Newsletter: First Half Performance Reviews -- Offensive Line

Coaching storms that are brewing, and more analysis of the Browns 2024 first half performances.

We’re back again. Fighting through this November flu to try and provide some insights into the Browns first half of the year performances before they kick off in New Orleans this weekend.

Before we get there the highlight that caught my eye for today was the first list of upcoming head coaching candidates. Along with the big names like Bill Belichick and the coordinators like Ben Johnson, you have the name we know has been hovering around Cleveland since the moment he arrived. The Browns invited this into their home — whether on purpose or by circumstance remains to be seen.

Mike Vrabel, personnel consultant, Cleveland Browns

“The Browns have struggled mightily in 2024, though Mike Vrabel, the longtime Titans head coach, seemed to be a valuable addition to the staff. Anecdotally, Vrabel has garnered the respect of coaches in that building and is one of the hotter names on the cycle, especially given the way Tennessee has struggled in his absence. Vrabel is a strong presence and would be a valuable addition, especially for a franchise struggling to garner an identity.” - Sports Illustrated

The biggest remaining question about the unfolding of 2024’s second half is how welcome the Browns will be to retain Kevin Stefanski and company regardless of the outcome of the remaining games. Does Stefanski even want to remain in Cleveland with the circumstances of the roster and those fighting for their own jobs around him? Does Vrabel even want to land in Cleveland given what opportunities could be out there for him this cycle. The linger questions bring on big significance.

The problem remains the lack of conviction in this process. Regardless of what route the Browns went in the Stefanski vs. Vrabel dynamic, there will be sides selected and arguments to be had. There is no clear answer on that topic right now. Perhaps the second portion of the season helps solve it in one way or the other but my hunch is there will be second guessing on this topic regardless of the outcome.

Brace yourselves.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

(Photo - Cleveland Browns)

Data Profile

The Browns front-five ranks middle of the pack in quarterback pressure rate allowed (35.7 percent), but has allowed the 2nd-highest sack rate at 11.3 percent, trailing only the Chicago Bears. Further from a pass-blocking perspective, the offensive line is 29th in PFF pass-blocking grade (54.9) and 11th in ESPN's pass-block win rate (63 percent). Looking at run-blocking, the Browns are 29th in blocking grade (51.2), 24th in run-block win rate (69 percent), and have generated 1.2 yards before contact per rush attempt (23rd).

Exceeded Expectations

n/a

Met Expectations

Jack Conklin

While not quite back when we anticipated seeing him so the grade is only met, but Conklin’s return brought a steady presence to the right tackle position that needed it badly when Dawand Jones started the year poorly. He has only allowed 9 pressures for the year and played well in both phases.