The Browns' offense isn't hard to figure out any more. Much of this will be redundant. I'll try to freshen in up with new details.
The first clue was signing RG3. Next was trading down and selecting, of all players, Corey Coleman first. The third was picking Seth DeValve, rather than a tight end who could block in-line. Finally, the non-selection of a blocking fullback.
More recently, another writer has reminded me of the offense Hue ran in Cincinnati. He used read-option and other non-conventional formations and plays.
The Bengals roster was loaded with talent, and Hue could have run any offense he wanted. He ran this unusual stuff when he had his pick, and Andy Dalton.
The plot thickens! Hue feels really good about RG3 in his favorite offensive system.
He split Eiffert out a lot. He ran some two tight end power offenses, but the second tight end was an offensive lineman. I love that. All my life, I never could figure out why a blocking tight end who never caught anything was considered so important. I said just quit being cute and use a tackle. I guess Hue agrees.
They chose Coleman over taller guys. Why? I think it's because Coleman can line up anywhere, including in the backfield. Also, because the fact that he ran a limited route tree didn't bother Hue as much as it did other coaches.
The other four drafted receivers (including DeValve) all have run-after-catch ability in common (and are over six feet tall). This means something.
Now, Hue inherited Duke Johnson, Gary Barnidge, and Terrell Pryor. This may well have influenced him, because Pryor and Duke can be used everywhere as well. (Yes I do believe that Hue took Pryor seriously right away.)
In reality, some of the more effective running games in the NFL are run out of three and four-wide spreads. One (or no) tight end and no fullback.
We know that Hue (and Kirby) intend to run a lot, but they didn't seem to care about in-line tight ends or fullbacks. The game is afoot!
As I've mentioned too many times already, I see the Baylor coming, because Pryor and Coleman can do that right away.
This implies four wide receivers, except it doesn't. It just means four guys who line up wide. These can include running backs or tight ends.
Who are the Browns best and most dangerous players?
Well, you have to list Corey Coleman here, then Duke and Gary and (I say Pryor).
The base personnel package should include one tight end and one running back. I believe one other guy will more often than not be a second tight end or second running back.
Hue will fool around some here. He might have a tight end in the backfield sometimes.
11 personnel means 3-wide and 21 or 12 means conventional. How different defenses, knowing how diabolically insidious and sneaky Hue is, answer this will vary.
But they're in trouble no matter what they do, because of this:
1: Duke can line up anywhere.
2: So can Coleman.
3: Pryor is too tall to be a running back, but if HE takes an end-around, you don't dare come out of coverage to stop him. He could do this 3-5 times per game.
Yes, Coleman can not only set up as a running back, but take handcuffs.
This means that a one-back can become a two-back, or an empty backfield. Defenses won't know who will line up where or what the offense will do.
Can you imagine trying to install a game plan for this offense? You have to prepare for that end-around. Then for the Baylor, a more conventional 4-wide, 3-wide, 2-back, 2 tight end, giant blocking back, read-option with a big guy or quick short guy...
Most likely, the default will be penetration and pressure. Screw RG3 up and pound him. Try to blow stuff up.
That's what DeValve and the bigger run-after-catch guys are for. That's unmistakably west coast.
That's the challenge. That has been RG3's weakness: Getting rid of the ball quickly and to the right guy.
Hue clearly believes that RG3 can do this now.
He'll never be great at this, but won't have to a whole lot. It has to be part of the offense, but needn't be the core of it.
First, Hue intends to have a strong running game. Next, some read-option and plenty of play-action (and deeper passes). Screen passes. Dumpoffs. Rollouts. End-arounds (by an NFL quarterback).
What could go wrong? Well yeah ok plenty. If the run doesn't work, play action won't. If there's too much penetration, the read option won't work. If RG3 can't execute the quick crosses and slants on time, that's going to hurt a lot.
He HAS to be able to do this. Even if it's just six or eight times a game, he has to show defenses he can burn pressure with quick, on-time, accurate short throws.
If he doesn't, they'll swarm the backfield.
But I digress: The 2016 Browns Offense will be a spread, and beyond that just too confusing and unpredictable to define.
Is that clear?
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