Today, “Football Numbers” examines the stats behind the Cleveland Browns offseason and what they need to do going forward. “Football Numbers” examines the compelling numbers in the NFL. Follow the column on Twitter @nflnumbers
4
Number of rushing touchdowns the Browns totaled in 2013, worst in the league. Not only did Cleveland running backs struggle to find the end zone, but they also were just plain bad. The Browns’ leading rusher, Willis McGahee, ran for only 377 yards. You might be thinking, Well it’s there own fault for trading Trent Richardson. Actually, Richardson was even worse as a Colt—his yards/carry average was an atrocious 2.9. The Browns would be smart to target a back early in free agency. LeGarrette Blount averaged five yards per carry and also scored seven touchdowns; considering the Patriots’ abundance of free agents, he could be lured away from New England pretty easily.
681
Number of passing attempts by Cleveland quarterbacks, most in the NFL. It makes sense that teams like Denver (675 attempts), Atlanta (659 attempts), and New Orleans (651 attempts) passed the ball a lot in 2013 because they each have top-tier quarterbacks. But Cleveland? Come on. Jason Campbell, Brandon Weeden, and Brian Hoyer are nowhere near the likes of Peyton Manning, Matt Ryan, and Drew Brees. It is paramount that the Browns’ offense becomes more balanced in 2014. Converting at least 100 of these passing attempts into rushes would benefit the team greatly, especially if a guy like Blount, Ben Tate, or Maurice Jones-Drew was the one taking the ball.
10
Number of draft picks the Browns currently hold in the 2014 draft. That includes two picks in the first, third, and fourth rounds. What Cleveland does with this wealth of selections will shape the team’s future for the next few years and beyond. Rumors of the Browns taking Johnny Manziel are abundant, but what if the Texans or Jaguars nab him first? And what about Clemson’s Sammy Watkins? He would be the perfect fit to play opposite Josh Gordon. Or, the Browns could trade that other first round pick. Cleveland has more options in this year’s draft than any other team, but with great opportunity comes the great responsibility to make good decisions.
5
Number of seasons since 2006 in which D’Qwell Jackson has led the team in tackles. Cleveland will have to get used to life without the standout linebacker in 2014, as Jackson has made it clear he will not return to the team. To fill the void, there are several directions the Browns could go. If they want to bolster their run defense, Brandon Spikes would be a good fit. Or, if the Browns decide to strengthen their pass defense, they could draft linebacker C.J. Mosley out of Alabama with their other first round pick.
3
Number of games Brian Hoyer started in 2013. Not coincidentally, the Browns won each of these games. Hoyer’s stats—615 yards, 59.4% completion rate, 5 touchdowns, 3 picks—aren’t especially impressive, but the guy knows how to win. Before tearing his ACL early in his third start against the Bills, Hoyer led the Browns to a thrilling victory over the Vikings and then an upset over the Bengals. The former Patriot spent several years as Tom Brady’s backup, so he has a winning background. If the Browns don’t get their guy in the draft—whether that guy is Johnny Manziel, Derek Carr, or Teddy Bridgewater—Hoyer should be the starter in Week 1, no doubt.
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