Expect Browns to Continue Employing 50 Fronts Against Titans
Through two games, the Cleveland Browns have liberally used five-man fronts to both deal with the run as well as generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The weather played a role in that decision against the Cincinnati Bengals while offensive ineptitude was at the root of the decision against Pittsburgh Steelers, but the reason this week is likely to be Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry.
The easiest way to take advantage of having defensive line talent and depth is to put more of them on the field. Jim Schwartz hasn't been afraid to throw that look out there, trusting in his defensive backs to be able to hold up in coverage or tackle completions to limit their impact.
Lining up a defensive lineman over every offensive lineman is an easy way for the Browns to overwhelm and move the line of scrimmage, which could force Henry to cut or bounce before he gets a head of steam, which makes him far easier to bring down.
Combined with the fact the Titans haven't set the world on fire with their passing game, that decision becomes easier. DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks and Chig Okonkwo are talented options, but the Browns may feel confident enough to play straight man coverage behind that front, mixing in some disguised looks in an attempt to fool quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
It proved effective when the Browns faced off against the Titans in 2020 when Joe Woods was coordinating the defense. The move was unexpected because that wasn't something Woods had showed up to that point. Larry Ogunjobi dominated the center with players like Sheldon Richardson able to get immediate penetration.
The Browns forced a few turnovers early in the game and had a 38-7 lead into the half. The Titans would come back throwing the ball with the Browns able to hold them off, winning 45-38. Henry was limited to just 60 yards on 15 carries. one reception for nine yards and a lost fumble.
The Titans can see this look coming and will be more prepared for it. Fortunately, the Browns have more defensive talent now than they did in 2020. Additionally, they have options in how they want to set up the front.
Beyond simply lining up five defensive linemen in the ground, which the Browns can move around to create mismatches, Schwartz can use linebackers to simulate a five front and force the offensive line to treat them as if they are part of the front. The linebackers can attack the line of scrimmage, but they can also drop which could be part of a disguised zone coverage.
The Titans receivers have size, but the Browns have fared well in coverage this year against better talent. DeAndre Hopkins is the focal point of the passing game, so some of those disguised looks, which might include a linebacker dropping underneath or a safety robbing down could be ways to limit his impact or attempt to force a turnover.
Even if the Titans drop back to pass against the five-man front, their offensive line is hardly stellar and Tannehill may be under siege, forced to get rid of the ball quickly.
Everything the Titans are doing on offense starts with Derrick Henry being effective and the Browns are going to come with as many looks as possible to stop him and force the ball into Tannehill's hands. If the Browns can build a lead, much as they did in 2020, this defensive front is equipped to tee off on Tannehill and enable the Browns to cause turnovers, closing out the game.
