In this video, we break down why the Cleveland Browns currently have the worst offensive line in the NFL. From Deshaun Watson to Kevin Stefanski, we'll discuss the issues facing the Browns offense and how they can improve. Tune in to the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show for all the latest updates on the Cleveland Browns!
The Browns' vision of a grandeur new-look offense -- a spread-out approach that highlighted quarterback Deshaun Watson's dual-threat ability -- has failed to come to fruition through three games.
Instead of a modern offense that would complement an elite defense, the Browns have fielded an impotent unit that has been met with boos from their home crowd and rivaled some of the worst offenses that have taken the field since the franchise returned to Cleveland.
The Browns are averaging 3.8 yards per play, the second-worst mark in the NFL and the franchise's third worst through the first three games of a season since returning to Cleveland in 1999, per ESPN Research. The team's third-down conversion rate --18.6% -- is the worst of any team and the Browns' lowest mark through the first three games of a season since 1999.
Watson, the quarterback for whom the Browns gave up three first-round picks and signed to a fully guaranteed $230 million deal, has continued to struggle since coming to Cleveland and a usually reliable pillar has become unstable. Amid a 1-2 start for the first time under coach Kevin Stefanski, the Browns' issues on offense can be traced to multiple factors, from personnel to coaching.
What has often been a strength under Stefanski has become a weak link in 2024. Cleveland's offensive line has regressed, and injuries, both lingering and new, have only exacerbated the unit's issues.
The Browns lost three offensive linemen -- right guard Wyatt Teller, left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. and right tackle James Hudson III -- in Sunday's loss to the New York Giants. Another lineman, right tackle Dawand Jones, was pulled after halftime because he was struggling with a knee injury, per Stefanski, only to have to reenter the game after Hudson left with a shoulder injury. The ailments forced a mass shuffling along the offensive line, which included left guard Joel Bitonio moving to left tackle. Stefanski said the team never practiced with the offensive line combination that finished the game.
Stefanski said Monday that Teller will miss "multiple weeks" with a knee injury and could go on injured reserve, which would sideline him for at least four games. Right tackle Jack Conklin, who has yet to play since his knee injury in Week 1 of the 2023 season, was ruled out the day before Sunday's game because of a hamstring injury that Stefanski called a "minor setback."
Protection issues have been prevalent throughout the team's first three games, and it's a weakness that opponents are exploiting. Entering Week 3, the Giants blitzed on 25% of opponent dropbacks. But against the Browns, New York raised that rate to 57% of Watson's dropbacks. Watson was sacked eight times against the Giants and has been sacked a league-high 16 times, the most by a Browns quarterback through their three games of a season since the 1970 merger, according to ESPN Research.
The Browns' Pass Block Win Rate through three games -- 60.2% -- would be the lowest single-season mark since Stefanski arrived as head coach in 2020. Cleveland ranks 14th in rushing yards before contact -- 2.67 -- but it's a far cry from the dominant rushing game typically led by Nick Chubb, who is on the physically unable to perform list.
Watson's first pass against the Giants was arguably the best he has thrown as the Browns' starting quarterback. One play after Cleveland forced a fumble and recovered the ball on the opening kickoff, Watson lofted a 24-yard touchdown pass to Amari Cooper in tight coverage to take a 7-0 lead.
But after that, Watson reverted to the form he has shown throughout his time in Cleveland -- indecisiveness and inaccuracy. After Sunday's game, Watson's total QBR -- 23.3 -- ranks higher than only the Carolina Panthers' Bryce Young, who was benched last week.
Drops have been an issue for the Browns' pass-catchers, registering a 5.2% drop rate on Watson's passes, the third-worst mark in the league. But Watson's accuracy also remains a problem. His off-target rate -- 24.5% -- is the third-worst in the NFL and would be the worst for Watson in a single season in his career. He appeared frustrated at times after overthrowing receivers on Sunday and lamented the missed opportunities after the game.
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5 окт 2024
