Cleveland Browns using power run to neutralize outside linebackers

The Cleveland Browns are turning to a power run game to help neutralize opposing rushers and help out the passing game.

The more things change; the more they stay the same.

With the hire of head coach Hue Jackson, the Cleveland Browns have committed to yet another rebuilding project. The hiring of new coaches means changes in the offensive and defensive schemes as well.

Gone is the zone-run scheme of Kyle Shanahan and the vertical passing game of John DeFilippo. In their place is one of the oldest running schemes in football: the power run. The power run game has its origins dating back to Pop Warner’s single wing offense, has stood the test of time and is a classic football offense.

In recent years, the NFL has become a passing league, leaving an offensive game plan of ground-and-pound outdated. Or is it? For as much as former head coach Mike Pettine advocated the three yards and a cloud of dust approach, it will be Jackson that will actually implement it.

But the power run will not be focal point of the offense. The Browns will not be the Jim Tressel-era Ohio State Buckeyes that will look to control the clock, punt for field position and win with field goals. The NFL has shown that this approach no longer works.

Instead, the power run scheme will be used to control the game and set the tone. In the past two years, Jackson has found a new way to utilize the power run as a way to neutralize the Von Millers and J.J. Watts of the NFL.

In order to see how the power run game can control dominant outside linebackers, we need to visit the NFL schematic and personnel museum. The visit to this museum will help us gain insight into how the outside linebacker became a dominant force in the NFL and how offenses have learned to neutralize them.

Next: Lawrence Taylor Refined the Position