How the Browns ran “right” into a smooth offensive rhythm against the Bengals -- Film review - cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Game planning an NFL contest takes weeks of surveying data and film study.

When Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was preparing for a Thursday night showdown with Cincinnati, he likely noticed two key tendencies which helped Cleveland win its home opener 35-30 at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Last week, the Bengals' run defense allowed 155 yards rushing (4.0 average) on 39 Chargers carries. Specifically, running backs Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley ran between their right guard and tackle 11 times for 54 yards. Also, Los Angeles made several explosive downfield plays by throwing outside the numbers.

Let’s examine how the Browns took what the Bengals defended poorly in Week 1 and parlayed it into an offensive identity predicated on running right and throwing with play action.

Bengals allow big yardage on the ground

Versus the Chargers, Cincinnati couldn’t stop the run, regardless of which way Los Angeles ran.

The Chargers had success running most directions versus the Bengals.

The above chart explains that Los Angeles averaged 6.1 per rush when running behind right guard and tackle. With that data in mind, survey the Browns' rushing direction chart below and notice how successful running right was against Baltimore.

The Browns were successful running both left and right versus Baltimore.

Though Cleveland gained only 0.5 yards per carry when running behind right guard, the Browns did well running behind tackle. Despite the data points being different, a right inside run (behind either guard or tackle) translates the same on-field.

Meaning, running right works. As the Browns showed on their opening drive when Nick Chubb ran right four times for 26 yards and a touchdown. Chubb finished with 124 yards (5.6 per carry average) and Hunt totaled 86 yards on 10 rushes and a touchdown.

Browns run for a first-quarter touchdown versus Bengals.

Right directional runs remained a theme for Stefanski. Later in the second quarter, the Browns faced a second-and-nine. Quarterback Baker Mayfield lined up in shotgun with Chubb to his right. On the snap, Mayfield faked pass by briefly lifting his shoulders and then maneuvered the ball into Chubb’s belly.

The draw play went for 13 yards as Chubb rolled behind right tackle Chris Hubbard (starting for an injured Jack Conklin).

Chubb takes a draw for a big gain.

Without their All-Pro right tackle, the Browns found creative ways to still run right and still have top talent leading the way. Check out this play and follow where rookie left tackle Jedrick Wills (71) goes.

Kareem Hunt rushes for a first down.

Need some second-half proof? Hunt ran right three times for 44 yards and scored the game-sealing touchdown on the final meaningful drive.

Browns had a perimeter advantage versus Bengals cornerbacks

Last week, the Bengals starting cornerbacks graded out poorly against Los Angeles. Right corner William Jackson III earned a 65 overall from Pro Football Focus but allowed five catches on nine targets for 42 yards.

The concerning number there is how many targets Jackson received. That signals the Chargers thought they could win versus him. So, Odell Beckham Jr. cooked him.

Beckham scores a deep touchdown.

Beckham looks like OBJ there. It’s a beautiful double-move, a dime throw and was set up by Stefanski getting Mayfield rolling with play action.

Just as running right was, beating Bengals corners outside the numbers became a theme too. On an earlier play-action pass, Stefanski once again put his quarterback outside the pocket and Mayfield delivered a perimeter strike.

Browns complete a deep play-action pass.

Mayfield didn’t always need play action to get the ball outside.

Browns complete a deep out route.

Following the two-minute warning, Mayfield exposed Darius Phillips' (23) off-coverage on KhaDarel Hodge. Phillips earned a 46.3 coverage grade in Week 1 and allowed two catches for 52 yards (six targets).

What we learned

The Bengals were without All-Pro defensive tackle Geno Atkins and his backup Mike Daniels. But data showed Cleveland was likely to have success running right regardless.

Cincinnati deployed two healthy outside cornerbacks and that didn’t matter either. Beckham finished with four catches for 74 yards and a score and quieted trade talks for at least another week.

When the Browns run right (whether behind Hubbard, Conklin or a pulling Wills), it enables Mayfield to find a comfortable rhythm via play-action passes. Despite his lackluster Week 1, Beckham still provides elite outside playmaking ability versus mediocre secondaries.

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New Browns face masks for sale: Here’s where you can buy Cleveland Browns-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection for adults and youth, including a single mask ($14.99) and a 3-pack ($24.99). All NFL proceeds donated to CDC Foundation.

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How the Browns ran “right” into a smooth offensive rhythm against the Bengals -- Film review - cleveland.com
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