Why is Cleveland's offense potent?

WoodysGirl

U.N.I.T.Y
Staff member
Messages
79,281
Reaction score
45,648
CowboysZone ULTIMATE Fan
Anderson leads a potent offense

by: Marwan Maalouf

posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 | Print Entry

filed under: Insider NFL, NFL, Cleveland Browns, Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, Joe Thomas

A major part of the success behind the Browns' offense is attributed to offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. He has brought a mixture of the offense he was a part of in San Diego last season with a few twists from the University of Miami where he won a national championship and broke many offensive records as the play caller.


Derek Anderson
Quarterback
Cleveland Browns

Profile
2007 SEASON STATISTICS
Att Comp Yds TD Int Rat
209 119 1669 17 8 95.5


Chudzinski likes to stay unpredictable, like many coordinators, and the way he does that is by taking advantage of the offensive self scout, which gives him an idea of when he's calling run and pass plays out of which formations, personnel groupings and downs. The Browns' offense has relied on keeping the tendencies to a minimum and not letting opposing defenses get a beat on the play calling.




Many are asking what has changed in Cleveland that gives the Browns one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. There are many contributing factors to the Browns' success and it starts with QB Derek Anderson. He has been making the proper reads and delivering the football without hesitation, which former Browns QB Charlie Frye could not do. Under the tutelage of quarterbacks coach Rip Scherer, Anderson has spent extra time in the film room doing his homework in order to keep the mistakes on Sunday down to a minimum. Besides executing the offense and keeping the key skill players involved, like TE Kellen Winslow and WR Braylon Edwards, Anderson is a good leader in the huddle. Plus, he has a swagger and heir of confidence if something doesn't go right. For the first time in a long time, all the players on Cleveland's offense know that they don't have to panic because Anderson is going to deliver.




Edwards has been the big-play receiver in Cleveland and is one of Anderson's favorite targets. The biggest improvement Edwards has made this season is simply being aggressive and plucking the ball when it's thrown to him. His route running has improved and he's outrunning defenders instead of wanting to make a highlight reel by staying with them on vertical routes and out jumping them. Edwards has also changed his attitude and now he lets his actions do all the talking and his actions are saying plenty right now. Edwards is among the leaders in average yards per catch with 19 and also is in the top-five with seven touchdown catches for wide receivers in the NFL.




Anderson also has Winslow as a go-to guy, who had a very productive 2006 season and he continues that trend this season. He gives Cleveland's offense a second deep threat, other than Edwards. Winslow is a mismatch for any defender on the field. He's too physical for any secondary player to handle and he's too fast for any linebacker to cover. His routes are crisp and his hands are reliable, which makes it an easy decision for Anderson to get him the ball when he's open. Winslow's ability to gain yards after the catch gives Cleveland's offense another edge.



Another reason the Browns are completing passes and running the football with success is because of the solid and consistent play from the offensive line. Cleveland finally has a left tackle in rookie Joe Thomas that is athletic enough to keep the best pass rushers in front of him and away from the quarterback.



With all these players playing to their potential, it's no wonder why the Browns' offense is one of the best in the league.
 
Top