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Cleveland Browns: Offensive line better than expected

By Joel W. Cade

Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) carries the ball past Washington Redskins safety David Bruton Jr. (30) and Redskins linebacker Will Compton (51) in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) carries the ball past Washington Redskins safety David Bruton Jr. (30) and Redskins linebacker Will Compton (51) in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns guard John Greco (77) and offensive guard Austin Pasztor (67) check on quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Browns, 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns guard John Greco (77) and offensive guard Austin Pasztor (67) check on quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Browns, 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Yes, I was wrong. I thought the pass protection from the rebuilt offensive line would be adequate to make Jackson’s offense succeed. In my defense, I believe Jackson is correct when he says that fans have not seen his offense yet.

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So far the pass protection has not held up under pressure. Fingers can be pointed and rightfully so. But I am not sure how much that will help. The power-run scheme necessitates a strong run blocker at right tackle. Part of the sacrifice a team makes in securing that run blocker is pass protection. If the Browns had started the season with a quick passing attack, the right tackle’s weakness would be hidden more than they are.

However, the Browns became enamored with deep passing attack with Terrelle Pryor and Josh Gordon in the preseason. A deep passing attack takes longer to develop and puts more pressure on the offensive line to hold their blocks longer. As a result, a right tackle whose primary purpose is to run block is being asked to pass block longer than their skill set allows.

Thus, the result in pass protection is almost identical with the 3-13 offensive line featuring Mack and Schwartz. The starting quarterback and the backup are both injured. Robert Griffin III’s injury cannot be placed on the offensive line. But the beating Josh McCown took can be blamed squarely on the offensive line. It seems no matter who is playing right tackle or center, Browns quarterbacks are getting killed when they drop back to pass.

Last week against the Washington Redskins, the Browns executed a quick passing attack. Consequently, their quarterback remained healthy. By going to a quicker passing game, the Browns might be able to better protect their quarterbacks.

But I admit I was wrong when I stated the drop off in pass protection when using primary run blockers on the right side of the offensive line would be minimal. In some ways the drop off is minimal, but in other ways it looks far worse than last season.

Next: Josh Gordon and a failed comeback

The pass blocking has not been adequate for the offense played so far.

The next four games will bring changes for the Browns. The offense is morphing from a long passing attack to a quick passing attack. Adding Corey Coleman to the attack will benefit the offense in many ways. The growth of Cody Kessler will be interesting to watch.

But most importantly, it is time for the Browns to get a win!

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