Ohio State Preparing for Indiana, Not Looking Past Them
November 21, 2014Jordan Cameron out, Karlos Dansby doubtful for Sunday
November 21, 2014At long last Josh Gordon is free from Roger Goodell’s clutches and the Browns’ offense now has a player the opposing defense must game plan for. Andrew Hawkins, Taylor Gabriel, Miles Austin, and Travis Benjamin have all shown themselves as adequate NFL receivers — something hard to come by in Cleveland the past decade — but with Gordon’s return comes the chance for Cleveland’s offense to go from a silver Honda Civic to a camouflage Porsche.
How many snaps Gordon will be on the field and how frequently he’ll be targeted are anyone’s guess, but as long as number 12 is out there then the Browns offense will benefit.
Imagine for a second the Browns are facing a 3rd-and-3 midway through the first quarter in Atlanta. The Browns come out in a 12 package with one back, two tight ends, and two receivers out wide. With Dray and Barnidge on the field this is a package fit for that little zone toss to Crowell, allowing him to read the line, make one cut and bust up field for the first down yardage. Atlanta, having seen the Browns run this play multiple times in the previous weeks, is sure to sneak a safety up into the box for extra run support, leaving their corners one-on-one on the outside. In games past, Atlanta would have liked their chances in this situation, knowing that even if Hoyer could connect with Hawkins on a quick route, the Falcons would likely be able to corral Hawkins to the ground. Yes, they’d give up the first down, but damage would be minimal.
Insert all 6-foot-3 inches and 230 pounds of Josh Gordon. Leave a corner alone on an island with Gordon and that quick pass that may have gone for five yards, now has a chance with all of Gordon’s size, strength, and speed to go the distance. Atlanta and any team lining up against the Browns’ offense must account for this with either a safety or an outside linebacker providing some help for their lonely corner. Move one of those defenders out of the box to help on Gordon and now Kyle Shanahan has the numbers he likes to run the ball for that first down.
“I know it makes it easier when you have guys who can make plays and not only just catch the ball and get open but have chances to take it the distance. It makes it easier on everyone.” – Kyle Shanahan
I expect the Browns to target Gordon early, not necessarily because Josh needs to get in rhythm or get a feel for the game, but to keep Atlanta honest. Hoyer showed last week he was able to throw the quick hitch even on a designed run play when he recognized coverage was playing off. Hit Gordon with one of those, take a shot deep, and now Atlanta is thinking. There’s no need to force feed Gordon the ball, just simply make his presence known, and take what the defense gives you. Mike Pettine spoke to his fear about overemphasizing Gordon in the offense following Thursday’s practice.
“We just have to careful with Brian when Josh is out there so he doesn’t develop tunnel vision, that the ball goes to where the read takes him because, obviously, I think Atlanta’s well aware of Josh and his ability and will set their plans accordingly.”
While Pettine spoke to his concerns about Hoyer locking onto the Browns’ All-Pro receiver, quarterback Brian Hoyer doesn’t seem to think it will be an issue.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been a quarterback that’s like that. I think the moment you do that, especially when you have a guy as talented as Josh, they’re going to try to take him away. You’ve kind of got to just let it come as it is. We saw last year with Josh; you just give him a short pass underneath, and he has the ability to take it the whole way. You don’t really try to force it to him. Now, in the same sense, I’m going to know where he’s at. There’s no doubt about that, but you have to see what the defense is doing.”
Atlanta is arguably the worst defense in the league, ranking last in yards per game and second to last in yards per play. Even before Gordon enters the picture, the Browns offense has the edge. Kyle Shanahan needs to continue to ride the horses that got him this far, dishing out heavy doses of Crowell and West behind Bitonio and Thomas. Gordon’s presence alone should allow for Shanahan’s offense to wear out Atlanta’s defense with plenty of jabs, and if they dare sleep on The Flash outside that’s when you hit them with the overhand knockout blow.
9 Comments
Best headline so far.
http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130119025631/glee/images/2/28/Funny-gif-baby-I-See-What-You-Did-There.gif
http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/1875n6uzefjuxgif/ku-xlarge.gif
amen
I do not remember him in #13…
“dishing out heavy doses of Crowell and West behind Schwartz matched up with the league’s MVP”
/fixed
I envision this gif continuing with the baby going in for a stroke of a Mr. Fuji-like beard.
Colt was #12 his rookie year.
somebody told me your article was good. I guess that makes this a second hand compliment.