeudy has only one from six. The Browns have also tied for ninth in dropped passes, with Jeudy responsible for five, leading the league in that category this season.

In crucial games that could have changed the season’s trajectory, Jeudy’s drops have proved costly, leading to losses against tight competition. The team finished last season leading in dropped passes and continued this trend into this year.

While the Browns’ receiving group isn’t statistically the least productive in the league, their lack of performance heavily contributes to the team’s overall offensive struggles, now averaging just 14.6 points per game. To salvage the remainder of the season, the coaching staff has stressed the need for improved catching and overall production from the receiving corps.