3 Ways Cleveland Browns Could Use Elijah Moore in 2023
If this year's Cleveland Browns offense ends up being one of the best units in the league, Elijah Moore could end up being a driving force.
Kevin Stefanski has shown the ability to scheme specific players open in the passing game, and this ability bodes well for the group of receivers that the Browns have heading into the 2023 season. Though the likes of Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and Cedric Tillman provide stability and excitement for the upcoming season, Elijah Moore has the most "big play" ability of the bunch. If Stefanski can consistently find ways to efficiently and effectively get the ball into Elijah Moore's hands, then Cleveland's chances of creating more explosive plays would skyrocket.
Moore has already shown his versatility this summer by not only lining up at every receiver spot, but also being utilized in the backfield as well during mandatory mini-camp. He's been the talk of training camp so far down at the Greenbrier as well, making exciting catches and plays all over the field in team situations.
There are a number of different ways to get the most out of his playmaking ability, but here are three plays that Cleveland could utilize in order to exploit Elijah Moore's game-breaking speed.
Jet Sweep
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The jet sweep is a classic perimeter run play that attempts to take advantage of the player-in-motion's speed by giving them a head start in terms of when the handoff takes place.
Play Analysis:
This play can be executed a few different ways in terms of blocking, specifically by the offensive line. The most common way is to use outside zone blocking footwork because it allows the offensive linemen to run off the line of scrimmage fairly quickly. It also might be the most efficient because the play hits so fast that all the blockers really need to do upfront is simply create obstacles for defenders to run around. The play side receivers will release and stalk block their assigned defenders. The ball carrier then reads the outside receiver's block, in this case the "X" receiver, in order to determine when to cut upfield.
Moore's Role:
Moore goes into jet motion down the line of scrimmage and once the ball is snapped, he takes the handoff from the quarterback. Once the handoff is secured, he'll take the ball toward the sideline. Moore will then read the "X" receiver's block in order to determine where to turn upfield. If the receiver takes his man inside, then Moore goes outside of that block. He'll cut up inside if the receiver takes his man toward the sideline. Depending on how teams adjust to his motion, this play could be devastating to opposing defenses
Rocket Toss
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The rocket toss or rocket sweep isn't utilized as much in the NFL as it is at the collegiate level, but it might be fairly effective with a player like Elijah Moore.
Play Analysis:
Similar to the jet sweep, the rocket toss can be blocked multiple ways up front. Outside zone blocking is the usual favorite for the same reasons as the jet sweep as well. Moore would get sent into rocket motion by the quarterback, and then the ball is snapped when he reaches the left tackle. The running back takes counter steps back toward the weak side while combining with the quarterback to fake a handoff. The quarterback then tosses the ball to Moore once he gets to the right tackle's outside foot. The tight end and receivers will all stalk block on both the strong and weak side of the play.
Moore's Role:
Moore goes into rocket motion at running back depth, and continues past the quarterback while looking back to receive the toss. Once he receives it, he takes the ball outside and uses his vision and best judgment to determine when and where to cut up and get vertical down the field.
Tunnel Screen
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The tunnel screen is a play that's designed to take advantage of over-aggressive defenses as well as to get the ball into the hands of explosive athletes.
Play Analysis:
The offensive line would pass block for two seconds and then release downfield to attack any unblocked defenders that they can find. The backside receiver runs either a fade route or release up to block the free safety on the back end of the defense. The tight end and "Z" act like they're releasing on fade routes but actually end up stalk blocking their assigned defenders. The running back has a few different options but usually remains in the backfield in order to delay a linebacker from flowing toward the play, or to block a blitzing defender who might get to the quarterback too fast.
Moore's Role:
Elijah Moore, in this case lined up at "X", would release upfield and take two to three steps before slanting hard inside. He then continues on a path about four to five yards downfield underneath the blocks of the tight end and "Z" receiver. The quarterback will then get the ball to him at his discretion, usually when the receiver gets to the area of the tight end's block. Moore would then ideally have "tunnel" of blockers to run through or behind on his way downfield.
