3 Issues Cleveland Browns need to clear up during the bye
The time to forge an identity is now
The Cleveland Browns are six games into the 2019 season and have yet to forge an identity on offense. Unless they are going for a Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde type identity if so they nailed it. If that is not the case then they have failed drastically in that arena. The Browns have to figure out how to maximize the personnel they have in their huddle, and give their offense a clear direction to move forward.
The unevenness of the offense has been staggering to this point. It’s been feast or famine, with no in-between, and in most games quite frankly it’s been famine. One would have to wonder if Kitchens and his coaching staff are trying to run a system that doesn’t fit the strengths of the players on this roster.
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The simple answer would be to run the offense through second-year running back Nick Chubb. Well, not so fast. Chubb is currently averaging 19 rushes per game, so it’s not as if he is not being utilized. It’s the manner in which he is getting his carries that is concerning.
There’s no rhythm being established. Chubb’s carries come in clusters and will often go an entire series without a single rushing attempt. The offense frequently empties out the backfield inside the 20-yard line, completely taking the threat of a run off the table. Too often the offense tips their hand and shows their clear intention to pass the ball, regardless of the defense they are facing.
If Freddie Kitchens and his coaching staff decide that they want to run the offense through Nick Chubb, then they need to establish continuity in their play calling. The play calls need to have an intention and a direction to build a foundation from which their entire offense can be facilitated. A solid base of operations that will keep defenses guessing and on their heels. At that point, the entire playbook opens up for you.
The Browns’ inability to run anything other than a screen pass to the running backs is an issue as well. The coaching staff needs to find a way to get Nick Chubb the ball in different scenarios, even in the passing game. Slants, angle routes, wheel routes, and delayed releases should be utilized in addition to the screen game.
Even with the skill players the Browns have on the outside, this offense isn’t set up for a pass-heavy approach. It all starts up front or ends in this particular case. The Browns’ offensive line isn’t set up to throw the ball 50 times a game. They can’t hold up under those conditions. Baker Mayfield can’t hold up under those conditions.
If the Browns choose to continue to employ a pass-heavy approach, then the play calling needs a complete face-lift. The conditions are simply not there to continue the long-developing route schemes that the Browns are currently running. They are setting themselves up for failure.
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If Kitchens and the coaching staff are not able to table their egos and simply take advantage of their players’ skill sets instead of putting square pegs through round holes, then the rest of the 2019 campaign will be an offensive struggle. With the season slipping away, the Browns need to find an identity now.