Breaking Down Browns Touchdowns Against Bengals

The Cleveland Browns defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season with a dominant defensive performance. Though the offense started off slow, it began to click as the game went on. Here is a breakdown of Cleveland's touchdown plays from Sunday.

The Cleveland Browns offense took some time to get into a groove on Sunday but once they did, they were able to move the ball with ease. Kevin Stefanski had a nice day in regards to situational play calling that accumulated with two nicely designed and executed touchdown plays.

Deshaun Watson definitely looked rusty in the first half against the Bengals, consistently overthrowing and underthrowing multiple receivers. As the game went on he was able to string together some decent throws that helped keep the chains moving. Nick Chubb and the run game was fairly dominant as usual, especially when it comes to efficiency. The Browns averaged 6.7 yards per carry on the day across all rushing attempts. 

Both of Cleveland's touchdown plays were well designed and executed to perfection. Kevin Stefanski seemed to do a good job of sequencing plays that allowed him to achieve the defensive looks that he wanted.

1. Q1 0:22 on the clock

Images generated by GoArmy EDGE Application

This QB trap was an excellent play call by Kevin Stefanski in this area of the field. Not only was the defense lined up incorrectly in terms of defending this type of formation, but everybody on defense was sucked in to defend a potential screen to Jerome Ford.

Absolute perfection. 😍#Browns #DawgPound
pic.twitter.com/XJ5iuUcXGw

— Matt Wilson (@CoachWilson66) September 10, 2023

Analysis

The offensive linemen all stepped inside to prevent any type of interior pressure. Jedrick Wills did a good job of sealing the linebacker inside, while Wyatt Teller pulled and kicked out the play side defensive end. The backside quads alignment was successfully able to influence the defense into matching them, four on four.

Deshaun Watson took the ball up behind Wills' "down" block, and then bounced outside of Amari Cooper's block on the cornerback. He was completely untouched until he got to about the 1 yard line before falling into the endzone.

2. Q4 9:14 on the clock

Images generated by GoArmy EDGE Application

Cleveland used their Jumbo Package on the 3 yard line to run a beautiful play-action "Boot" design in which the tight ends blocked for a moment, and then released to run routes. This play was designed to force Cincinnati's defense to overload the box, not only with the formation but with the offensive personnel. Nick Harris and James Hudson lined up at fullback and tight end, respectively.

Excellent play design and call here by the #Browns. #DawgPound
pic.twitter.com/8lCEf7cL73

— Matt Wilson (@CoachWilson66) September 11, 2023

Analysis

The offensive line influenced the Bengals' front line and linebackers by jump-setting and pulling Joel Bitonio. This simple action prompted nine Cincinnati defenders to attack/rush downhill, including the defensive line. Nick Harris went into off-set motion to the left, and then blocked the attacking EDGE player. Nick Chubb then took a fake handoff up the middle from Watson. Both linebackers seemed to key on the movement of Nick Harris and Nick Chubb in the backfield, which caused them to step up before retreating to defend the pass.

All three of the tight ends pass blocked for a second before disengaging and running routes. Harrison Bryant ran a quick, rounded out route to the flat and Watson was able to hit him with a nicely placed ball.