Browns: Questionable decisions resonate from week 6

As an offensive-minded head coach, Hue Jackson has assumed play-calling duties for the Browns. One of the perceived benefits of bringing Jackson is was his expertise in dialing up the right plays at the right times.

Of course, as in many aspects of football, play calling is all about balance. If there was one thing the Browns didn’t do on Sunday, it was balance their offensive plays. It got to the point where they were extremely predictable. Throwing the ball on 75 percent of the team’s plays allowed an already solid Tennessee defense to become more aggressive. As a result, they overwhelmed Cleveland’s offensive line and quarterback Cody Kessler.

The real problem with the play calling was the unwillingness of Jackson to stick with the running game. Even though Isaiah Crowell did not have it going in the first half, the only way the Browns could have come back would be if they put together a formidable rushing attack. The team was successful in doing this the last time they visited Tennessee, when they marched back from 25 points down, anchored by a persistent running game and an offensive coordinator who refused to abandon it.

Unfortunately, Jackson didn’t see the benefits in doing this. If he had, the outcome could have possibly been different, if the offensive line did indeed get it together.