Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartze runs a 4-3 "wide nine" defense. This is an agressive defense built to attack the quarterback first, and is schematically vulnerable to the run...except Schwartze defenses are usually above average vs the run.
The version he is using in Philly differs from those he's used in the past, because Jim is smart and adapts to his personnel and Division rivals.
The wide nine sets up the defensive ends outside the offensive tackles as edge-rushers (to make quarterback sandwiches). Speed is at a premium, and 3-4 outside linebackers can usually play defensive end in this scheme.
The two defensive tackles need to be athletic as well, and ideally big, too: They are supposed to collapse the pocket, leaving the quarterback in the middle of the sandwich with nowhere to go.
The trade-off is in the big gaps between the tackles and ends, which opposing offenses can be counted on to send running backs into.
The three linebackers and two safeties are supposed to plug these holes. It's important that they have good instincts, since the defensive ends are freelancing. The safeties seek to stay near the tackle-end gaps and outside, while the linebackers focus on the inside gaps (vs the run).
It's a play-fast, instinctive defense which players learn quickly. Like the Browns 2015 defense, Philly's 2015 defense was pretty bad more from coaching than from talent, and Schwartze didn't inherit a bunch of bumbs.
Schwartze is playing these defensive ends closer in, so the gaps won't be as wide. The Eagles safeties aren't built to stop runs; only one of them is over 200 lbs.
The Browns offense should run the read-option. As Mike Shanahan explained, in the pros, it's not intended to be a whole offensive system, but something you run 3-5 times a game.
Hue used it very sparingly in preseason, but it's sure to be in his toolbox with RG3 at the helm. As I learned from the linked article, it entails zone-blocking.
In this case, the playside offensive tackle will be set up to blast the defensive end outside and back (back because he is attacking already). The playside defensive tackle can screw things up if the guard can't pinch him inside...
Well it's a really good article. The Browns are libel to use Malcolm Johnson at fullback, and sometimes both Crowell and Duke in this game to blast and run over the safeties.
There should be a lot of Pistol and short drops, and quick timing passes; notably screens. Deeper drops play into the defense's hands in this case.
This is why Hue has been keeping RG3 in the pocket so much throughout preseason. This is why he has to improve on these skills. This particular defense isn't as vulnerable to his scrambling as other defenses are.
Hue being Hue, Drango might make a few appearances at tight end on the right side. We all know that the Browns right tackle will be in trouble in this matchup.
That's why the Browns will also be "predigdubbul" and try to run the ball early and often. They can attack these defensive ends and safeties with bigger people. Sometimes you have to do the obvious thing. Some coaches in the past kept getting in trouble trying to outsmart everybody.
Jim Schwartze is a smart guy, and sees this coming. It doesn't mean his guys will be able to stop Hue's guys, no matter what voodoo rituals or pep talks he uses.
Those quick passes need not all be short, either. Play-action has a great chance of working against undersized safeties with oversized run responsibilities, and nobody...no body...can cover Pryor over the top. Period.
Paul DePodesta gave Wentz bulletin board material, but he is still a rookie who has worked with the second team. A lot of experts disagree with DePodesta about this kid's ability, and being a Browns fan, I just can't help expecting yet another "star is born" episode here.
But if I'm right about the regular season pass rush being quite naturally improved, that won't happen...again...with this team and these coaches. Well it shouldn't. I don't think.
The Browns are actually the more talented team. Yes they are. And they should win.
Bill Livingston doesn't think so. While one would think that RG3 would be favored over a rookie quarterback, that's not the case due to the LACK OF WEAPONS AROUND HIM.
My God it never stops! Lack of weapons!? Killlll meeeeeeee
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