Daily Dawg Tags: Browns offensive numbers from 2017 a mixed bag
By Thomas Moore
The Cleveland Browns numbers on offense from the 2017 season were a mixed bag of mostly bad with a little bit of good thrown in.
The Cleveland Browns will have one set of numbers that will define the 2017 season, which of course is their 0-16 record.
But there are other numbers worth taking a look at now that the long, depressing season is finally in the books.
The Browns did not score very often, they were 32nd in the league at 14.6 points per game, but it is still a bit surprising that quarterback DeShone Kizer led the team with five rushing touchdowns.
Kizer also finished with 2,894 passing yards, the second-highest total for a Browns rookie quarterback, but led the league in interceptions (22) and took the ninth-most sacks (38).
Cleveland Browns
Starting on offense, running back Isaiah Crowell led the team in rushing with 853 yards. Crowell did not hit his stated goal of 1,000 yards, which means that Peyton Hillis in 2010 still holds the title of the last Browns running back to surpass 1,000 yards.
Crowell still managed to finish with 1,035 combined rushing and receiving yards, however, joining Duke Johnson, who had 1,041 combined yards from scrimmage, to give the Browns a nice productive backfield.
Speaking of Johnson, the third-year back finished with a team-high 74 receptions, the best in a single season for a running back and the 11th-most receptions in franchise history. Johnson led the Browns in receiving yards with 693, almost equal to the amount of tight ends Seth DeValve and David Njoku (781), who were second and third in receiving yards.
That leaves the under-performing wide receivers, who were led by Ricardo Louis’ 27 catches and 357 yards. As far as touchdown receptions went, Rashard Higgins, Corey Coleman and none other than Kenny Britt tied for the team lead with two touchdowns apiece.
Add it all up, and it is no surprise to learn that the Browns were 24th in yards per play (4.9), 28th in third-down conversions (34 percent), and 32nd in turnover margin at minus-28. (The next closest team was the Denver Broncos at minus-17).
It also should give general manager John Dorsey all the data he needs to convince owner Jimmy Haslam that the Browns absolutely need to find a competent offensive coordinator to run the team as soon as possible.
Cleveland Browns news:
NFL snubs Browns coaching staff for Senior Bowl
The Cleveland Browns were in the running to have the coaching staff work at the Senior Bowl this month. But the NFL decided that one year of Hue Jackson and company were enough.
Browns offensive coordinator search to include Ken Zampese
The Cleveland Browns will reportedly interview Ken Zampese for the role of offensive coordinator, even though Zampese was fired in Cincinnati because the players revolted.
Does Terrelle Pryor want to return to the Browns? (ESPN)
"Terrelle Pryor seems to have sent a message to the Cleveland Browns this week. If Instagram comments matter, Pryor would like to return as a free agent."
Browns fans should embrace the Perfect Season Parade (cleveland.com)
"Die-hard Browns fans share some blame for the reborn franchise that has become the NFL’s equivalent of “new Coke.” Cleveland fans’ bottomless loyalty made the franchise an easy mark for rich owners who wanted a NFL team to gain entry to the only club more exclusive – and profitable – than the U.S. Senate. Owners got fat checks from the league’s television revenue-sharing plan. Fans got DeShone Kizer and an 0-16 season."
NFL news:
UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen entering NFL Draft (ESPN)
"UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen has announced he will enter the NFL draft. Rosen threw for 3,754 yards, 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season for a Bruins squad that finished a disappointing 6-7."
Packers shake up offensive coaching staff (NFL.com)
"Mike McCarthy continues to make changes to his coaching staff after missing out on the postseason for the first time since the 2008 season. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday that offensive coordinator Edgar Bennett will be reassigned to another role on the coaching staff and quarterback coach Alex Van Pelt will not return now that his contract has expired."
USC quarterback Sam Darnold declares for NFL Draft (si.com)
"USC quarterback Sam Darnold has officially declared for the NFL draft. “After talking to my immediate family, very close friends, and many people who have helped me throughout my life, I have made the decision to declare for the 2018 NFL draft,” Darnold said in a video posted to his Instagram account on Wednesday."
Lewis says Bengals one of least penalized, but numbers suggest otherwise (cincinnati.com)
"One Marvin Lewis comment during his Wednesday press conference that drew social media reaction was during his answer to a question about the discipline of his players on the field when he said the Cincinnati Bengals were among the least penalized teams in the NFL during the past season. The team’s 1,028 penalty yards against in 2017 were the sixth most among NFL teams. The Bengals’ 110 penalties were tied with the Browns for 13th most."