Cleveland Browns: Planning for Philadelphia’s Wide 9 defense
By Joel W. Cade
Now I don my offensive coordinator hat to explain how I would attack the Eagles defense if I were Hue Jackson.
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The Browns assets on offense are few. However, they do have the advantage of running an offensive scheme that can defeat the 4-3 base and Wide 9 look.
The Browns need to employ offensive Aikido against the Eagles by using their opponent’s strength against them. The Eagles strength is their defensive line, safeties and attacking mentality. An attacking defense needs to be slowed down and there are a variety of ways to do that, particularly when the defensive line is the strength.
Defensive linemen hate to be hit. That may sound moronic, but just follow me here. Defensive lineman love to attack, making them single-minded players. The last thing they want to do is worry about where the next hit is coming from. It drives them insane. The more they worry about where the next blocker is coming from, the less decisive they will be.
The best way to neutralize Fletcher Cox is to attack him from multiple directions. Attacking Cox does not necessarily mean running the ball at him, although that could be the case. Attacking Cox can be done by pulling guards to trap him, motioning tight ends who at the snap bear down on him, cut block him in pass sets, or run screens right at him.
The more the Browns design their game plan to attack Cox, the less of a factor he will be in the game. It seems counterintuitive, but it works.
Next: Browns’ Plan for the Wide 9