The end goal for any football team is to win games, but the process to get there can look different for a variety of reasons. The Cleveland Browns hope to take a huge jump with first-year HC Todd Monken in charge, similar to what the New England Patriots did last season. In year one under Monken, success may not look like wins, however, as there are still huge question marks at the quarterback position.
That Deshaun Watson could win the job over Shedeur Sanders is a clear indicator that the youngster
is not in Drake Maye’s category, making a Patriots jump less likely.
One simple goal for Monken and the Browns is to create an identity on offense. The defense, despite the departures of DE Myles Garrett and DC Jim Schwartz, should still play at least solid with a lot of young talent. It is the other side of the ball that has a lot of questions.
Perhaps Cleveland’s offense can once again become a run-first, second, and (often) third unit.
Running the ball is always the preference of offensive linemen, shortens the game for the defense, and limits the responsibility for whichever quarterback is taking snaps. Taking it a step further, perhaps Monken’s use of the quarterback run game and a few talented young backs could have the Browns leading the NFL in rushing attempts.
Last year, led by QB Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills topped the NFL with 547 rushing attempts. RB James Cook III had 309 carries, with Allen second on the team with 112. Cleveland was more than 100 attempts behind Buffalo (421), with RBs Quinshon Judkins (230) and Dylan Sampson (65) leading the way.
Sanders was third on the list with just 21 attempts.
Getting the Browns rushing attack near 500 attempts would be a tall task compared to last season, but a successful rushing attack would create more opportunities to run the ball. If Watson and/or Sanders can add 60 or more attempts from the quarterback position, defenses will have a tough time stopping the versatility.
Establishing an identity on offense must be a primary goal for Monken this year in Cleveland; might as well make that identity three yards, 500+ rushing attempts, and a cloud of dust.
Do you think leading the league in rushing attempts is a realistic goal for the Browns in 2026? If not, what should the offense’s goal be this year?
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