The Cleveland Browns are sitting at a comfortable 9-3 record after a statement win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 13.
Headed back to Cleveland with the WIN❗️#CLEvsTEN pic.twitter.com/EW01MQ4Qkn
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 6, 2020
A big part of their success is their potent offensive attack.
This season, the offense has carried the hopes of this team, already achieving their first winning season since 2007.
According to the analytical Pro Football Focus (PFF) group, the Browns offense ranks No. 3 overall in the NFL.
This is bolstered by the performances of the team’s outstanding offensive line.
Jedrick Wills Jr: 1.9% QB pressure rate over the last 5 weeks:
🔸 1st among rookie OTs
🔸 4th among all NFL OTs pic.twitter.com/S2A55eyZVH— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 1, 2020
After their victory over the Titans, the offensive line sits atop of the NFL in both run blocking grade (81.1) and pass protection (89.6).
The pass protection in particular has been noteworthy, being 10 points ahead of the next closest team, the Green Bay Packers.
For first year head coach Kevin Stefanski, this season has been a complete success.
He has brought a new culture to the organization and they have become a legitimate contender.
This last week has proved a major thing for the Browns offense; they have the potential of being a dual threat in the air and on the ground.
Browns Rushing Game
The rushing offense is the Browns’ pride and joy.
By a variety of metrics, they are one of the best rushing offenses in the entire NFL.
Based on the PFF overall measurements, the Browns sit at fourth in the league.
However, they are now 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards behind their dynamic duo in the backfield.
With Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, the Browns are able to have an above average running back on the field on every snap.
#Browns Alex Van Pelt on the Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt tandem: "It's like having two fighters in your corner, you've got Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield."
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) November 27, 2020
The pair looks to become just the seventh pair of teammates to break 1,000 rushing yards in the same season.
Their game plan starts in the backfield, playing the game based off how defenses respond to their rushing.
Browns Passing Game
Their passing game has played the support role all season.
It has never been their first option, and they certainly don’t rely on it to win games.
However, the improved play of QB Baker Mayfield has made their passing game a genuine threat.
334 yards.
4 TDs.QB @bakermayfield is up for FedEx Air Player of the Week!
VOTE » https://t.co/8e1p8NFEsH pic.twitter.com/ZqQfBkYSZ8
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 7, 2020
Against the Titans, they caught the team on their heels in the first half.
While the Titans rightfully came out prepared for a gritty, ground and pound game, the Browns were able to pick them apart with their passing.
Mayfield was stout in the pocket, finding the open receiver on nearly every play.
This led to a record day for Mayfield, as he tied the franchise record for TDs in a half (4) with Otto Graham in 1951.
If he is able to continue this level of play, the Browns will build on their passing grade, which already sits at 11th in the league.
Season and Playoff Outlook
To close out the season, the Browns have games against the Ravens, Giants, Jets, and Steelers.
While winning the division seemed to be out of reach going into Week 13, the Steelers loss to Washington has opened a door.
The Browns are carrying a four-game win streak with enough momentum to make a final run.
On paper, the Browns are the better team in their next three matchups.
If they are able to handle business over this stretch, it would set up a very interesting Week 17 game against the Steelers.
The Browns entering the division title race like pic.twitter.com/E8vLwgORVL
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) December 8, 2020
The team has shown their potential, and they could end up making a deep playoff run.
They will rely heavily on their offense, and it will be interesting to see how opposing teams try and stop Mayfield after his improved play.
If their rankings are any indication, the Browns offense is not something to be messed with.
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