A look back at recent seasons from the Chargers and Panthers may indicate where the 2013 Browns offense is headed (Photo: rebuildingsince1964.com)

DraftBrowns.com Staff Writer: Justin Higdon

Last season, lame duck Browns Head Coach Pat Shurmur spent the year trying to fit a square peg named Brandon Weeden into the round hole West Coast Offense.  Coming from an air-raid system in college that was heavy in no huddle and shotgun passing plays, Weeden never seemed comfortable with the WCO’s long-winded terminology and deliberate pace.  He often grew visibly frustrated as his coaches struggled to get the play calls into him on time.  The results were predictably aggravating to anyone associated with the team.  After the season, Shurmur was fired, and Rob Chudzinski and Norv Turner were brought in to install an offense tailored to the players on the team, rather than vice versa.  Chudzinski’s offense has evolved through the years, so it’s still too early to tell exactly what this version will look like.  Still, the past offers some clues, and a look back at the last five years of the combined résumés of Chudzinski and Turner should shed some light on what people can expect from the Cleveland passing game this season.

Turner became the Head Coach in San Diego in 2007, but the Chargers’ passing game didn’t really hit its stride until the following season.  That year quarterback Philip Rivers set career highs in completions, pass attempts, passing yardage, touchdowns and yards per pass attempt.  Tight end Antonio Gates led the team with 60 receptions as Rivers spread the wealth.  Receiver Vincent Jackson and running back LaDainian Tomlinson each hauled in at least 52 passes, and Jackson broke the 1000 yard barrier as San Diego’s deep threat.  The ’08 season also saw Darren Sproles transform from return specialist to legitimate offensive threat.  The elusive mighty-mite caught 29 passes for 342 yards (11.9 yards per catch) and five touchdowns, setting himself up as a major contributor in the passing game over the next couple of seasons.  All told, the Chargers completed 106 passes to their running backs that season, establishing a trend that would continue for the duration of Turner’s stay with the team.

In 2009, Chudzinski joined San Diego as the team’s Assistant Head Coach and Tight Ends Coach.  Rivers again set new career highs in completions, attempts, yards and yards per pass attempt.  Gates led the team with 79 receptions for a career best 1157 yards.  Jackson finished with 1167 yards and averaged 17.2 yards per catch.  Tomlinson’s production nose-dived during his final season with the Chargers, but Sproles tied receiver Malcom Floyd for third on the team with 45 receptions.  Like Jackson, Floyd averaged 17.2 yards per catch.  The team was targeting its top two receivers – and Gates – for big gains down the field, while the running backs handled the short stuff to the tune of 97 combined receptions.

Rivers was still slinging the ball in 2010.  His 4710 passing yards that season are still a career high.  However, injuries limited Gates to just ten games, and Jackson’s contract dispute kept him off the field for all but five games that season.  Once again the Chargers were setting their receivers and Gates up for big, downfield gains while the running backs did the dirty work underneath.  Sproles led the team with 59 catches, and the running back committee accounted for 126 total receptions.

Chudzinski left the Chargers after the 2010 season to become the Offensive Coordinator of the Carolina Panthers.  There, despite having rookie Cam Newton under center, Chudzinski carried on the philosophy of targeting receivers down the field, as Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell each averaged at least 17 yards per catch.  While running back Jonathan Stewart did finish second on the team with 47 catches, Chudzinski relied less on the running backs than he and Turner had with the Chargers.  Instead, the Panthers leaned on tight ends Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey for 82 total completions, and used receiver Legedu Naanee for some of the closer range passes.  Meanwhile, in San Diego, Turner continued to feed the running backs in tight (123 receptions), while his receivers stretched the field.

In 2012, Newton went through some growing pains, but the Panthers passing offense still got productive seasons from Smith (73 catches for 1174 yards), Olsen (69 for 843) and LaFell (44 for 677).  Uncharacteristically, no running back other than Mike Tolbert had more than 20 receptions (he finished with 27), and Carolina completed just 57 passes to the backs overall.  Turner’s offense, in his last season as San Diego’s Head Coach, stayed true to form.  His backs caught another 123 passes, but the passing offense lost effectiveness overall with Rivers and Gates on the decline, and the departure of Jackson in free agency the previous offseason.

After two years together and two years apart, Chudzinski and Turner are reunited in Cleveland with roles reversed, and a new cast of characters.  Chudzinski’s belief in running an offense that suits the players on hand could go a long way in explaining his pursuit of Turner as the team’s Offensive Coordinator.  The two men inherited a team with a bell cow running back with receiving ability (Trent Richardson), a single receiving tight end (Jordan Cameron), and a couple of big receivers capable of stretching the field (Josh Gordon and Greg Little).  During the offseason, the coaches and front office showed faith in Cameron’s ability by adding only a couple of reserve tight ends.  They later traded for veteran receiver Devone Bess to bolster the young receiving corps.  They’ve also obtained running back Dion Lewis in a swap with the Eagles, and signed undrafted rookies Robbie Rouse and Jamaine Cook, all in an apparent attempt to fill the Darren Sproles role in their offense.  These signs, coupled with the overall lack of athleticism at the quarterback position, point to an offense that will more closely resemble the Turner units in San Diego, than the offenses run by the Panthers under Chudzinski.

If healthy, Richardson will handle the bulk of the running duties, but should also account for between 45 and 50 catches – roughly the average number for starting running backs, or running back tandems during the past five seasons of Chudzinski and Turner history.  Over a full 16 game season, Gordon could very well approach the numbers Jackson produced during the height of his San Diego success.  More conservatively, Gordon – who is still just 22 years old – can probably be counted on for a stat line similar to Floyd’s 2012 numbers (56 catches for 814 yards and five TDs in 14 games).  While the Browns’ brass has demonstrated a degree of confidence in Cameron, he’s shown no evidence of equaling the production of Gates in his prime.  A more realistic output would be something close to Olsen’s 2011 numbers, when he caught 45 passes for 540 yards and five touchdowns.  Bess should approach similar numbers as the team’s primary slot receiver.  Based on trends, Little may see his total reception numbers dip, but his yards per reception should see a spike as he sees more downfield targets.  Beyond those five players, a second running back – most likely the winner of the Sproles role – should see an opportunity for around 30 receptions.  In addition, receiver David Nelson could contribute as something of a second receiving tight end, while Travis Benjamin should see some opportunities on deep throws.  All of this will be dependent on Weeden (well, probably Weeden) being able to connect with his receivers down the field.  With underneath passes to the backs to balance out his downfield shots, Weeden will need to average between seven and eight yards per pass attempt to make this offense hum.  It’s a tall order for a player learning his third offense in three years, but if he is going to have success in the NFL, this is his best opportunity.  If Weeden can at least match Derek Anderson’s 2007 production under Chudzinski, the Browns offense can finally emerge from a five year long slumber, and force opponents to take notice.

Cleveland Browns 2013 Passing/Receiving Projections:

Weeden – 311/523 (59.5%) 3855 (7.4 YPA) 23 TDs 19 INTs

Richardson – 47 receptions 395 yards (8.4 YPC) 2 TDs

Gordon – 52 for 922 (17.7) 6 TDs

Little – 48 for 677 (14.1) 3 TDs

Bess – 47 for 504 (10.7) 2 TDs

Cameron – 47 for 539 yards (11.5) 5 TDs

Lewis – 27 for 259 (9.6) 2 TDs

Nelson – 22 for 214 (9.7) 1 TD

Benjamin – 15 for 265 (17.7) 2 TDs

Phil Taylor is one of the keys to the Browns’ transition to a new defensive scheme. (photo: mediagallery.usatoday.com)

DraftBrowns.com Editor: Brendan Leister

Many were surprised when the Cleveland Browns (a team transitioning to a 4-3 defense) traded up to select Baylor defensive tackle Phil Taylor with the 21st pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.  Most draft pundits had Taylor pegged as a pure 3-4 nose tackle and the team already had a player that played on the nose in the 3-4 in Ahtyba Rubin.  The thinking behind the pick was that the team would build their four-man front around two huge men that are stout against the run, give their all on every play, and possess surprising athletic ability combined with the ability to push the pocket.

In his first two seasons as a pro, Taylor has regularly showed off the talent that made him a first round draft choice.  In 24 games (1,015 snaps), he has produced 49 tackles (24 assisted), five sacks, one pass defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.  Taylor missed the first eight games of the 2012 season with a torn pectoral and never seemed to make his way back in to optimal physical condition.

Phil Taylor’s 2012 ProFootballFocus.com Profile (you may click on photos to enlarge them)

Phil Taylor’s 2012 Performance Chart

Phil Taylor’s 2012 Grades by Week

In the Run Game

Phil Taylor is extremely stout against the run.  He consistently shows good hand placement and he rarely gets moved off of his spot.  His surprising athletic ability allows him to quickly shift down the line of scrimmage in pursuit and he shows very good awareness and instincts when adjusting his pursuit angles.

2012 Defensive Tackle Run Stop Percentage Rankings via profootballfocus.com.

Phil Taylor ranked 13th in “Run Stop Percentage” amongst all defensive tackles that recorded a defensive snap on a run play during the 2012 season.  ProFootballFocus describes Stop Percentage as “The percentage of tackles a defensive tackle has that constitute a defensive stop.”  You may click on the photo to enlarge it.

The following illustrations will allow me to go into further detail in explaining how valuable Phil Taylor is in the run game.

Week 15: Washington Redskins

On this particular play, Phil Taylor is lined up as a 1-technique between the center and the left guard.  He is responsible for the left A-gap.

At the snap of the ball, the offensive line all make their way to the right on the outside zone run play to the strong side.  Taylor attacks his gap and keeps his arm furthest from the left guard free while following the flow of the line.  His athletic ability makes it extremely difficult for the blocker to get an adequate blocking angle on him.

Taylor eventually gets away from the blocker as he makes his way down the line in pursuit of the ball carrier.  As you can see, the left side of the defense did an excellent job of setting the edge.

Taylor closes in on the ball carrier and makes the tackle at the line of scrimmage for no gain.  A defensive tackle with average athletic ability would have never been able to make this play.

On this play, Taylor again lines up as the 1-technique between the center and left guard.  He is again responsible for the left A-gap.

At the snap of the ball, the offensive linemen all begin to make their way to their left on another outside zone run to the strong side.  Taylor attacks his gap and makes his way down the line of scrimmage.  His height (6’3″ tall) allows him to see over the blockers and see which way the ball carrier is headed.

Taylor realizes that the ball carrier has a clear path to the outside of the defense once he gets past the initial defensive pursuit.  He adjusts his angle accordingly and makes his way downfield in hopes of slowing down the ball carrier before a big play occurs.

The ball carrier makes his way through the hole and into the open field.  Taylor closes in on him and wraps him up after a short two-yard gain.  Had Taylor kept scraping down the line and not astutely adjusted his pursuit angle, this could have been a huge gain for the Redskins’ offense.

To add an exclamation point to the end of this excellent play, Taylor throws the ball carrier into the ground.

Week 11: Dallas Cowboys

Sticking with the theme, Phil Taylor is once again lined up in a 1-technique between the center and the left guard and he is still responsible for the A-gap.

At the snap of the ball, the center and left guard come off the line of scrimmage and double team Taylor.  He initially stays low and fires off into the two blockers behind his pads.  The fact that he does not budge an inch shows how stout he is at the point of attack.

The center eventually leaves Taylor and peels to the second level to block the Mike linebacker.  Taylor sheds the block from the left guard while keeping his arm closest to the ball carrier free.

Taylor then explodes into the backfield, closes in on the ball carrier, and brings him down at the line of scrimmage for no gain on the play.

Again, Taylor is aligned in a 1-technique between the center and left guard.  He is responsible for the A-gap once again.

At the snap of the ball, the Cowboys’ offensive line makes their way to their right on the outside zone run play to the strong side.  Taylor makes his way down the line of scrimmage in pursuit of the ball carrier while maintaining his gap integrity.

The left side of the defense does their job by setting the edge and Taylor penetrates deep into the backfield; forcing the ball carrier to find a cut back lane.

The ball carrier cuts back, but there are multiple defenders in position to make the play.

Taylor watches as his teammates combine to make the tackle.  The play results in only a one-yard gain.

This play gives a perfect illustration of stats rarely telling the entire story.

Words of wisdom: The box score can only tell so much.  Players routinely do an excellent job without ever recording a statistic.

Rushing the Passer

Phil Taylor is a deceptively effective pass rusher.  He possesses the strength and technique to push the pocket and combines them with surprising athletic ability, good closing burst, and a high motor.  Taylor utilizes a very effective swim move and he is also an effective bull rusher.

2012 Defensive Tackle Pass Rush Productivity via profootballfocus.com.

Phil Taylor ranked 42nd in “Pass Rush Productivity” amongst all defensive tackles that recorded a defensive snap on a pass play during the 2012 season.  Pass Rush Productivity is sorted by “Pressure Percentage”.  ProFootballFocus describes Pressure Percentage as “The percentage of pressure a defensive tackle gets a sack, hit, or hurry relative to how many times he rushes the passer.”  You may click on the picture if you wish to enlarge it.

The following illustrations will allow me to go into further detail in showing how impactful Phil Taylor is at times as a pass rusher.

Week 13: Oakland Raiders

Phil Taylor aligns in a 1-technique between the center and the left guard.

As the ball is snapped, Taylor recognizes that it’s a pass play when he sees the “high hats” as the offensive line drops back in pass protections.  He realizes that the left guard has help to the inside from the center and so he steps across the guard’s face and begins to set up a rush move.

Taylor begins executing a “swim move” by first taking his outside hand and hitting the left guard’s outside arm down.  He then brings his inside arm over the top and “swims” to the B-gap; between the guard and tackle.

Taylor gets past the guard and begins to flatten his path to the quarterback.

Taylor dives at the quarterback and forces him to step up in the pocket.  Although he was unable to record a sack, Taylor did his job effectively on the play.

Due to the quarterback being forced to step up in the pocket, defensive end Frostee Rucker was able to get to the quarterback as he threw the ball.  The result of the play was an incomplete pass.  This is yet another example of the box score not telling the entire story.

Week 12: Pittsburgh Steelers

As usual, Phil Taylor is the right defensive tackle.  He is again aligned in a 1-technique between the center and the left guard.

Similar to the play against the Raiders, Taylor recognizes that it’s a pass play right away.  He sees that the left guard has help to his inside from the center and begins to cross the guard’s face.

Just as he did in the game against the Raiders, Taylor executes his swim move to perfection.  He easily beats the left guard to the B-gap.

Taylor blows by the guard and explodes into the backfield.  He flattens his path to the quarterback and shows excellent closing burst as he closes in for the sack.

Taylor jumps on top of the quarterback and brings him down for a six-yard loss.

This was Phil Taylor’s only sack of the 2012 season.

Conclusion

At only 25 years old (birthday was April 7th), the sky is the limit for Phil Taylor.  He is much more athletic and plays with a much higher motor than most players his size (6’3″ tall and between 320 and 350 lbs.).  In moving to the position that many projected him to be best at prior to the 2011 draft, Taylor is expected to be a key cog in Browns’ defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s defensive scheme.

Moving forward, it is very important that Phil Taylor keeps himself in top physical condition.  During his first two seasons, Taylor struggled with consistency and I believe that Taylor’s conditioning had a big impact on the inconsistencies.  If Taylor hopes to take the next step toward becoming one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL, he is going to have to stay healthy, keep himself in shape, and keep working hard on refining his technique.

Why should “We Believe” 2013 will be better? (photo: rantsports.com)

By DraftBrowns Staff Writer, Ryan Alton

Since the day they were introduced to the Cleveland fans and media, the new decision-makers in Berea (Joe Banner, Michael Lombardi and Jimmy Haslam) have sent a fairly consistent message about what to expect early on under their guidance of Cleveland’s most-beloved sports franchise. 

“We’re just gonna have to deliver,” assured Banner after he was announced as Browns CEO back in October.  “I know this:  Nobody will work harder.  No one will have a clearer direction”.   At the same time, each has been careful about their word choices when spelling out the plan for the future.  “I know these fans have been through a lot of hopeful starts”, Banner explained, “and I don’t want to sit up here and be kind of the next promiser in their lives”.  What, no mention of playoff tickets, Joe?  What a bummer, man.

In March, owner Jimmy Haslam caught some people off guard when he said “We’ve won 23 games in the last five years, won 14 games in the last three, so we’re not going to go 13-3 next year”.  Sheesh!  Talk about telling it like it is.  Was this one of those times where ‘Keeping It Real’ goes wrong?  At the time, I wished he hadn’t been so forthcoming but looking back, I appreciate the honesty.  And if there’s anything I want out of Jimmy Haslam right now, its honesty.

Speaking of being honest, we’d probably all really love for Jimmy to come out and say “WE’RE GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL!  I GUARANTEE IT!”  Maybe another rah-rah speech about how the glory days of Cleveland Browns football is returning to the Lakefront?  Whooooo!!  Here We Go Brownies, Here We Go!!  But what good would that do when you’re speaking to a fan base that has been promised as much before and given hope time and again, only to be left with their hearts ripped out more often than not?  If nothing else, we should be thankful this regime isn’t naïve enough to insult our intelligence with such nonsense.

Most recently, speaking at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon in Canton, General Manager Michael Lombardi followed suit.  When asked for a timetable on turning this thing around as if he had worn a pointy hat and sat in front of a crystal ball, Lombardi replied “I’m not sitting up here saying I’ve got a five-year plan, this is going to work.  I’m just saying we’re going to build this thing the right way so we can sustain success.”  Then, as if to quell the sighs as the attendees envisioned another “rebuilding” year, Lombardi insisted, “We’re certainly, by no means, thinking about giving up on the season …We’re going to go in there and compete. We’ve got some pieces to compete with. This team last year was in a lot of close games, had a lot of opportunities in the fourth quarter. I think we can build on that.”  What else can he say?  He’s absolutely right.

The Browns do have pieces.  And they’ve been in nearly every game in recent memory.  But they’re cognizant of the fact that they’re not quite there yet.  No one is walking around Berea acting like they’ve arrived.  Everyone is putting in work.  And that is worth noting.  “For us to beat Pittsburgh, for us to beat Cincinnati, for us to beat Baltimore, we’ve got to build a team that can compete with them, a mentally tough team that can win in the fourth quarter, that has the ability, the strength and the character to fight adversity,” Lombardi said. “That’s the mission statement.”

I don’t know about you but it seems to me that the new leaders in Berea are not only conscious of the fact that they are commissioned with the monumental task of building a perennial winner in Cleveland (and in turn magically erasing a generation of suffering), but they understand fans don’t want to hear about how long it’s going to take to do that, even though some still manage to ask.

We’ve been told it all before.  But how do you say it’s going to take time without saying how long you expect it to take?  Lombardi did the best he could.  There’s a long term plan in place but it won’t come at the expense of trying to win now.  What else can we ask for?

Let’s examine…

The Browns went 5-11 in 2012 but were literally THREE plays away from a possible 8-8 season, which would’ve been rendered a huge success considering where we’ve been since 2007.

*Week One vs. Philadelphia – IF undrafted rookie linebacker LJ Fort intercepts an errant pass in the end zone by Eagles QB Michael Vick, the Browns hang on to win 16-10 despite an absolutely putrid pro debut by Browns QB Brandon Weeden.  Instead, the pass sails over Fort’s head and, moments later, Vick hooks up with TE Clay Harbour for the game-winning TD.  Eagles win 17-16 and the Browns begin the season 0-1 for the 13^th time in the last 14 years.

*Week Four @ Baltimore – IF Greg Little catches Weeden’s pass on 3rd and 10 from the Ravens 33 yard line with :15 seconds left, it’s a touchdown and the Browns have a chance to even the score at 23 all or go for two and steal a win.  Instead, the pass, albeit a little high, deflects off Little’s hands and falls incomplete.  The Ravens hold on to win 23-16 on Thursday Night Football.  The Browns begin the season 0-4.

*Week Seven @ Indianapolis – IF Josh Gordon hangs on to Weeden’s sure fire touchdown pass in the 4^th quarter, the Browns probably hang on to win 20-17.  Instead, the sun shining through the roof at Lucas Oil Stadium seemingly blinds Gordon at the same exact moment the ball arrives and it falls incomplete.  The Colts hang on to win 17-13 and the Browns fall to a dismal 1-6.  Oh, and Jimmy Haslam gets MAD in the owner’s box.

Now, of course, as the saying goes “If IFS and BUTS and were candy and nuts then…” something, something, something.   The exact quote is immaterial.  The point is that the Browns are a heck of a lot closer to contention than their 5-11 record last season indicates.  Lombardi knows this.  He also knows he can’t illustrate the point I just made without inviting the same criticism I undoubtedly have (feel free to leave a comment below).  The other thing he knows is that it’s foolish to put a time table or a win total on anything based on what’s happened in the past.  It’s a new regime.  It’s logical for there to be a learning curve as new systems are installed on both sides of the ball.  But I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect a significant improvement in 2013.

They may be building for the future, but rest assured, this team can win now.  They are primed and ready.  They’ve proven to be competitive.  Now, they just need the push that will get them over the hump.  And the new coaching staff will have as much to do with that as any other acquisition the organization has made this off-season.  Reports coming from off-season team activities signify that this group of players is buying into whatever the new coaching staff is selling.  While that may seem unsubstantial or par for the course with any new regime, I sense that it’s not.

The players seem genuinely excited to have coaches with a track record of success in the NFL and schemes that will put them in a position to be successful by taking advantage of their strengths.  I don’t really think it’s a secret (maybe it is) to anyone that the players didn’t feel they had this under former head coach Pat Shurmur.  The tension that enveloped the locker room during the 2012 season has given way to excitement and anticipation for things to come.

“It’s going to be good to finally get after the Baltimores and the Pittsburghs and actually give them a little dose of their own medicine”, D’Qwell Jackson said of the new 3-4 scheme being implemented by Ray Horton.  “You can’t help but be excited playing on the defensive side of the ball, knowing you’re going to be aggressive and get after people,” he said. “It’s going to be fun.”

On the other side of the ball, Head Coach Rob Chudzinski and Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner have players equally excited.  “So far,” said third year receiver Greg Little, “it’s been a wide receiver’s dream.  Everything is down the field.  I’ve never played in an offense like this,” Little said. “I’ve always been accustomed to thinking run after catch. This is definitely different. When you catch the ball, you’re already down field.”  What a concept!  Meanwhile, Pat Shurmur is in Philly diggin’ Chip Kelly’s latest mixtape.

Again, the nuances may take some getting used to but it’s important that the players know the coaches have a plan and that plan is designed to help them win.  You get the feeling, with the level of excitement and the energy currently being felt within the Browns locker room, this type of atmosphere did not exist under the direction of the former regime.  And THAT is more important that any promises or sound bites that can be heard at a banquet hall in the middle of May.

The bottom line is:  The Browns have proven they’re capable of competing already and they are likely to win more in 2013.  How much more?  Only time will tell.  Only a fool would attach a number to it before the pads even come on. It stands to reason, even though the Browns are hesitant to come out and promise immediate improvement for reasons we should all understand, they’re not saying its impossible.  The goal may be for long-term “sustainable” success but the team is capable of immediate improvement.  Though, I understand why they’re hesitant to say it.  But as for the notion that this will be another five year rebuilding plan simply because they won’t promise success in 2013, perhaps Banner put it best way back in October.  “No.  I’ll be in a straitjacket if it takes that long.”  We hear you, Joe!  Loud and clear.

Darren Sproles began to thrive in San Diego under current Browns Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner (Photo: theepochtimes.com)

DraftBrowns.com Staff Writer: Justin Higdon

In 2010 while Browns head coach Rob Cudzinski was Norv Turner’s tight ends coach in San Diego, diminutive running back Darren Sproles carried the ball only 50 times, but was a major factor in the passing game.  The Chargers running backs caught 126 total passes as a unit, with Sproles accounting for 59 of those.  Chud and Norv are back together for the first time since that season, and their offseason activity suggests that finding a back to fit the Sproles role is near the top of the post-draft to-do list.

The Chargers made Sproles a fourth round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft and he made early contributions as a return man.  However, he did not begin to flourish on offense until Turner became the team’s head coach in 2007.  By 2010 Sproles was a key cog, and those 59 receptions led the team.

Fast forward to 2013, and Cleveland appears to be looking for its own version of Sproles.  Prior to the draft, the Browns traded backup linebacker Emmanuel Acho to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for seldom-used running back Dion Lewis.  Immediately following the draft, Cleveland signed Youngstown State’s Jamaine Cook as an undrafted rookie free agent.  Then, after bringing him in for a tryout this past weekend, the team inked Robbie Rouse of Fresno State to a deal and added him to the 90-man roster.

The three new additions are practically clones of Sproles in terms of size and short area quickness.  Coming out of Kansas State, Sproles measured in at 5’6” and 187 pounds.  Lewis checks in at 5’7” 193 pounds, and Rouse at 5’6”190 pounds.  Cook is a little bigger than the rest, at 5’9” and 209 pounds.  In the three-cone drill Sproles was clocked at 6.96 seconds.  Rouse was timed at a virtually identical 6.97 seconds at the scouting combine, but improved to 6.80 seconds at his pro day.  Lewis performed the drill in 6.90 seconds, while Cook’s 6.76 second time was the fastest of the group.

Like Sproles, who caught 57 passes during his final two college seasons, all three newcomers contributed significantly in their teams’ passing offenses.  Lewis has just three catches in two NFL seasons, but had 52 in two years at Pitt.  Cook caught 64 passes in three years as a starter for the Penguins.  And Rouse caught 63 as a senior, and 95 over the past two seasons.

With veteran Josh Cribbs on his free agency tour and not expected back, the Browns may also be hoping that whoever fills the Sproles role can also return kicks.  Lewis ran back 31 kickoffs for the Eagles two years ago for a modest 21.6 yards per return.  The longest return of his career so far has been 33 yards.  Cook returned 32 kicks in college, but averaged under 20 yards per return.  Rouse didn’t return any kicks at Fresno State, but does have some experience in the role dating back to his high school days.  The Browns had a solid return unit under Chris Tabor in 2012, and have brought him back to run special teams with the new staff.  It won’t be surprising to see him working with the three new backs and trying to find a spark among them.

In the early going, Lewis probably has the edge to win the job.  He is the only one with NFL experience and the Browns gave up something (albeit, a player who would have had a hard time making the team) to acquire him.  If he can avoid boneheaded behavior in the future, he may finally earn some significant playing time.  Cook’s relative size advantage makes him intriguing, but he lacks the straight-line speed teams generally look for.  Still, he has a strong lower body and has shown explosion and quickness in drills.  Rouse may have the longest odds, but has already beaten some by parlaying a tryout into a contract.  The coaches have obviously seen some things in the rookie mini-camp that piqued their interests.  It has become evident that the Browns would like a change of pace back to catch passes and lighten the load for, or draw attention away from Trent Richardson.  The developing three-way duel for the Sproles role may become one of the more hotly contested battles on the roster this summer.

Ray Horton’s 3-4 defense is far from your grandfather’s version of the defense. (photo: ohio.com)

DraftBrowns.com Editor: Brendan Leister

In a Cleveland Browns offseason filled with player acquisition and roster turnover, an unlikely candidate has emerged as the most anticipated addition by many.  That candidate is former Arizona Cardinals’ defensive coordinator Ray Horton.  Horton brings ten years of playing experience and 19 years of coaching experience at the NFL level; dating back to 1994.

Horton is best-known for his attacking 3-4 defensive scheme.  He blitzes more often than most and his players are coached to match his aggressive philosophy.  However, simply referring to Horton’s scheme as a standard 3-4 defense is not completely accurate.  He employs multiple defensive fronts and consistently does his best to match up his defensive personnel to the offense’s personnel packages.  In a league that is continually growing to be more stylistically progressive, Horton is one of the coaches that is leading the charge.

Understanding Offensive Personnel

Before I go on, it is important for readers to understand how offensive personnel is coded.  When coding offensive personnel, all you have to do is count the number of backs and tight ends on the field.  The number of backs comes first and the number of tight ends is second.  Therefore, if an offense lines up with two backs and one tight end, that would be referred to as “21 personnel”.  The number of wide receivers in a given personnel package goes without saying because there are always five skill players on the field (excluding the quarterback).

When defensive coaches game plan, they designate a position for each player on the opposing offense.  Although players have positions on the official team roster, they could be given a different designation by coaches if they are deemed to be a difficult matchup.  For example, a player like New England Patriots’ tight end Aaron Hernandez can line up as a tight end, in the backfield, in the slot, and out wide.  Simply designating Hernandez as a tight end may leave a defense in a tough spot when they try to match up with the Patriots using their base defensive personnel.  Therefore, coaches may treat Hernandez as a wide receiver and match up with a sub-package to get more speed on the field.

Defensive coaches also look at play calling trends by offensive coaches when certain players are on the field and when the offense is in certain personnel packages and formations.  For example, if the Patriots pass 60% of the time when Danny Woodhead is on the field, the defense will probably send out a personnel group that can succeed against the pass when they see him making his way to the huddle.  The same goes for personnel packages and formations.  If the offense runs or passes a high percentage of the time in a given situation, a good defensive coordinator will adjust his personnel accordingly.

Another factor that puts stress on defensive coaches is the fact that the defense is only able to substitute when the offense huddles.  This gives offenses with versatile skill players an advantage because they can line up in multiple formations with the same personnel packages and keep the defense from making substitutions all while playing at a fast pace.  For example, a team such as the Patriots (sticking with the theme) with versatile playmakers like Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, and Danny Woodhead can stay in 12 personnel and use multiple formations for an entire drive while the defense is unable to make a single substitution.

Now that you understand how offensive personnel is coded and you have an idea of some of the many added stresses that defensive coaches face on a week-in and week-out basis, let’s move forward.

Ray Horton’s 3-4 Fronts

The above photos provide an example of a variation of one of Ray Horton’s 3-4 fronts.  The offense has come out in 12 personnel with one back in the backfield and two tight ends lined up outside of the right tackle.  The defense lines up with nose tackle Dan Williams in a 0-technique (head-up on the center).  On the left side of the defensive line, Vonnie Holliday is lined up in a 5-technique (head-up on the right tackle).  Calais Campbell is lined up in a 3-technique (shading the outside shoulder of the left guard) on this particular play.  The outside linebackers (#50 O’Brien Schofield and #94 Sam Acho) are lined up on the line of scrimmage on opposite sides of the offensive line.  The strong inside linebacker Paris Lenon (#51) is lined up directly behind Holliday and the weak inside linebacker Daryl Washington (#58) is aligned over the the right B-gap.

A basic 2-gap 3-4 defense will typically have two 5-technique defensive ends that control the gaps on either side of the offensive tackles.  However, in this particular instance, the right side of the defense looks to be 1-gapping while the left side is 2-gapping.  For an excellent read on defensive fronts that use multiple gap concepts, here is a piece by Chris Brown of smartfootball.com.  Ray Horton consistently uses multiple gap concepts and he changes the roles of his players to maximize their talents in specific situations.

In 2012, Horton used 3-4 fronts most when matching up with offenses that relied heavily on running the football and 21, 12, and 22 personnel.  In two games against the San Francisco 49ers, Horton’s defense lined up in a 3-4 front on 36 out of 57 snaps (63.2%) and 55 out of 69 snaps (79.7%) respectively.  Against the Chicago Bears in week 16, Horton matched up by using a 3-4 front on 45 out of 61 snaps (73.8%).  The game that Horton relied most on the 3-4 was when he faced the New York Jets in week 13.  Horton matched up with the Jets by using a 3-4 front on 67 out of 78 snaps (85.9%).

Throughout the entire 2012 season, Ray Horton relied on a variation of his 3-4 defense on 563 out of 1,110 snaps (50.7%).  On first and second downs, Horton relied on a variation of his 3-4 defense on 520 out of 849 snaps (61.2%).  On third downs, Horton only relied on a variation of his 3-4 defense on 40 out of 249 snaps (16.1%).

A few more variations of Horton’s 3-4 are as follows:

Free safety Kerry Rhodes is lined up as the eighth man in the box.

Again, Calais Campbell is aligned over the left guard rather than the left tackle.

Darnell Dockett is lined up in a 3-technique between the right guard and right tackle. Kerry Rhodes (#25) is lined up as the eighth man in the box to the strong side (right).

Ray Horton’s 2-4-5 Defense

In the above photos, you can see that the Cardinals have two defensive linemen, four linebackers, and five defensive backs to match up with the Patriots as they’ve come out in 11 personnel.  Calais Campbell is lined up in a 1-technique (on the inside shoulder of the left guard) and Darnell Dockett (#90) is lined up in a 3-technique (on the outside shoulder of the right guard).  O’Brien Schofield is the left outside linebacker and he is covering the tight end to the outside of the right tackle.  Sam Acho is the right outside linebacker and he has aligned on the outside of the left tackle.  The inside linebackers (Paris Lenon and Daryl Washington) are aligned across from the offensive guards.  Patrick Peterson (#21) is the left cornerback, William Gay (#22) has moved inside to cover the slot, and Jamell Fleming (#23) has subbed in as the right cornerback.

With the growing use of the slot receiver and the declining use of the fullback, offenses have become more and more dependent upon 11 personnel.  With offenses continually evolving, defensive coaches have been forced to adapt if they want to keep up.  Enter Ray Horton’s 2-4-5 defense.  With the 2-4-5, Horton has the luxury of adding more speed to the field while keeping a strong front seven.  The alignment requires two versatile and athletic linemen that can play multiple techniques along the defensive line while still being stout enough to hold up against the run.  For the 2-4-5 to be successful, the entire defense must play fast, aggressive and physical.

During the 2012 season, Ray Horton relied on the 2-4-5 defense most when matching up with teams that spent much of their time in 11 personnel.  When Horton faced the New England Patriots in week two, he employed the 2-4-5 on a staggering 80 out of 82 snaps (97.6%).  Even on the 17 snaps that the Patriots came out in 12 personnel, Horton used the 2-4-5. In week six against Chan Gailey’s spread offense and the Buffalo Bills, Horton used the 2-4-5 on 52 out of 69 snaps (75.4%).  When the Cardinals faced the pass-heavy Detroit Lions during week 15, Horton used the 2-4-5 on 55 out of 81 snaps (67.9%).

Throughout the entire 2012 season, Horton used the 2-4-5 defense on 505 out of 1,110 snaps (45.5%).  On first and second downs, Horton used the 2-4-5 on 306 out of 749 snaps (40.9%).  On third downs, Horton used the 2-4-5 on 191 out of 249 snaps (76.7%).  With offenses continually trending more and more toward the passing game, it will be interesting to look back on Horton’s first season with the Browns and see if he relies on the 2-4-5 any more or less than he did during the 2012 season.

A few more looks at Horton’s 2-4-5 defense are as follows:

This image really illustrates how much respect Ray Horton has for Calvin Johnson.

The strong safety and inside linebackers blitzed on this play.

This is a pretty standard example of the 2-4-5 against 11 personnel.

Here is the 2-4-5 against the Bills’ Wildcat formation with Brad Smith at quarterback.

Ray Horton’s Other Defensive Packages

The only other packages that Ray Horton used with any kind of regularity during the 2012 season were his 2-3-6 (dime package) and 4-4 front.  For the most part, the 2-3-6 was only used when Horton had to match up with 10 or 01 personnel.  Horton only employed the 2-3-6 25 times throughout the entire 2012 season.  The only game that Horton brought out the 4-4 was when he used it ten times in a week eight matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.

An example of Horton’s 2-3-6 is as follows:

A safety often comes up in the box and acts almost as a linebacker in Horton’s 2-3-6.

End zone angle of the previous image.

An example of Horton’s 4-4 front is as follows:

The 49ers are in run-heavy 22 personnel.  Horton counters with the 4-4.

Ray Horton’s Blitzes

Ray Horton is one of the most aggressive defensive coordinators in the NFL.  He is known for finding creative ways to put pressure on the quarterback.  The most exciting thing about this for Browns fans is that the numbers back up the reputation.  During the 2012 season, Horton blitzed on 279 out of 588 pass plays (47.4%).  To put that number in perspective, defensive coordinators around the NFL only blitzed on an average of 31.6% of pass plays.

When Horton blitzed, his players normally did a good job of executing.  On the 174 plays that Horton sent five rushers, 59 combined quarterback hits, hurries, and sacks were created.  This means that a hit, hurry, or sack was created on 33.9% of snaps that Horton sent five rushers.  (If you think that is impressive, wait until you hear how often pressure was created when Horton sent six rushers.)  On the 64 plays that Horton sent six rushers, 35 combined quarterback hits, hurries, and sacks were created.  This means that pressure was created on 54.7% of snaps that Horton sent six rushers.  Just by looking at these numbers, we can conclude that Horton does an excellent job of designing his blitzes.

Like any defensive coordinator, Horton blitzes more or less depending on the situation.  When using the 2-4-5 during the 2012 season, Horton blitzed on 142 out of 505 snaps (28.1%).  28 (19.7%) of Horton’s blitzes from the 2-4-5 came on first downs, 24 (16.9%) of his blitzes from the 2-4-5 came on second downs, and 83 (58.5%) of his blitzes from the 2-4-5 came on third downs.  When using the 3-4 during the 2012 season, Horton blitzed on 125 out of 563 snaps (22.2%).  50 (40%) of Horton’s blitzes from the 3-4 came on first downs, 60 (48%) of his blitzes from the 3-4 came on second downs, and 11 (9%) of his blitzes from the 3-4 came on third downs.

Final Notes

In looking at Ray Horton’s profile on the Browns’ team website, I found some very impressive statistics in regards to his 2012 performance.  The stats are in the following quote: “This past season, Horton guided a defensive unit that led the NFL in passer rating allowed (71.2) and interception percentage (4.4%). His defense also ranked second in the NFL in interceptions (22) and third-down efficiency (32.9%), third in red zone defense (44.4%) and fourth in takeaways (33). The defense also ranked fifth in passing defense (200.8 ypg), first downs allowed (288) and points allowed per drive (1.42).”  These statistics are even more impressive when you consider that the Cardinals played in arguably the toughest division in football (the NFC West) and the defense was lacking in premier edge rushers.

All in all, Cleveland Browns fans should be very excited for the arrival of Ray Horton.  He is one of the most creative defensive minds in the entire NFL and he has a proven track record.  In looking ahead to the 2013 season, the Browns’ defense looks much more promising than it has in recent memory.  The unit has depth on the defensive line, young talent and athleticism on all three levels, edge rushers that can put pressure on the quarterback, one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, and one of the top safeties in the NFL.  When you combine all of these factors, the future looks very bright for the Browns’ defense.

I would like to give a special thanks to profootballfocus.com for all that they do.  Without the information that they provide and all of the work that they do, articles like this one would be nearly impossible.

Thank you for reading and thank you for supporting DraftBrowns.com!

Jabaal Sheard’s role in the new defense is a situation to keep an eye on heading into the 2013 season (Photo: zimbio.com)

DraftBrowns.com Staff Writer: Justin Higdon

Since previewing the Browns offense last weekend, news emerged of 2013 draft pick Armonty Bryant’s arrest for DUI.  The promising but troubled rookie is still with the team for now, and has already wrapped up his legal proceedings by pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges.  It does not appear that the Browns’ front office will make a reactionary move, so the roster remains unchanged since draft weekend came to a close.  Here’s an early look at the current defensive personnel on the squad, and what to expect in the near future.

Defensive Line: Ahtyba Rubin, Phil Taylor, Desmond Bryant, Billy Winn, John Hughes, Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, Armonty Bryant, Dave Kruger, Hall Davis, Brian Sanford

Since signing Desmond Bryant on the first day of free agency, there have been rumblings that the Browns would be willing to deal Taylor or Rubin for draft picks.  However, Ray Horton’s defense demands depth on the front seven, and the draft came and went without single veteran being traded away.  If a player is eventually dealt, Rubin appears to be the most likely candidate due to contract (he’s owed close to $16 million over the next two seasons) and fit in the defense.  But for now, Rubin is penciled in at left defensive end, with Taylor in the middle and Desmond Bryant on the right side.  Hughes and Winn, who were drafted in the third and sixth rounds of the 2012 draft respectively, will backup the ends, with Kitchen subbing in for Taylor.  But the beauty of Horton’s defense is that he will mix and match these players at various spots in three and four man fronts.  Armonty Bryant, one of two seventh round picks a couple of weeks ago, checks in at 6’4” tall and has nearly 36-inch arms.  He’ll likely be asked to add some bulk to his 263-pound frame with hopes of developing into a fearsome five-technique.  Bryant could also be worked in as a pass rusher.  He has loads of potential, but a marijuana arrest in college and last weekend’s indiscretion have certainly clouded his future.  Still, it’s unlikely that the Browns will release the rookie before they have an opportunity to see him in training camp.  Last year’s Arizona Cardinals defense – coached by Horton – kept seven defensive linemen on their final 53-man roster.  If Cleveland follows suit, Rubin, Taylor, Winn, Hughes, Kitchen and the two Bryants would fill out the unit.  If the Browns do make a trade, or if Armonty Bryant is more headache than he’s worth, the undrafted rookie Dave Kruger (brother of Paul) will duke it out with veterans Davis and Sanford for that last roster spot.

Linebackers: Paul Kruger, Craig Robertson, D’Qwell Jackson, Jabaal Sheard, Barkevious Mingo, Quentin Groves, James-Michael Johnson, L.J. Fort, Tank Carder, Ryan Rau, Kendrick Adams, Adrian Moten, Justin Staples, Paipai Falemalu

The Browns are carrying 14 linebackers at the moment, and using last season’s Cardinals as a guide once again, only about half of those players will make the final 53.  Kruger was the big-ticket free agent signing and Mingo was the sixth overall pick in the draft.  Obviously those two are set in stone.  Sheard has 15 sacks in his first two pro seasons and is convinced he can make the move to linebacker.  His name has come up in trade rumors but nothing appears to be in the works.  Horton should be able to find ways for Sheard to pressure opposing quarterbacks, even if it means lining him up with a hand in the dirt from time to time.  Groves was brought over from the Cardinals, and despite his recent brush with the vice cops, should help ease his new teammates into Horton’s defense.  Jackson and Robertson are the starters inside for now.  Johnson should eventually work his way into that mix, though he has worked outside in the early going.  Carder and Fort saw action with the team last year and could compete for playing time inside, but if the Browns keep only seven ‘backers they could be left on the outside looking in.  Rau was picked up on waivers from the Eagles, while Moten spent time in Cleveland last season without appearing in a regular season game.  They, along with undrafted rookie Falemalu, will compete inside; but all three have to be considered long shots to make the team.  The Browns will take a look at second-year man Adams, and undrafted rookie Staples (who attended high school in Lakewood, Ohio) as pass rush possibilities, but both are more likely to wind up on the practice squad than the active roster.

Defensive Backs: Joe Haden, T.J. Ward, Leon McFadden, Eric Hagg, Buster Skrine, Johnson Bademosi, Jamoris Slaughter, Tashaun Gipson, Chris Owens, Kevin Barnes, Trevin Wade, Kent Richardson, Ricky Tunstall, Prince Miller, Josh Aubrey

Haden and Ward are Pro Bowl-caliber starters, but there has been much hand wringing and rending of garments in Cleveland over who will start along side them in the secondary.  Enter McFadden, who the Browns targeted and landed on the draft’s second day.  Despite being just under 5’10” tall, the former San Diego State Aztec is an aggressive cover man who does a terrific job playing the ball.  McFadden impressed NFL types at the Senior Bowl and was drafted almost exactly where he was projected.  He was the ninth ranked cornerback at DraftBrowns (rated 69th overall by yours truly), and only seventh ranked Blidi Wreh-Wilson was still on the board when McFadden was selected.  And just like this little site, the Browns’ coaching staff has confidence that McFadden will work his way into the starting lineup early.  Owens, signed from the Falcons during free agency, will be McFadden’s primary competition.  With others added who can play outside, Skrine – forced into a starting role by injuries last season – can settle into a role as the team’s nickel corner.  The free safety job is a much bigger question mark.  Gipson was promising as an undrafted rookie last season, even starting three games.  He is probably the front-runner at this point.  Hagg, a 2011 seventh round pick, may get another shot; but he was lost out there last season so this may be his last chance.  Barnes was signed as a free agent from the Redskins and has experience playing corner and safety, so he could earn a starting role.  Bademosi, another undrafted player from the 2012 class, will have an increased opportunity to contribute at safety and cornerback.  Even if he doesn’t crack the defensive lineup, he is a special teams demon whose roster spot should be safe.  Ultimately, the Browns have to hope that the versatile Slaughter will fully recover from an Achilles tear and become a full time starter.  They selected the former Golden Domer in the sixth round last month, but would have been willing to draft him even sooner.  Horton and company kept 11 defensive backs last season in Arizona, so this may be a position grouping where a surprise player could crack the final 53.  If the Browns follow the Cardinals’ blueprint and keep 11, young veterans Wade, Richardson and Miller will compete with undrafted rookies Tunstall and Aubrey for the last spot or two.

Special Teams: Shayne Graham, Spencer Lanning, Brandon Bogotay, Jake Schum, Christian Yount

Browns legend Phil Dawson has long desired to play for a winning team, and after two years of franchise tags he was set free to join the San Francisco 49ers.  As a result, Cleveland will become the ninth team for journeyman kicker Graham.  He was 31-38 on field goals last season for the Texans, and while he doesn’t have the leg strength of Dawson, Graham has connected on 85.4% of his career attempts.  Bogotay is on the roster for now, but doesn’t appear to be a serious threat to win the job.  Veteran punter Reggie Hodges, who never returned to form after an Achilles injury in 2011, wasn’t brought back after a shaky 2012 season.  Lanning is in his second stint with the Browns, but has never appeared in a regular season NFL game.  He will compete with Schum, who went undrafted out of Buffalo in 2012.  Going into the season with two players who have never punted in a real NFL contest will surely cause heartburn for the faithful diehards.  It stands to reason that Cleveland’s brass may be still scoping out the remaining free agent crop.  The always outspoken Chris Kluwe was just cut lose from the Vikings, and could become an option, but so far the Browns have not expressed interest.  Australian born Mat McBriar, formerly of the Eagles and Cowboys, is another veteran punter the team could consider.  Yount has been Cleveland’s long snapper since taking over for Ryan Pontbriand in November 2011, and has held the fort down admirably.  Barring injury, Yount will handle the same duties this season – he’s the only long snapper on the 90-man roster.  But when he finally does hang up his cleats he may have a future in competitive eating.