Film Study: How the Chiefs can beat the transitioning Browns
By Grant Tuttle
It’s been a strange week for the Browns. With the high-flying Chiefs coming to town, there is a lot to be done. Here is how K.C. can ensure a victory.
The Cleveland Browns continue their quest to fix the seemingly unfixable. With news of head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s firing, no one really knows what to expect this weekend from the team.
Will we see some kind magic from an uplifted Browns team like when Romeo Crennel took over in 2011 and the Chiefs beat a then-undefeated Packers in a wild home victory? Or will the Browns look more like, well, the Browns?
All I can say regarding the film in this study is what we have seen prior to the new era of coaches in Cleveland. For all we know, it could be completely changed this week. That being said, this is what Kansas City can do to defeat the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
Offensively:
For one reason or another, the Browns can’t seem to contain on running backs. Most of the time, it looks like lack of speed from sideline to sideline; However, it also has looked like they have been overpowered from time to time. Whatever the case, the Browns have looked consistently bad on runs and quick passes to the outside.
The Chiefs would be wise to run some quick-hitting passes to Kareem Hunt and Tyreek Hill. With a lack of ability to contain, the Chiefs could feast on the Browns defense.
Use their aggressiveness against them. (Watch)
The Browns defense as a whole has not been horrible. If the Browns have any consistency it is with their aggressiveness on defense. On this play, it is obvious that they are playing the run. For some reason, Jameis Winston does not audible out. Andy Reid loves to take advantage of aggressiveness, so I would expect quick screens and misdirection plays.
Look for outside matchups against cornerbacks. (Watch)
The Browns are inexperienced and lack depth at corner. Patrick Mahomes should be salivating at the idea of the deep pass to Tyreek Hill. Hill will likely wear down any corner that is assigned to him. If the Chiefs wanted to, they could run their receivers deep all game and win 50-80% of the time. Denzel Ward is a fine player, but young and inexperienced. Apart from him, it’s shakier.