Cleveland Browns: How to protect the QB in the pocket
By Joel W. Cade
So what is going on with the Browns this year? A lot of things are happening offensive line-wise with the Browns.
First, the interior linemen are having trouble picking up stunts and games with interior defensive linemen and linebackers. The Pittsburgh Steelers showed the NFL that the Browns interior line has yet to develop the rapport for handing off defenders and picking up stunting defenders. They improved in this area greatly against the Baltimore Ravens. But they regressed last week against Indianapolis giving up pressure up the middle.
Second, Shon Coleman is struggling with his techniques against the speed rush. He is not kick stepping with the correct balance (i.e. arched back with knees bent). He is bending at the waist which is displacing his center of balance.
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The lack of balance allows defenders to control him at the point of attack. His technique is not as bad as right tackles in past seasons. The good news that Coleman continues to progress in this area. He is learning to pass protect as on the job training.
Third, beyond offensive line issues, quarterback DeShone Kizer is struggling to execute the offense in rhythm. At first, he was locking on to receivers. Locking on to a receiver was forcing him to hitch up the pocket waiting for said receiver to get open.
Unfortunately, when the receiver does not get open, Kizer climbs the pocket all the way to the interior linemen. Kizer got much better with scanning the field against the Colts and this was not as prevalent.
Fourth, Kizer needs to know when to run. Linemen cannot hold blocks forever. Kizer needs to recognize when receivers are not open and simply take off out of the pocket or throw the ball away. He is just starting to make progress in this area. Hopefully progress will continue.
Fifth, receivers are not getting open. I am not an expert in receiver play. But it is clear something is going on with that group because Kizer is reluctant to pull the trigger.
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Hopefully this article will help you better recognize what is going on with the offensive line and basic pass protection during Browns games. My hope is that it leads to more informed dialogue when discussing the Browns.