The Cleveland Browns are the second-youngest team in the NFL, and they are actually starting a bunch of first- and second-year players at some key positions. However, Cleveland isn’t using its youth as an excuse.
The Browns are 5-2 after seven weeks, sitting atop the AFC North, and they have been closing out tight games like a team loaded with veteran experience.
It’s clear that the Browns have a lot of faith in their talented young players, because the team has been loading the players’ plates up with a lot of responsibilities. As evidenced by the record, the emerging stars have been delivering.
This clear belief in the young players on the roster manifested itself on Cleveland’s third down attempts in Sunday’s Week 7 win over the Tennessee Titans. In those crucial situations, the Browns' offense frequently put the ball in the hands of a young player, expecting him to make something happen and convert.
Browns’ third-down strategy has been to quickly get the ball in the hands of young playmakers
Cleveland was 5-of-11 on third down in Sunday’s game, and some of their biggest conversions came when a young player was asked to find a way to win and extend a drive. On the team’s first third down of the day, a third-and-7, rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion caught a quick screen and took it 23 yards.
Rookie wideout Denzel Boston has frequently been targeted on third downs, running quick-hitting routes where he’s asked to win immediately. His number was called twice in that type of situation Sunday. The first came on a third-and-5, where he dropped a pass that was low and outside on a comeback route. The second came on a third-and-6, where he caught a quick out.
Second-year running back Dylan Sampson was also called upon in his first game back from injury, catching a swing screen on a third-and-4. The young running back was able to get up the field for a 22-yard gain.
These aren’t really creative play calls; they put the onus on the player. Head coach Todd Monken, who is also the offensive play caller, recognizes that he has talented players who excel with the ball in their hands, so he’s leaning on that in gotta-have-it moments.
It has worked out more times than not for the Browns, and it should work even more as these young players continue to get better.
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