Cleveland Browns: Grading the first quarter of the 2018 season
By Joel W. Cade
A tale of two offenses
Todd “Toad” Haley has done a remarkable job with the offense. The offense from last year to this year is extreme. The equivalent would be learning high school algebra versus doctoral level advanced chaos or string theory. Haley clearly has a game plan every week and sticks to it. It is a refreshing sight to watch a competent Browns offensive coordinator.
The first quarter of the season saw the Browns do something they failed to do all last season – commit to the run game. Carlos Hyde leads the league in rushing touchdowns with five. He also is sixth in the league in total yards. He has a 3.4 yards per carry average which means his yards come from the sheer volume of carries he gets per game. His 83 attempts this season is first in the league. Haley is committed to running the ball. With the emergence of Nick Chubb, one has to wonder what the numbers would look like if Chubb got those 83 carries.
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The passing games goes as the quarterback goes. Tyrod Taylor was given all the first team reps and anointed the starter from the day one. Taylor was heralded as the guy who will not turn the ball over. This was a welcome change from DeShone Kizer’s role as the turnover machine. Taylor will not lose the game, but as the first two games showed, he won’t win the game either.
Enter Baker Mayfield. Mayfield came on in relief versus the New York Jets. He proceeded to throw the ball downfield. As a result, the Browns put up roughly 10 points a quarter when he is the quarterback. Baker will win you the football game. But as he is still a rookie learning, he will also lose you the game.
Play it safe or chuck it around? Coaches like safe. Fans like chuck it around.
It has been a tale of two offense. Haley presided over them both.
Grade: B