A quick story to illustrate how to look at the Cleveland Browns’ run game:
As someone who is into the gaming culture (video games to be exact), I never had a reason to buy a personal computer for gaming purposes. Reasons? It’s far too expensive, and it’s just too complex in terms of the technical aspects of it. One of my friends I went to college with bought a PC, but recently he had to get it fixed. Originally, he thought about going to buy another one and spend more money. Instead, he decided to go to Geek
Squad to figure out the cause of the problem. To sum it up, he had to buy three new parts instead of buying a new computer.
The Cleveland Browns running game has been broken since last year, and head coach Todd Monken has been tasked with fixing it. So far, the running game is still an issue, but to be fair, that isn’t new.
However, it isn’t broken beyond repair.
LeCharles Bentley recently wrote an article discussing the run game issues in Cleveland and how it can be fixed. The article makes valid points. After doing my own research and watching the All-22 film, Bentley is right: the running game can be salvaged. However, it’s not something that can be fixed overnight. It’s a process. Processes take time; success will not happen instantly.
The Browns running game isn’t broken beyond repair; here’s how to fix it:
Get rid of Outside Zone run concepts (for now)
It’s temporary, but until Cleveland has the personnel to run it, the outside zone running plays should be scrapped from the playbook. The reason for it is that the team doesn’t have another in-blocking tight end on the roster right now (more on that later). Running back Quinshon Judkins doesn’t appear to have his explosiveness back after having surgery on his fibula and ankle. It might take some time for his explosiveness to come back, but when he has enough space on the edge, he can make something happen.
It’s only temporary, but the outside zone runs just aren’t working right now.
More inside zone, gap runs
Looking at the makeup of this current running back room, the room is diverse in terms of the archetypes, but recently the team brought in running back Audric Estime. Estime is more of a north-south runner, and the running game had a bit of a different feel when Estime was in. Re-watching the tape from Sunday, the Browns found some form of success when they decided to run inside the guards and tackles:
Monken’s running game found some success running inside zone because the team can gain consistent yards from running it. The running lanes have to be more consistent in terms of opening holes, but overall the team should lean into more inside zone concepts.
Less Under-Center, diversify being in shotgun
Monken said this last week about running under center versus operating out of shotgun in terms of the running game:
Monken makes valid points. As for quarterback Deshaun Watson, he claims he doesn’t have a preference in terms of what he wants to run but also stated that many QB’s are comfortable running out of shotgun than going under center.
Monken and Watson are right in their own ways, but the reality is the Browns need less under center work. Why? It’s simple. Watson has never been comfortable running under center; he’s more tailored to playing in shotgun (which is something he’s thrived in most of his career.). Some would argue that Shedeur Sanders could operate under center better than Watson, but that’s not the case either. Sanders spent most if not his entire career playing in shotgun and found success during his tenure in Colorado. However, his rookie season he struggled playing under center as this was a learning curve for him.
Both quarterbacks have their difficulties in processing and neither are proficient in running under center better than shotgun.
As far as operating under shotgun, Cleveland needs to diversify. As much as fans disagree with it, the team can operate out of shotgun but the problem is they are predictable. To be less predictable, the Browns should incorporate more motion in their offense and try to make the defense work instead of making their jobs easier. The linebackers are often keying easily on the Browns running game because they are reading the mesh point of the running backs.
Trade or sign for a blocker tight end
As mentioned earlier, Cleveland does not have a reliable blocking tight end on this roster. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr isn’t the best blocker, but he’s a willing one. Forcing Fannin to block is also keeping him out of pass routes more as well. However, most of the blocking issues stem from Fannin and his lack of focus, along with some physical limitations, as well as Blake Whiteheart being asked to do more than he should.
If the Browns want to fix their running issues, trading for or signing a tight end could be beneficial. It would allow the running game to be much more easier to run because you have someone that can help the running offense and it allows you to run under center more effectively. A list of names that the team should look into:
- Los Angeles Rams TE Davis Allen
- Houston Texans TE Cade Stover
- FA TE Will Dissly
- New Orleans Saints TE Noah Fant
(Editor’s note: Wonder if lining FB Michael Burton up as a tight end or offset wing player more could help?)
The Browns had tight end targets that they wanted in the draft but they were sniped by other teams (New Orleans Saints taking Oscar Delp was one of those names they were interested in). In-blocker tight end helps a lot and the Browns need that.
Overall, the Browns running game has been broken going back to last season but it’s not broken beyond repair. However, the team can make moves in the short term that can benefit later in the year without having to overhaul the entire scheme.
What do you think the Browns need to do with their run game to get it fixed?
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