Kevin Stefanski and Co. could make a few simple adjustments to make things easier for the offensive line
It’s no secret that the Cleveland Browns offensive line has been fairly disappointing over the first few weeks of the 2024 season but there should be some inkling of hope heading into week 4.
Yes, injuries have been a part of it but there’s a clear, black and white difference between how this year’s group is performing compared to previous years. The offensive line has been on a steady decline since the 2022 season but they’ve at least been league average since then.
One of the most likely reasons and probably the main culprit, is the style of offense that the team is running right now with the addition of Ken Dorsey and Tommy Rees on the offensive staff. The offensive line is used to operating in a scheme that relies heavily on play-action and a pocket-moving passing game. Dorsey has shifted to more of a vertical passing game that requires more time and finesse to thrive in.
Despite the offensive struggles, there’s at least some inkling of hope that things will begin to look better going forward and it starts in Las Vegas on Sunday.
Facing a defensive line that’s headlined by Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins sounds incredibly scary right now but if the coaching staff makes a couple of simple adjustments, things could look better on Sunday.
Kevin Stefanski is a smart man and has shown the ability to make schematic adjustments from week to week to help compensate for less talented personnel matchups. The offensive line/defensive line matchup this weekend is pretty lopsided and it’s at least somewhat safe to say that the offense will do something to negate the Raiders’ effectiveness in the trenches.
There’s a good chance that Cleveland’s offense will be focused on the short to intermediate area of the field that pushes Deshaun Watson to get the ball out quicker than usual. The RPO aspect that Ken Dorsey inserted into the offense will also play a big role going forward due to its ability to consistently make defenders take themselves “out” of plays.
Making small modifications to the scheme itself will in turn make things easier for the offensive line when it comes to pass protection.
This coaching staff has had three games to figure out what does and doesn’t work so it’s time to finish editing the offense and get back to some of the things that will allow the offensive line to thrive.
Do you think Cleveland’s offensive line will be improved this weekend? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.
