Cleveland Browns: Austin Pasztor excelling at pass protection

Pasztor gets off the ball

Pasztor’s sets in pass protection are much improved. Early in the season, Pasztor struggled to get out of his stance, create space and set to take on the defender quickly enough.

Pasztor was consistently late out of his stance. This created problems for him on the rest of the block. It would make sense for him to get out of his stance late because of his switch from guard to tackle. At guard, it is easier to hear the cadence and see the ball.

Tackle is like playing on an island in pass protection. There is a greater need to time the snap at tackle as opposed to guard. As a guard, one can compensate for being late off the ball because there is less ground to cover and help from the center. At tackle, especially facing a speed rusher, there is more ground to cover and less time to cover it.

In order to cover the ground quickly, the tackle must anticipate the snap count must like a defensive end. The offense knows the snap count, but if he can get off a little earlier without false starting, then a major advantage is created. This is why tackles will more often false start than guards in pass protection.

Pasztor has figured out the skill of anticipating the snap. It has allowed him to create space more effectively and to get set before the initial contact with the defender. A good start leads to a good block. Pasztor is figuring that out.