Cleveland Browns vs. Seahawks: 5 matchups to decide outcome
By Leon West
2. Freddie Kitchens play-calling vs. Pete Carroll
The Browns have an identity problem, and it is more apparent with each week that passes. They ran the ball on 4th-and-9, but in the same game had zero rushing attempts on a goal to go situation to potentially tie the game late in the game against the Los Angeles Rams.
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On the season, they’re passing the ball almost 60 percent of the time. In their most complete game of the season against the Ravens, they had an almost spot on 50/50 split (31 pass-29 rush).
Given the circumstances, Kitchens’ play-calling will be under the microscope against a proven defensive guru in Carroll. The Seahawks’ defensive is middle of the pack so far, but the Browns have scored three touchdowns in a game just once this season.
Kitchens offensive focus should be to establish the run, but knowing that, will Carroll stack the box and force a struggling passing game to beat them?
Nick Chubb averages 5.2 yards per carry and has proven he can handle the workload of a bell-cow running back. Will Kitchens stick with the running game without abandoning it for puzzling stretches? Of course, only time will tell, but the chess match between the two is sure to be interesting.