It’s not very often in the NFL that your offense gives up more points than your defense, but the Cleveland Browns did exactly that on Monday Night Football last week.
Not only did this team take on a painful loss, but they also lost their star running back Nick Chubb, who suffered a serious knee injury and will begin his road to recovery to attempt to be ready for the 2024 season.
The defense continues to be elite, and even though the Steelers aren’t thought of as having a high-powered offense, the unit gave the Browns a chance to win even with Deshaun Watson and company being so bad.
Things won’t get any easier next week as the Tennessee Titans are known for their defense and tough man coverage. Here are three changes that must happen if the Browns want to be successful.
3. Better Running Back Utilization
With Kareem Hunt officially back in the mix, the Browns must figure out how to properly utilize the run game and not be completely predictable.
Far too many times last week, Kevin Stefanski would bring in three tight ends and an extra lineman which allowed the Steelers to tee off on the run. Luckily, they over-pursued a few times and Jerome Ford and Chubb broke big ones, but if I know the play coming from sitting on my couch, the opposing defensive coordinator is likely in the loop as well.
The Browns press is stressing that Ford will remain the lead back with Hunt complimenting, but this will be as close to a 50/50 role as we’ve seen in the NFL.
Stefanski can’t give up on the run, but he also can’t tip his cap on every play.
2. Better Quarterback and Play-Calling Relationship
Even before Nick Chubb left the game on Monday, the Cleveland Browns weren’t totally in sync on offense. You could tell the pressure and tight coverage from the Steelers were affecting things, and the pick-six on the first play of the game didn’t help either.
The biggest issue right now is the trust between Kevin Stefanski and Deshaun Watson. Multiple times Watson had a read for run/pass, and he always went the pass option to force the ball down the field, which just wasn’t there.
We also saw the Browns abandon the run after the exit of Chubb which is the last thing a quarterback who is struggling needs. With recent additions to the room in Hunt, let’s hope that issue is resolved.
Stefanski and Watson need to sit together this week and find out what they are most comfortable with. Play action out of the shotgun, moving the pocket, quick passes, and screens should be their best friends as they must consider the struggling offensive line they have.
We saw Watson show some frustration with the two personal foul penalties that were both drive killers. If this downward progression continues, it doesn’t matter how good this defense is, the Browns will struggle to win football games.
Everyone wants to see Watson in shotgun and throw the ball 40 times per game, but that may not be the best recipe for success in 2023. This team can still make a deep playoff run, but they need to tighten down the hatches and buckle up.
1. Changes on the Offensive Line
I know a lot of the pressure has turned to Deshaun Watson who has the massive, guaranteed contract, but I believe the Cleveland Browns biggest problem is upfront. And strangely enough, it’s not the rookie at right tackle who is the issue.
Both Jedrick Wills and Wyatt Teller continue to struggle in pass protection. Wills was just run around on the strip-sack touchdown, and all night Teller was getting bullied into the pocket.
For some reason, this offensive line continues to be touted as elite, but it’s time to recognize that is not the truth when it comes to pass protection. And if this offense wants to be successful and regain the trust of Watson, there needs to be some changes up front.
First, I would give some reps at guard to Nick Harris. Before an injury last season, he was slated to be the starting center and only lost his job because of the emergence of Ethan Pocic. I know Teller is a fantastic run blocker, but his lack of pass protection is too much to bear.
Second, I would start giving reps to James Hudson at left tackle. Before the Jack Conklin injury, I was excited that Dawand Jones could eventually take over that role, but I still think Hudson may be better. He lacks strength but has more quickness in his set and will give more effort than we see from Wills.