Cleveland Browns must change way they protect Baker
By Joel W. Cade
Pocket Protection fails to keep Baker comfortable
The Browns are using short sets to protect Baker at times. But other times, most of the time actually, the Browns are using pocket protection. Pocket protection does not work for Baker as it takes away his ability to see the pressure coming from in front of him. Consequently, his vision becomes divided between looking downfield and watching for the pressure.
Pocket protection is an old school style protection scheme. It requires athletic tackles who can drop straight back in space to protect both the inside and outside rush lanes. In defensive terms, the offensive tackle is double gapping the protection. Pocket protection also requires the guard, center, guard trio to uphold the front of the pocket to prevent collapsing.
The offensive tackle is the key to the protection. The point is to play a game of chicken with the defender. By dropping back, the tackle is trying to maintain distance from the rushing defensive end. The point is to put the end in a bind. The tackle effectively closes both the inside rush lane and the outside speed rush through the manipulation of space and distance. By not allowing for an opening, the end is in rush purgatory by being forced to pick his poison. Does he go inside opening an escape route? Or does he speed rush opening an escape route beside the guard.
If this sounds complicated, try executing or coaching it. Former Browns tackle Joe Thomas absolutely mastered this style of protection. But how many players out there are as athletic or effective of a blocker as Joe Thomas?
The guard, center, guard combo is assigned to hold the defensive tackles near the line of scrimmage. They drop two steps back and engage the defender. Again, it is a space game. The interior linemen want to create distance to force the defender into a choice. They want to force the defender to pick a rush lane thereby committing to a point of attack. The delay itself allows for protection. Once the choice is made, the offense then has the advantage to defend.
Ideally pocket protection creates a pocket of defenders around the quarterback thereby protecting him. The tackles run the ends around the quarterback allowing the quarterback to step up in the pocket. Ideally, the quarterback is stepping up behind a well-blocked wall by interior linemen. From here he can accurately deliver the ball. This is an ideal scenario.
Even in this ideal scenario, pocket protection is designed and works well with a taller quarterback. Although Drew Brees and Russell Wilson have proven otherwise (although Seattle uses dish protection), the exception merely proves the rule. Pocket protection works in a situation where the quarterback feels comfortable working within it.
Baker Mayfield is not comfortable working within the pocket. Mayfield is comfortable, as shown above when all the action is directly in front of him.
The Browns are using a combination of dish and pocket protection schemes. Here are the low lights from the Monday night game. (I apologize for using this game) Watch how the tackles are setting up. At times, they are dropping straight back into pocket protection.
Not to be outdone, here are the highlights from the game against the Los Angeles Rams. Notice on play-action and when the Browns short set that Baker is more comfortable and is less apt to bail (although he will at times). Also notice when pocket protection is used, Baker will look like he is nervous and make poor decisions and throws.
This is not a hard-fast rule that it happens all the time. It is a general observation that has exceptions. In general, Baker is more comfortable in short setting situations.