5 things that must change for the Cleveland Browns in 2019
By Randy Gurzi
1. Sustain the blocks longer to maximize the offense
Cleveland started 2018 out with Tyrod Taylor under center and rookie Baker Mayfield on the bench. The plan for former head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley was to let him learn the offense and watch the action on the sideline. However, that plan changed when Taylor was knocked out with a concussion in Week 3 and Mayfield came in to relieve the veteran.
The No. 1 pick ended up lighting things up en route to the best rookie season for a signal caller in Cleveland’s history. Mayfield broke the team’s record for passing yardage by a rookie with 3,725 and the NFL record for touchdowns by a rookie with 27. And remember, he did this in 13 and a half games.
As good as he was, there was a lot of talk about the play of the offensive line. From Week 1 through Week 8, they struggled in giving up sacks. Taylor was sacked 13 times and Mayfield 20. However, they turned things around as the rookie took only five sacks in the final eight games.
Some of that was the play of the offensive line, but even more, was the play calling which got the ball out quick. With that being said, the team needs to be able to get the ball downfield in 2019 to Odell Beckham, Jr. which means the offensive line is going to have to be able to sustain blocks longer and allow plays to develop.
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During the first half of the season, they struggled in this regard. They need to find more consistency in 2019 in order to be a success and take advantage of the deep threats they have on their roster.