Ravens vs. Browns: Observations from studying the Browns
I took some time to study the Cleveland Browns, to get ready for their battle with the Baltimore Ravens:
The first thing to note about the Cleveland Browns is that they’re a clearly well coached football team. Hue Jackson has changed the culture in Cleveland. It doesn’t mean that the results are going to change immediately, but there is a definitive plan and it almost beat the Pittsburgh Steelers. The play-calling of Jackson was incredible. His deck of cards isn’t overly impressive, and his best hand is trusting rookie quarterback, DeShone Kizer.
The play-calling from the Browns is smart. They’re not making Kizer do things he isn’t comfortable with, but they also aren’t handcuffing him. This is not a conservative offense. They take their shots and they let their rookie make plays.
The Browns lined up almost exclusively in the shotgun and the pistol against Pittsburgh. Cleveland essentially put him in the NFL version of the Notre Dame offense.
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The rookie QB:
Kizer is surprisingly committed to making plays in the pocket. There are times where he looks so comfortable, that you almost forget this is a rookie. The tell-tale signs are there however, he is very much a rookie. Kizer locked on to his number one read a lot against the Steelers. Kizer will force throws and the Ravens have to bait him into mistakes. When you add it all up Kizer was shockingly efficient. He was 20 for 30 and almost all of his completions came from the pocket.
Kizer’s biggest problem was a release that was anything but quick. Kizer was sacked seven times. When the pocket became crowded he immediately tried to escape, losing sight of his receivers down the field. What makes Kizer so impressive is his good mechanics and arm talent that is off the charts. He comes at the game with a composure that most rookies couldn’t dream of. The problems in his game get him in trouble though, and anything the Steelers defense can do the Ravens defense can do better. Expect a rough day from Kizer, even if he does make some wowing plays.