Cleveland Browns: Planning for Philadelphia’s Wide 9 defense
By Joel W. Cade
The Wide 9 look begs for an offense to run power against it.
The Wide 9 technique is designed to allow a defensive end to rush up field. The Browns should answer by letting the defender rush up field only to be hit by a 300-pound guard running full steam at him. Use the tackle and guard to block the defensive tackle and inside linebacker, and there will be holes big enough for an 18-wheeler to drive through.
The Browns will need to account for when the Eagles bring their safeties up into the box to help with run support. This is where the passing game opens up. The long passing game should keep the safeties back and out of the box. However, it is the short passing game that will make the offense work.
The attacking rush of the Eagles will get to Griffin unless he throws the ball quickly. The quick timing routes of a West Coast offense should allow Griffin to get the ball out quickly to his receivers, who then need to make plays after the catch. The Eagles corners are their weak spot, so such a strategy plays into the hands of the Browns should their receivers be able to play effectively.
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The Browns have the ability to effectively attack the Eagles in the air and on the ground. The key will be the unproven Browns receivers having a good game. The running game should also make a point to hit Cox from a different direction on each play. Doing so will wear him out and reduce his ability to impact the game.
Contrary to what Brian Billick believes, this is a winnable game for the Browns, but it will take a good performance from all players involved.