In the three games prior the Cleveland Browns’ 24-3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the running game, averaging 1.9 yards per carry, looked to be in shambles. The injury center Alex Mack left journeymen Paul McQuistan and, most recently, Nick McDonald to replace an All-Pro. On Thursday, before the Bengals game, I wrote about the issues in the running game, taking Nick McDonald, the tight ends, and others to task for the decline of the team’s run game.

Yet, the Browns came out of the gate against the Bengals running the ball on the first five plays of the game, after Craig Robertson’s interception, and scored the game’s first touchdown on Ben Tate’s four yard carry. During the game, it felt as though the Browns dominated this facet of the game, yet they averaged just 3.3 yard per carry on 52 rushes. Of course, this is the best average since Mack’s injury, but it would still rank as just the 29th best in the league.

Some of the issues the Browns had in the previous three games have been improved, but some remain. Let’s delve into how the rushing game improved against the Bengals and what areas still need improvement.

John Greco: Man Amongst Boys

Against the Bengals, John Greco pulled off what may be the best run blocking game of his career. And, it could not have come at a better time, with Nick McDonald needing a boost from the men on the line next to him. They double-teamed a defensive linemen multiple times which allowed Greco to help McDonald, who seems physically weaker than his fellow linemen, drive the opposition off the line. Check out Greco help McDonald double team below.

On this play, they must drive the nose tackle, number 98, off the ball and as they reach the second level of the defense, one of the two must slide off and block the middle linebacker, number 52. Greco gets a huge push on the nose tackle which helps McDonald move quickly to block the middle linebacker. This seals off the back-side off the run which is why Isaiah Crowell is able to cut the ball back and find a hole. Of course, Greco had a few token screw-ups, as he does each game, but he more than made up for his errors.

Greco’s power was on full display against the Bengals. I would not do him justice if I did not end the section on him without adding in his block on a linebacker on Crowell’s touchdown run early in the second quarter. Check out Greco essentially lead block for his running back and knock the middle linebacker right on his butt.

Offensive Line put Defensive Line on Skates

One of the most impressive and noticeable improvements in the Browns-Bengals game was the entire offensive line’s improvement in drive blocking the defensive line. The better an offensive line pushes back the defensive line, the easier it will be to block linebackers which is of the utmost importance in a zone blocking scheme. The best part about this improvement is that the offensive line got better as the game went on. Here is an example of the offensive line pushing around the defensive line in the fourth quarter.

The best runs in a zone blocking scheme usually occur when the defense flows to the play-side and the ball-carrier is able to cut it back, as seen above. Despite the Bengals placing five defenders in the box, the Browns manage to drive the linemen off the ball and seal the linebackers on the left which opens up a cut-back lane on the right. Once again, Greco and McDonald do a fantastic combo block by double teaming the nose tackle and blocking a linebacker. Joel Bitonio and the left side of the line do their jobs which leads to a six yard carry by Terrance West.

This week’s improvement is the most important positive take-away. Unfortunately, since the Houston Texans, J.J. Watt, and Jadeveon Clowney are next on the schedule, I am not overly confident in the Browns to continue this success. Keep an eye on how much movement the Browns are able to get up front, because it will likely make the difference in whether they can rely on the running game.

Nick McDonald: Improving, But A Long Way To Go

On Twitter, I have noticed many people simply chalking the improved running game up to Nick McDonald improving in his third game as a starter. And, while this is partially true, he remains a net-negative who will be a problem if the Browns intend on continuing their run-centric offensive attack, as expected. The Browns know this which is why they noticeably used less one-on-one blocking schemes with McDonald. Instead, they used him in many double teams as well as increased their outside runs, away from McDonald at the center position. Look for the Browns to get creative as they try to avoid running behind the inexperienced center in the upcoming weeks.

As much as we would like to believe the center position will not be a problem, this does not seem likely, at the moment. McDonald has improved his knowledge of the playbook, but he still seems physically at a disadvantage. But, if he continues weekly improvement, I believe that he has the potential to become an average center which would be a blessing to the Browns.

Here is an example of McDonald whiffing on a linebacker. Ben Tate runs the ball for seven yards, but is tackled by an unblocked linebacker whom McDonald should have blocked. Although he does not completely destroy the play, the linebacker should not have been a problem which would have led to a longer run. Small mistakes like this become noticeable on a team that heavily relies on the run, like the Browns.

Terrance West: The Takeover

Last week, I called for less carries for Ben Tate and an increased workload for Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell. Not only did the Browns listen, but West took advantage of the opportunity and ran harder and more powerful than I have seen him since he put on a Browns uniform. Averaging 3.6 yards per carry, a mark that led Browns running backs, West hit the hole hard, only dancing unnecessarily behind the line on a single play.

In the zone run offense, the offensive linemen are leaps and bounds more important than the running back. But, a succesful back in this offense must read the hole well and make a quick decision, never second-guessing himself. Check out West making a decisive read below.

On this, Cleveland’s last offensive play of the game, the back-side of the line gets huge movement which opens up a cut-back lane for West. He changes direction, hits the hole, and runs over the first man who tries to tackle him. West loves to deliver the blow to the defender tackling him which is why he falls forwards much more often than Tate. Expect to continue seeing more Terrance West as well as Isaiah Crowell who looked good in limited carries.

Bengals Run Defense: No Impact Players

Last week, I noted that the Raiders and Buccaneers each had All-Pro caliber linebackers in Khalil Mack and Lavonte David who caused havoc in the backfield of the Browns all day long. The Bengals not only had no linebacker capable of making run-stopping plays, but no penetrating defensive lineman to worry about. In previous years, defensive tackle Geno Atkins would have been a terror to the offensive line, but he has played below his normal level, this season.

One of the reasons the Browns decided to abandon the interior running game, in the third quarter, in favor of outside rushes by Crowell is the lack of defenders capable of setting the edge. The Browns were able to seal the defensive end and outside linebackers easily which is something they have had issues with in recent weeks.

Stop Putting Tight Ends On Defensive Ends, PLEASE

I have not see anyone else mention this particular issue, but it has been an issue for a few games. Jim Dray, who had a tremendous game run-blocking, was forced to block defensive ends on a number of plays, some of which were blown up in the backfield. Placing a tight end on a defensive end is a total luxury, one the Browns cannot afford at the moment. Check out this play as an example.

Dray does a decent job getting in front of Margus Hunt, the defensive end, but he is more of a blocking dummy than a blocker due to the size mis-match. Dray, at 6-foot-5 inches, 255 pounds, is blocking Margus Hunt, a 6-foot-8 290 pound Estonian who ran a 4.60 40-yard dash and benched 225 pounds 38 times at the NFL combine. Needless to say, Dray gets pushed backwards and Hunt is able to make the play on the cut-back. I hate this match-up, yet Kyle Shanahan relies on it each and every game. Hopefully, we won’t see Dray or Barnidge blocking J.J. Watt or Jadeveon Clowney 1-on-1 this upcoming game.

Others of Note