The Cleveland Browns knew there would be some growing pains this season. They overhauled the offensive line with five new starters, installed a new offensive system, and hired a new offensive line coach.
There have been some penalties and pre-snap issues early on in the season, but it looks like this unit is trending in the right direction. Not only are they cleaning up the execution issues, but they've gotten into a groove.
Deshaun Watson looks more comfortable in the pocket, and the running game is showing signs of life. It's still early, but Cleveland's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night validated the front office's aggressive offseason approach.
Cleveland's aggressive offensive line overhaul is already paying off for Deshaun Watson
According to ESPN insider Daniel Oyefusi, Deshaun Watson was pressured on just 22 percent of his dropbacks in Week 4, the lowest rate since he arrived in Cleveland. That's even more impressive if you consider that Elgton Jenkins was out with a concussion.
That's a far cry from what this team showed in Week 1. Even Tytus Howard, who hadn't looked the part in his first three games, was much better in the win over Pittsburgh, giving up one sack but finally not drawing a single penalty.
Zion Johnson arrived in Cleveland with major doubts, given his previous history of struggles, but he's looked better by the week. He's moving defensive tackles out of the way in the running game, climbing to the second level, and even earning a Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade of 88.6 in Week 4.
After drawing 11 flags over the first three games, the Browns' offensive line was called for just two penalties against the Steelers, with one of those flags on backup center Luke Wypler. He still played great in relief of Jenkins, though, giving up just a couple of hurries.
As for Spencer Fano and Austin Barber, they look like two building blocks and superstars in the making. Fano held his own against Nate Herbig, Alex Highsmith, and T.J. Watt, and Barber has found his place after moving from tackle to right guard.
Watching every single starter on the Browns' 2025 offensive line be either out of the league, unsigned, or a backup shows just how tough the quarterbacks had it last season. That's clearly not the case this season, and the linemen will only get better with more reps together.
There are still some things to clean up. Howard must string together good games to get off the hook, and the rookies will keep growing from their mistakes.
For now, it looks like it won't be long before George Warhop's unit ranks among the best in the business.
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