Layers of Browns Offensive Frustration
For the Cleveland Browns, the matchup with the Baltimore Ravens was one with layered frustrations. While the game was largely a forgone conclusion, the details also matter. As much as the Browns want to simply turn the page, there are some elements that speak to a difficult reality.
On one hand, the Browns were basically done the second Deshaun Watson was ruled out and Dorian Thompson-Robinson was going to start. That's not a slight against DTR. He's a fifth-round rookie making his start barely a month into the season. As impressive as DTR may have been in preseason and the last month including what could've been a great week of practice, that first start hits a little different in the NFL.
Look no further than Deshaun Watson's journey last year.
DTR isn't ready, but he's certainly got talent and ability. Maybe he can be later in the year, but the foundation of the offense must be more sound if that's going to happen.
That's one problem.
The Browns had their worst offensive gameplan this season. I try not to get caught up in individual play calls, short of the egregious ones because the defensive coaches get paid too and they can make the right call to stop plays.
There were easy throws for DTR to make. There were run plays that were there for the taking. However, the overall gameplan left a lot to be desired and raises a difficult question. Are the Browns as currently compromised entirely dependent on great quarterback play to carry them on that side of the ball or are the Browns not consistently putting themselves in the best position to succeed?
Right now, the answer is a mix of both. Joshua Dobbs wasn't saving the Browns yesterday. Neither was Jacoby Brissett. For all of the frustrations now about the Browns trading away Joshua Dobbs, a move that was met with universal approval, it wasn't going to matter this week.
The Browns needed Watson to be out there and play at a high level to beat the Ravens. The Browns need Watson to be out there and play at a high level for this season to be successful. They go as far as Watson and this defense can take them.
Whether the shoulder injury Watson has lingers or there's another situation where the Browns need a backup quarterback to play a game, there could be a game where the backup can win if the structure and offense around them is better.
That is where the criticism of Stefanski and the offensive coaches is completely valid. Too many empty formations with a rookie quarterback. Not having a back to at least show the potential for a run is dangerous allows the pass rush to pin their ears back and go full bore. Short of a quarterback run, there's not much to punish them for doing that. Quick passes or a screen can help, but it's still a style of formation that should be used sparingly unless the quarterback has proven they can succeed there.
DTR's eyes were slow at times and the Browns protection strategy gave him no room for error.
Getting back to play calling, I do have concern with the amount of risk the Browns are taking. Some of the plays being called trick plays aren't, but they are volatile in terms of potential outcomes. That concerns me in terms of their level of trust in their offense, something that is happening even when Deshaun Watson is playing.
That is in part because of another major problem; the play of the Browns offensive line. That group is playing poorly and while Jedrick Wills is a lightning rod for criticism, the issues go well beyond him. No one is blocking well in the running game currently. Assignments and execution problems are found throughout the game film.
The Browns need to pivot on the types of runs they employ to better fit their personnel, but that doesn't matter if the offensive line isn't executing. For all of the issues the Browns have to address during the bye, nothing is more critical than getting their offensive line to play better.
There are far less talented lines in the league getting far better production, creating running lanes. The Browns have faced a slew of difficult defensive fronts to start this season, but they are causing too many of their own problems.
Injuries are a factor, but there are plenty of teams further depleted with injuries that have handled it with more grace than the Browns have. The biggest disappointment so far has been the play of the interior. Ethan Pocic was in and out of the lineup against the Ravens due to injury, but neither he nor the guards are the strength they need to be for this team. The Browns need to be able to run the ball behind them and it's been a struggle this season.
It's hardly a surprise that the Browns line doesn't look as good with Nick Chubb out of the lineup, but some of the issues they are having go beyond the absence of Chubb. It's just unsound, bad football.
Both coaches and players on the offensive side of the ball warrant criticism, especially the veterans on the offensive line. So much of this offense gets back on track if they start executing at a higher level.
Even with everyone healthy, there was a real chance the Browns could start the season 2-2, even 2-3 and be fine. The difference is the amount of challenges they face.
