Cleveland Browns: 5 Seahawks to watch against the Browns

Seahawks interior offensive line

Everyone knows this argument. With a shorter than average quarterback, the way to pressure them is up the middle. The Dawg Pound has heard this argument all offseason when it comes to Baker Mayfield.

This narrative continues because it is valid. A shorter than average quarterback has a harder time seeing over the interior offensive line. If that offensive line gets pushed backward, it is that much harder for the quarterback to see.

The Browns have the players in Larry Ogunjobi and Sheldon Richardson to push the relatively weak Seahawk interior line backward. The guard, center, guard combination for Seattle has graded average per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

The challenge of Russell Wilson is not so much pressuring him. It is how to handle Wilson once he leaves the pocket. Instead of rushing Wilson with the purpose to flush him, the Browns need to stay disciplined in their rush lanes to collapse the pocket back.

Collapsing the pocket should force Wilson right into the rushing defensive ends. This means if Ogunjobi and Richardson do their jobs well, Olivier Vernon and Myles Garrett will be the recipients of all their hard work.

The thing the Browns cannot do is let Wilson scramble out of the pocket. A contain rush game plan with an emphasis upon pressure up the middle should be sound and effective.