Cleveland Browns: O-Line will struggle against Jets
By Joel W. Cade
Power run should return
The good news is that the Browns running game should open back up. The return of Josh McCown means the return of a legitimate quarterback throwing presence. No disrespect to Cody Kessler (who I like a lot), but McCown brings a veteran presence other teams will respect.
The respect for McCown’s abilities means teams will use seven-man boxes. This by itself will open up the running game for Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson. It will also mean the zone scheme will not need to rely on the read-option to create running lanes. In turn, McCown should enjoy relative safety in the running game while opening holes with his throwing ability.
The multiple front 3-4 should mean the return of the weak side power run. Just as the Browns gashed the Ravens with the weak side power run, the Browns should also be able to gash the Jets as well. Against the Ravens, the Jets’ front-seven allowed several intermediate runs to Terrance West off the power scheme.
The Browns were built to run the power scheme. The only question will be how effective Spencer Drango will be pulling and blocking on the run. Joel Bitonio was excellent at these types of blocks. How Drango ultimately works out is a mystery at this point. Nevertheless, it will be fun figuring out if he can do it or not.