Eyes on the QB, but Browns' focus is on the run

The media focus on the Cleveland Browns will once again be on Johnny Manziel and the quarterback situation in 2015. However, internally, the Browns are focused on their run-first offensive system to compete in the AFC North. Though the Browns may have the top secondary in the division, their pass rush could hold them back from becoming a shutdown unit.

Offensive Breakdown

Eyes on QBs, but focus on the run

Just as in 2014, the Cleveland Browns enter the season with Johnny Manziel as their backup quarterback. And much like in 2014, many fans are itching to see what Manziel can do as a starter – though this time with the knowledge of Manziel’s disastrous rookie year.

After entering a rehabilitation facility in the offseason and vowing to recommit himself to football, Manziel will continue to earn headlines a sideshow for the Browns. Yet, whether or not he eventually wrestles the job from veteran Josh McCown, the Browns offence will focus on running the football in 2015.

Armed with depth between second-year pros Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West, and third-round pick Duke Johnson, the Browns have enough capable bodies to keep each player fresh throughout games and withstand injury. West and Crowell each topped 600 yards while splitting starts last season. West held the slight lead in yardage with 673 to Crowell’s 607, but Crowell posted eight touchdowns to West’s four.

One reason for the Browns leaning on the run this season is the strength of their offensive line. Left tackle Joe Thomas and centre Alex Mack each earned Pro Bowl nods in 2014, while Joel Bitonio excelled in his first professional season. The team also bolstered their line with the addition of Cameron Erving in the first round of May’s draft. Irving, a centre at Florida State, is competing to start at right guard, where John Greco started in 2014.

Another reason for the Browns leaning on the run? Their weak receiving corps.

With Josh Gordon suspended for the entire season and tight end Jordan Cameron now in Miami, the Browns will use the veteran combination of Brian Hartline, Dwayne Bowe and Andrew Hawkins to employ the starting roles.

Both Hartline and Bowe joined the team as free agents, while Hawkins led the Browns with 824 yards.