The Opening Drive 10/16: Chasing Downfield Shot Plays
Quick look at how the Browns planned for a few shot plays in Week 6 and why they failed.
The Browns’ offense needs more explosive plays. I know, obvious statement, but that reality is what is condensing the entire operation into what feels like a ten yard window at times. The group needs more space to operate and they only way they will find it is if they attempt to get vertical in the passing game. Explosive runs help, but they need to drive the football downfield.
Kevin Stefanski spoke out about the need to find those shot plays and more in his time with the media Monday.
“We have to find ways to be explosive on offense, and that can come via the run or the pass. And, you know, explosive passes can happen in a variety of different ways, but it really comes down to our ability as an offense to, put those guys in position, protect the quarterback, and then when those opportunities come, we got to let it rip. But I think that can come in a variety of ways.”
While the talent doesn’t run deep in the passing game, they do have receivers who can run and they do have a run game that should threaten more often. Something is missing.
“It’s a matter of coaches putting guys in position to make plays. Guys making plays when they’re put in position, doing their job. Don’t expect anything to come easy. That’s not the name of the game in this sport. But we’ll just keep grinding on it.”
In Week 6 they did try just one way to develop a run/pass conflict look. The problem with the general gameplan, which I have spoke on, is that they only ran five play-action concepts all game. It is a big issue, but I wanted to walk through with you where coaches try to scheme up chunk plays and they do it on a weekly basis based on looks thrown at the defense.
Before we do that, below you’ll find the latest in the BFB catalog for supporters to dig into. Click the link to become a supporter if you haven’t already, and enjoy all the latest from Browns Film Breakdown.
What’s Going On at Browns Film Breakdown
Latest Podcasts:
Week 7 Updates, Pressure on Stefanski, and “Behind Enemy Lines”
Roster Updates, David Bell, Middle-Tier Roster, and Defense All-22 Review
Monday News Roundup, and Comprehensive Offense All-22 Review
Latest Film Rooms:
Latest Articles:
Opening Drive 10/15: How Dillon Gabriel Can Help Himself During Chaos
Opening Drive 10/14: The Purpose of Motion and the Browns Usage
Opening Drive 10/13: Stefanski Must Prove He Still Has Locker Room
The Browns rolled out an interesting double-wing look on the their first drive. It looks like you see it below, but at times they would swap in the 6th offensive lineman for the “F” listed below. It was meant to show a run-heavy look.
They liked to use the run concept with a short “advantage” motion and get a backside kickout, or cut, and pair it with their usual split-zone looks.
They came back to it later in the 1st quarter, but they paired it with two tight ends, not the 6th offensive lineman. This concept had the same motion and structure but worked back off the run-action and wanted to chase a big play. The Steelers bit hard, and the protection was good. Isaiah Bond has a chance up the left sideline but Gabriel decided not to let it rip. The backside over route was open and found ten yards, but you can see the shot play opportunity there.
Came back to it again in the 2nd quarter and paired it with the best run look they could. You get KT Leveston back in as the 6th offensive lineman, same motion, all of it looks the same. This time, however, it is just a two-man route concept with Jerry Jeudy on the shallow and Bond on the corner-post. Jeudy is wide open on the crosser but the quarter opens the wrong direction and all hell breaks loose based on his mistake in run-action. Frustrating.
One last time the Browns returned to the look and once again everything was set up the same with look and motion. Wypler stepped in as the 6th offensive lineman due to Leveston taking over right tackle. Same short motion from Fannin.
At this point in the game, with the Steelers out in front, they handle the look much better. Their second-level never commits to the run and Gabriel makes a panic choice to throw the back out left without noticing the lingering coverage. He could have held onto this one, against zero pressure, to see if the deep post broke open.
It’s frustrating to watch, guys. They want to get to these explosive play chances but one breakdown after another. This is the story of the Browns 2025 offense.
If you’re not subscribed over there, rectify that—the Opening Drive remains free, but there’s more content coming as we wrap up last week and looking ahead to Week 7. If you’re not with us in a supporter capacity, you’ll want to rectify that as well so you don’t miss any of the key content coming this week. Also, tell a Browns fan in your life about the miracles happening at Browns Film Breakdown. We appreciate all of you.
Browns Film Breakdown will return later today with some fresh content.
