Gary Barnidge Proving to Be Browns' Most Reliable Playmaking Option

One of the more surprising developments of the past two weeks is how much better the Cleveland Browns are getting on offense. While it hasn't resulted in many wins thus far, there are encouraging signs that a Josh McCown-led Cleveland offense can be more than merely competent—it can also be good. 

McCown has been aided by the big-play ability of receiver Travis Benjamin as well as the running and receiving prowess of the team's two primary backs, Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson. But none of McCown's supporting cast may be more crucial to his success than tight end Gary Barnidge, whose reliable, well-timed plays helped lead the Browns to a 33-30 overtime lead in Baltimore against the Ravens on Sunday.

The win gives the Browns a 2-3 record this year and takes them out of the bottom spot in the AFC North—that now belongs to the 1-4 Ravens. It also marks the first time the Browns have won in Baltimore since 2007, ironically another 33-30 overtime win that a late field goal by then-Cleveland kicker Phil Dawson sealed; this time, it was Travis Coons to kick the game-winner.

Browns head coach Mike Pettine nonchalantly referred to Barnidge's big day as "just another day at the office," per 92.3 The Fan's Daryl Ruiter, and it's not entirely wrong to treat Barnidge's performance so cooly.

What Barnidge did on Sunday was just an example of what he's been doing all season long—just writ large against a Ravens defense that rivals Cleveland's when it comes to its weaknesses in coverage and in tackling.

Heading into Week 5, Barnidge had 21 catches on 16 targets for 235 yards and two touchdowns. He added eight catches on 10 targets for 139 yards and another score against a Baltimore defense that before Sunday ranked third in yards allowed to tight ends, according to Football Outsiders.

Five of Barnidge's eight catches came on third downs on Sunday, all of which he converted. He had big plays throughout all five quarters of action, ranging from catches of 35 and 15 yards in the first half that led to Browns field goals, an 18-yard touchdown of his own that was one of the NFL's best catches of the year and another 22-yard catch that set up a 22-yard score for Crowell. 

Barnidge wasn't the only Browns offensive player to have a big day on Sunday. McCown's 425 regulation passing yards were the fourth most ever thrown against the Ravens. Benjamin had 83 receiving yards, while Taylor Gabriel had 75. Johnson had 55, and Crowell had 38. But it was Barnidge who reliably kept the chains moving. 

And this is something he's done all season long. The majority of his receiving yardage this year has come on third downs, and though defenses know he's a threat, no team has yet to been able to consistently stop him in games where he's a focus in the passing offense. 

Week	Tgts.	Rec.	Rec.%	Yds.	TD
@ NYJ	5	3	60.0%	38	0
vs. TEN	1	1	100.0%	17	0
vs. OAK	10	6	60.0%	105	1
@ SD	6	6	100.0%	75	1
@ BAL	10	8	80.0%	139	1
Total	31	24	80.0%	374	3

It was initially expected Rob Housler, signed in the spring, would step in and replace Jordan Cameron, who left in free agency. But it's been Barnidge who has proved to be the team's game-changing, pass-catching tight end. And it's just what a quarterback like McCown needs—someone he can trust, someone who he knows will try to earn every yard humanly possible when the football is in his hands.

The main goal for the Browns in this early portion of the season was to identify who can make plays on offense given the no-name nature of their receiving, running backs and tight ends corps. And, we're rapidly seeing who has the bona fides in Cleveland. There's little doubt Barnidge is not only among the group, but leads it. With Barnidge in the fold, the Browns know the football will always be in good hands.