Larry French - Getty Images
Ray Lewis is coming to town.
Usually I reserve Thursdays for talking about our opponent coming up on Sunday. While I will touch on the Baltimore Ravens in this post, in order for the Browns to have any chance of beating the Ravens, they need to find a way to convert on third down.
For the past couple of weeks, beyond Cleveland's opening drive of the first half, the offense has had difficulty sustaining drives. During the first ten games (the last one being the Jacksonville game), Cleveland converted 39.7% of their third downs. In their four games since then, Cleveland has only converted a pitiful 23.25% of their third downs. There are a lot of reasons you can come up with for the Browns' lack of third down production as of late:
Whatever the reason, Cleveland must find a way to improve their conversion rate to the league average again. Ultimately, one of the things that certainly has to be corrected is the receivers running two yard routes on 3rd-and-4 or longer. It worked very early on in the season, but it hasn't worked since and I think all of us are tired of seeing it. If we know it's coming, it should be no surprise that the defense is tackling our receivers immediately. If the route is going to be a quick hitter, at least make it a slant so the receiver can fall forward and continue running in stride.
If Cleveland chooses to run on third down, the straight up runs over the middle need to stop. This season, Cleveland ranks 30th in the league in runs that go up the middle. The Browns rank 18th in the league in runs that go off of right guard. They also lead the league in running plays off of right guard. Regarding the running game this week, there are two things that need to happen:
As far as the Ravens go, running back Ray Rice picked the right time to get hot given the recent struggles with the Browns' run defense. Rice had his best game of the season last week, carrying 31 times for 153 yards and 1 touchdown. He also added 5 catches for 80 yards and 1 touchdown. Cleveland's defensive scheme or uninspired play from a week ago, however you want to look at it, won't cut it against the Ravens.
Joe Flacco has been on a tear this season, but his success earlier this season against Cleveland came on three plays, all of which were deep passes to Anquan Boldin with Eric Wright in coverage. Hopefully Joe Haden and Sheldon Brown do better.
The Browns and the Ravens square off in Cleveland Browns Stadium this Sunday at 1:00 PM EST on CBS. A fairly strong chance of snow on Sunday is in the forecast.
0 recs | 74 comments
For whatever the reason may be, the Browns have been off-and-on in two week chunks. We’re due for a couple of wins now. I’m optimistic for this game because Baltimore is coming off of a big game, and that might leave them a little down for this game. Hopefully we can pull it off.
Legoman0721 - December 23, 2010 via mobile
I agree with the analysis. TO me it comes down to Daboll and him giving new looks and formations for the opposing defense to have to deal with. The defenses are loading the box against Hillis. Maybe too is that the Browns do NOT have any threat at wide receiver. A Legiitimate threat at Tight End, yes, Hillis yes, Cribbs, yes. With a weak right side of the offensive line and No real threat at receiver, it could be part of Daboll’s problem.
champion64 - December 23, 2010
i think daboll is more of dabolls problem! he needs to stick with what will work and quit trying fandango plays that only really work with talent that we dont have. i give him an A for effort, but just because you have eggs doesnt mean you can make a quishe!
findlaybrownslover - December 23, 2010
These last two games are about thing – education, as in preparing for next year. Like we’re a 6-6 team in a bowl game against 8-4 team. Statements don’t really matter at this point, we’ve already shown we can beat anybody (and that it doesn’t really matter). The W doesn’t mean nearly as much as progress does.
So I hope we don’t limit our offense plan to hide holes in our talent. We need to stretch our team, push our offense. It’s time to try to make that quiche, even if there will be plenty of mess.
dgcambridge - December 23, 2010
I kind of look at what he’s doing as the opposite. He’s trying to limit the plays to ones that he thinks will work with the talent we have…
johnnyphoenix - December 24, 2010
I have a very bad feeling about this game.
RelapsingDawgCatcher - December 23, 2010
I say pass every play on our first drive. See how Baltimore handles that. We definitely have to work Hillis in because he’s our best weapon, but we have to loosen up the defense first. I’m sick of seeing him run into 8 or 9 men in the box. Colt needs 30 or more attempts, because Baltimore will be prepared to stop Hillis.
The 3rd down problem falls on Daboll, IMHO.
StuckInPa - December 23, 2010
OT- but I just traded for Shipley on Madden. Texas reunion!
emily522 - December 23, 2010
Good move ;)
burntorangeandbrown - December 23, 2010
What’s his POT rating?
Within one offseason on Madden I had us with like 35 guys with A Potential. I was kinda pissed that Colt only carried a B rating there, but I got a QB, 2 WR, 2 OG and a RB all with A potential. All that’s left on offense is a young RT. Don’t even get me started on the defense.
If only real life were like this.
rufio - December 24, 2010
I thought we might have a chance earlier this week but then I heard Fujita’s not coming back this year. Browns D couldn’t drop a runner with grappling hooks these past 2 games playing the dregs of their respective divisions.
I know people blame Ryan and Dumbell for the play calling, but where’s Mangini? Have you recently seen him interacting with ANYONE on the sidelines when the camera’s on him? He just stands there with that Preparation H stare on his face, not talking into a head set, not talking to Ryan, not talking to anyone. Some have questioned our ability to ‘adjust’ during a game and I’m wondering how that happens (or IF that happens).
All I know is we’re on everyone else’s highlight tape these past few weeks. Bouncing off people is not tackling. Hillis up the gut on short yardage is not innovation.
Santa, I need a RT, a RG, a burner at WR, a sack artist at DE and a fast fast OLB. You know where to deliver this, right?
Cato - December 23, 2010
Dumbbell? Wow..
TheDriveStillHurts - December 24, 2010
This confirmed my suspicions about the rest of your post.
notthatnoise - December 24, 2010
meaning, you don’t really understand what you’re talking about.
notthatnoise - December 24, 2010
Outside of Carolina, there has been no more unimaginative playcalling anywhere in the NFL this year. Beyond that our QB’s don’t collectively do the one thing that makes other teams great (see: Pittsburgh, Indy and NE). They call it…….are you ready….the pumpfake! And yes, i’m old, but remember how much the play action pass out to the flat bailed out Bernie? Heck, that even works when it’s cold out and it’s usually good for a minimum of 4 yds, most often 6-8. I digress though, we had receivers named Slaughter and Langhorne and a couple backs, I think it was Mack n Byner, You know what, nevermind. I’m having a stroke thinking about our OC and our talent.
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
And to clarify, I hope some of you appreciate sarcasm. I’m not really having a stroke. And 1 more teaser, how about co-HC’s. Mangini defensive HC and Mike offensive HC (through Haskell)?
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
You guys might think i’m a jerk for replying to myself so much but I have one more thing to say…..sincere Happy Holidays.
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
Dang it. Still missing the reply. Ugh.
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
Failure to reply to one’s self is something even I haven’t accomplished yet.
I do, however hold the current record for number of sequential replies to myself before anyone else replies.
burntorangeandbrown - December 23, 2010
awesome
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
I just want to have fun, be insightful if I can and most of all I want the Brownies to succeed.
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
I’d say we’re on the same page (both figuratively and literally come to think of it).
Happy Holidays to you as well.
burntorangeandbrown - December 23, 2010
Happy Festivus!!
bross09 - December 23, 2010
I get silly feelings for Jerry Stiller when I hear this. You too buddy.
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
I’m sure we could all air some grievances, but it would get deleted. I think that episode is on TBS later tonight.
Dawg Nuts - December 23, 2010
Let’s just hang them off of the next offensive thread we all know is going to get obliterated. Sort of like writing them on the surface of the ocean. Ultimately ephemeral and quite liberating I’m sure!
RelapsingDawgCatcher - December 24, 2010
haha. very true about that.
My dad legit celebrated festivus this year. we had the airing of greivances, feats of strength, a festivus poll. He even had a sign saying “Festivus Yes, Bagels No” and had the traditional festivus meal (meatloaf).
bross09 - December 24, 2010
did you pin him?
Dawg Nuts - December 25, 2010
What’s StClair like as a run blocker? From the stats it looks as if he can do something- obviously he’s a sack in a pack if you try to throw and don’t assign help.
LondonBrown - December 23, 2010
Not sure about the NFL, but I hear the Buckeyes are looking for some replacements.
Probably more his speed.
burntorangeandbrown - December 23, 2010
An expensive Band-aid like most of our lines collectively. We got Joe, Tuba, Rogers and Mack for both lines.
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
I guess I can’t pick on Eric too much…..he does well in the middle L.
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
If i am to be serious, I say any success on the Right side is probably more related to Vickers than our R O line.
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
I would suppose this again means assigning help?
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
You know… You could put all of those 4 comments in one post… As with most of the multi-posts you do…
shep615 - December 23, 2010
I could if I was smart enough to think of them all at once but i’m old. I told you that.
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
good enough for me : )
9James - December 23, 2010
You know, the key isn’t to string together your comments faster, it’s just to be a little bit slower when pushing the POST button.
RelapsingDawgCatcher - December 24, 2010
St. Clair is not a terrible run blocker. He’s not exactly a threat to pull, though.
rufio - December 24, 2010
And so far i’m the only one with a play for the post. Why don’t you tell us what to do on third down. You know, if you were Pokorny, Rufio, B19k, Bross, Golan or, in a crazy world where I could really decipher what you’re saying, Moon, I would care enough to not post again….but what are you really trying to say?
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
I will get used to it. I’m not used to the scrutiny. Btw burntorangeandbrown, happy holidays to you too.
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
Clarification: These names i’ve been reading about 1 1/2 years now and respect their opinions.
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
I’d put every lineman we’ve got out there. Our regular offensive linemen with Rubin and Rogers at TE and Mosley, Coleman and Schaefering out wide, and then Carlton Mitchell under center. When the ball is snapped, everyone (Thomas, Steinbach, Mack, Womack, St Clair, Rubin, Rogers, Mosley, Coleman and Schaefering) all converge at Ray Lewis. Hit him and hit him again. And then pile on. Mitchell just has to run around in the backfield long enough for the ‘play’ to ‘develop’. As soon as Lewis is buried in 3000 pounds of ball grabbin’, ball squeezin’ Browns, Mitchell takes a knee and we punt on fourth down.
golanbatrac - December 23, 2010
Now you’re thinkin like Daboll!
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
Very nice play but I was kind of asking shep….no hard feelings. Oh and not to post again, I am very interested about Rogers at TE…….
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
I woke my girlfriend up laughing at this.
rufio - December 24, 2010
Laughed pretty hard at this one.
I agree – do this on the first couple of drives.
Only thing I’d change is instead of Mitchell, let Hillis take the snap.
burntorangeandbrown - December 24, 2010
We should move Mitchell to center too…..what do u think? Let Mack run around instead.
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
you’ve effectively hijacked this thread.
Dawg Nuts - December 23, 2010
I hope I only hijacked a hijinx….I am bored tonight but I love my team.
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
no problem, just busting on you a little. i actually found it kinda funny that you seemed to be having a conversation with yourself.
Dawg Nuts - December 23, 2010
Burntorangeandbrown already assured me he has the market cornered on self reply. In all seriousness though, I don’t see anything wrong with the play action or pumpfake. We don’t employ that regularly and, dare I say, that may be on the HC and not the OC. Yeah, no, it’s on Da-bollical. The HC has to trust the O.C. can do his job…..I guess I was taken in by the rushing madness that was last years end too…..where’s Jerome now?
489favegame stat - December 23, 2010
this is always fun (having a conversation by yourself). It is much easier when you have split personalities…
bross09 - December 24, 2010
The real funny part is that I work on a psych unit. Scrambled eggs and all…..
489favegame stat - December 24, 2010
Chris, surely you could have found a less flattering picture of Ray for this one. You may have missed an opportunity here.
Dawg Nuts - December 23, 2010
Might I suggest…
Dawg Nuts - December 23, 2010
With the scum’s victory tonight Mangini’s future all rests on Sunday, either win and force another meaningful game, or coach your last game as a head coach in a game with far less to offer.
CaptainPorkchop - December 24, 2010
please explain this to me. what makes the last game meaningful at all, first, then explain why that only holds if we beat baltimore. Then explain to me why Mangini will be judged on one game. Then explain to me what the hell another team’s victory in a game we weren’t involved in had to do with it.
notthatnoise - December 24, 2010
This is one of our staple plays:
The other routes can be different, but the shallow cross and the square in behind it are the same. We look to force zone defenders to choose one of these two routes and throw it to the other. On 3rd and long, defenses have chosen to drop off and defend the in, forcing us to throw the shallow cross, and we don’t have the athletes to turn that short gain in to a first down (for reference, the Z receiver in that play used to be Jerry Rice…try defending him on that route).
The route concept can also be run from different sides of the formation and is sometimes called “Hi/lo”:
In my opinion, even with the talent we have, we should be squeezing more out of this. First of all, I would be extremely surprised if Daboll didn’t coach the WRs to “climb the ladder” and run the shallow cross a little deeper on 3rd down. But as a coach once you’ve seen this concept or a similar one fail so many times on 3rd and medium, why not maybe go away from it or throw the offspeed pitch to it’s fastball?
Still, there are a million things you can do within this route concept/with these route stems that we don’t do.
Part of the reason people like to run a “vertical” offense is it’s harder to pattern match. With this, if every time one guy runs in another goes vertical and the back goes in to the flat we are running the drive concept, defenses will jump it. They can blitz the hell out of the side the shallow cross comes from and drop someone where the cross is going.
But it doesn’t have to be that way; we can run snag, mesh, or even a “jerk” route from these same route stems. I guarantee these plays are in the playbook, but it’s another consistent problem I see with Daboll: we don’t constrain defenses enough. Same thing with the fake end around to Cribbs; we run the fake over and over and over and we give it to the WR 2-3 times a year.
rufio - December 24, 2010
Sorry for the tirade.
rufio - December 24, 2010
No apologies necessary rufio. This stuff is gold.
RelapsingDawgCatcher - December 24, 2010
Glad you liked it, I am usually not a fan of massive comments that have large blocks of text.
rufio - December 24, 2010
Great stuff. I hate to beat a dead horse, but doesn’t this sort of go to show our lack of talent? I like the version of this play where h and y essentially cross routes underneath to “set a pick”. I don’t think we can get the safeties away though with our inability to pump fake or look them off. Also our receivers aren’t setting any speed records and only need man cover.
489favegame stat - December 24, 2010
The big place it shows our lack of talent is with the shallow crossing route. The deep routes still do their job to pull the defenders back, Stuckey just can’t outrun guys one on one with the ball in his hands with much consistency. Don’t get me wrong, I like him as a player, I think he is steady and dependable, he just isn’t going to run away from people like Jerry Rice did. At the same time, think about Josh Cribbs running that route and being single covered by a dime back…sounds like a first down to me.
As for the “pick” or “rub” the Mike Leach version of this play (Hi/Low) doesn’t really create one because the Y doesn’t get to that point in the route until H is far upfield and breaking in. The older versions of the route DO create the rub between Z and Y, one of the reasons Rice was so successful with the route (Jerry Rice is a nightmare one on one anyway, then give him a pick too…) If you doubled him you either had a great matchup deep with someone else or Brent Jones one on one in the middle of the field.
rufio - December 25, 2010
All i’m saying is if we add a stud WR and another decent running back into the fold everything opens up. I’m still trying to save Mangini’s job though. I have to think the minions read this. The team is well coached we just need a Jerry Rice. Sadly we need a lot.
489favegame stat - December 25, 2010
hasn’t McCoy been doing an okay job of this? I think its deeper than that.
Dawg Nuts - December 25, 2010
Really the safeties aren’t a huge problem. Other teams can keep them deep and take away the deeper passes or come up to stop Hillis but they can’t be in two places at once.
Also, McCoy dropped a few nice throws in on seam read routes/posts to Watson last weekend with both safeties deep.
rufio - December 25, 2010
Here again, two names pop-up. Watson and Hillis, save for a couple games, no one else produces. McCoy has been on the run, he does a great job but he needs right side protection. Maybe I shouldn’t fault him for not having time but if you watch the greats, good pump fake and quick release. Maybe we could rebuild again and get Marino as QB coach.
489favegame stat - December 25, 2010
That should be qualified as massive comments with large blocks of useless text. I’m guilty of that but the above is gold.
Monsters of the Midway - December 24, 2010
that was awesome; and I love the fact that you called it a tirade. funny stuff.
Dawg Nuts - December 25, 2010
Also, huge H/T to Chris Brown at Smart Football, those are his images.
rufio - December 24, 2010
Concede victory now, they might be merciful.
mooncamping - December 24, 2010
Adrock2099 - December 24, 2010
Cue up the Vince Guaraldi, just in time for Christmas!
RelapsingDawgCatcher - December 24, 2010
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