j/c
The Browns don't have an explosive offense. We can have fits of distemper and holler for deep passes and a tricked-up game plan. But what, exactly, would be accomplished if Shurmur tried to go with a vertical offense? It would be stupid. And harmful. The Browns don't have the receivers to play home-run derby. They lack the element of danger.
Shurmur has referred to what he does as 'small ball ... lots of bunts and singles." And absolutely he's right. The Browns average 9.79 yards per completed pass. That's last (32nd) in the NFL. According to STATS LLC, the Browns average number of yards at the point of the reception — what the receiver does after making the catch isn't included — is only 4.4 yards, which ranks 31st. Translation: lots of short passes.
But if this is small ball, the Browns are doing a fine job of executing it. And there is true value in this approach.
No. 1, Shurmur is keeping quarterback Colt McCoy out of harm's way most of the time. Only 5.5 percent of the Brown's attempts to pass end in a sack. That's among the lowest sack rates in the NFL this season.
A passing game that gets rid of the ball quickly also gives offensive tackles reasonable circumstances. Thomas and St. Clair have allowed only three sacks (combined) this season.
No. 2, McCoy is developing a rhythm and confidence in the West Coast offense. This has been a superb experience for McCoy to learn how to master the shorter pass routes that form the foundation of the West Coast offense. McCoy has put his surprisingly deft mobility into action with rollout passes. McCoy has distributed the ball to many receivers; even if the passes are short, it helps to keep the defense off guard about knowing where the ball will go. Establishing the discipline required to run this offense is a valuable component to a quarterback's development. McCoy is nailing down the fundamentals; he'll be more prepared to take the Browns passing game to the next level in 2012.
No. 3, the Shurmur concept of going methodical is setting the Browns up on some long and fruitful scoring drives. They rank seventh in the NFL in 10-play drives. They're 11th in the league in points produced (50) from 10-play scoring drives. They are tied for ninth for the largest number of possessions that last five minutes or longer. Their average scoring drive lasts 8.8 plays and 3 minutes, 57 seconds; only four NFL teams are going on longer marches to secure points.
Because the Browns are so stubborn about keeping the ball, they rank sixth in the NFL in time of possession. The Browns are keeping impressive company; the only teams that control the ball more are the NY Giants, San Diego, New Orleans, Atlanta and Baltimore. And by hogging the ball, the Brownss are keeping their frisky defense rested and fresh. That's a plus.
And these deliberate drives do have a destination and a point. The Browns are getting in position to score, probably more than we realize. They've had 30 red-zone series this season (inside the other team's 20-yard line.) Only New Orleans, San Diego, Oakland, New England and the NY Giants have set up more times than the Browns in the red zone.
Pat Shurmur deserves praise. He's taken stock of the available talent, and he's making the best of it. The reality is, the Browns have little choice but to play small ball until they can expand their talent and dimensions. Shurmur figured that out a lot sooner than his critics.
If you haven't figured it out these are some excerpts from an article posted somewhere here on the board. (The link is below) It was written by a Rams beat reporter. I changed all Rams and Rams players references to Browns and Browns players to make this point:
If all this were said about the Browns last season I think we'd all be somewhat pleased with the offense.
As many have downplayed the Rams offense saying Shurmur didn't do so hot there, this shows he did alright with what he had to work with. They did go from 1-15 to 7-9 using their rookie QB. Granted, that rookie was Bradford but Colt McCoy's no chump. Plus, Colt's no longer a rookie. He got his trial by fire, remained poised and confident and his skill set fits this scheme very well.
If we can dominate time of possession as did the Rams last season it can go a long way to help the defense. I know the defense is responsible for getting themselves off the field, but if our offense can keep them off the field I think that is a big plus.
I make no guarantees about Shurmur and his offense. It's a wait and see time on that. But obviously Holmgren and Heckert saw something in this guy and with nothing more on his side but that he deserves a chance as they all do. After all, he's here now and will be at least for 2011. Nothing much else to do but see what he does.
Shurmur get the most out of the Ram's offense
