Put simply, the Cleveland Browns passing game is a mess. Halfway through the season, the Browns have had may opportunities to deliver an explosive passing attack to secure a win. And too many times, they have blown those opportunities. It is vital they fix the problem, or the passing game will be the biggest reason for the team’s downfall this season.
Cleveland Browns Passing Attack Has Regressed Into a Mess
Injuries are costing Cleveland game after game, and for a while, backups were enough to keep the wheels moving. Baker Mayfield’s torn labrum. Odell Beckham Jr.’s shoulder. Jarvis Landry’s knee. Kareem Hunt’s calf. Jedrick Wills’ ankle. Jack Conklin’s elbow. The Browns questionable passing attack now goes beyond the injuries.
The Passing Game Is Faltering Fast
It is widely believed that the Browns 2020 success was all because of an overpowering running game led by Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, plus an imposing offensive line. However, from Week 7 to 15, Cleveland had one of the league’s most efficient passing attacks. Mayfield ranked third in QBR behind only Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes. So far this season, he ranks 26th in QBR.
His shoulder injury is affecting his play, and his off-target rate now ranks 24th and his completion percentage, which was one of the NFL’s best pre-injury, is now 14th. In front of an offensive line that leads the league in pass block win rate, Mayfield has been sacked 22 times, the second-most of any AFC quarterback. Despite all the disappointing stats though, Mayfield is not the sole problem. Certainly not against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski can’t seem to repeat his 2020 Coach-of-the-Year performance. No doubt, he is still one the best head coaches Cleveland has ever had. But to the media, his frustration is evident. “We haven’t scored enough points the last few weeks. We have to look at it. We have to find ways to be explosive with the ball.” That should start with how he utilizes his receivers because the current plan is clearly not working.
Mayfield, Beckham, and Landry Are Not Syncing Up
Beckham was an expensive investment, brought in three off-seasons ago to light up the offense and be Mayfield’s favorite target. The opposite happened. After catching one pass for six yards Sunday, Beckham currently ranks 150th in the league in receptions per target, 136th in yards after the catch per reception and 31st in drop rate. The lack of production from this former Pro Bowl wideout is astounding.
Last year’s season-ending injury was unfortunate, but Kevin Stefanski still believes Beckham is dynamic. It’s not even entirely his fault. The team is passing it to him at the wrong moments. They force it to him when he’s covered, but don’t pass to him when he’s wide open. Other times, Beckham runs a route different to the one Mayfield is expecting, much like the moment when they both missed what should’ve been a game-clinching play against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday.
Meanwhile, receiver Landry dropped what would’ve been a first-down catch inside the Steelers 25-yard line. And after a roughing the passer penalty gifted the Browns the break they needed, Landry dropped another catchable pass on fourth-and-12, therefore clinching the Steelers victory.
Cleveland’s passing attack has severely fizzled out. The halfway point of the season is upon us, and it’s not too late to fix it. But fix it they must, and fast. Before they destroy what was expected to be another promising season.
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