The Cleveland Browns are jumping from the frying pan into the fire this weekend as they take on the Baltimore Ravens this week in the Charm City. The Ravens are known as an excellent defensive team while the Browns have shown almost no offense this season so to speak. The question is will the Browns even cross the 50-yard line, let alone the end zone.
One thing is for certain; the offensive philosophy has to change. Running the ball into the line on first and second down and putting the quarterback, whether it be Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson, in terrible situations on third down, isn’t getting it done.
What can offensive coordinator Brian Daboll do?
First of all, you can run a ball control offense by passing the ball as well as running it. The Browns can run some short passes on first down to get themselves into 2nd and 4 or 5 situations. If the offense can stay out of long yardage situations that will quell the Ravens’ pressure somewhat. It’s not rocket science folks, pass when they think you’re going to run, and vice-versa is a good strategy on offense.
Granted, you still have to execute, but it does keep the defense off balance.
This doesn’t mean ignoring the running game, either. Once you show that you are willing to throw the ball on first down, the defense is on its heels. It will be easier to run at that point. Right now, opponents know Daboll is going to try to establish the ground game early and they are stacking the line to make it more difficult.
The other thing that can be done is to use the few weapons that the Browns have better. Josh Cribbs is not a #2 wide receiver. Play second round draft picks, Muhammad Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie, at the spot and use Cribbs in different ways. How about a bubble screen? How about the wildcat formation with Cribbs throwing a pass every once in the while? The former Kent State quarterback still has thrown less than five passes as a Brown.
Other teams have figured out how to get the ball to their playmakers as many times as they can. The Browns don’t have many, but Braylon Edwards and Cribbs, and perhaps Jerome Harrison can make plays. Get them the ball in space and let them make plays.
The other thing Daboll can do with the blessing of his head coach is playing the younger players. This team is not going to the playoffs, and if veterans aren’t doing the job (John St. Clair), then why continue to play them. Play Massaquoi and Robiskie. They were second round picks after all. If they aren’t ready to play in the NFL, then a mistake was made in picking them.
This is not to exonerate Quinn in the poor play of the offense. He has looked extremely uncomfortable in the pocket, either not letting the play develop long enough, or holding the ball too long and taking a sack. He doesn’t look anything at all like the guy who made three starts last season and was putting points on the board.
However, no matter who is the quarterback, they are being put in terrible positions by the play calling. It’s time to unbutton the offense and start trying to score instead of “managing the game”. Otherwise, what figures to be a losing season could turn into an ugly one for Browns’ fans.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 