The Browns have been one of the weaker teams in the league the past few years. This was due to a lack of effective coaching and leading the league in injuries, not necessarily because of talent. The offense and the defense are very balanced. The stronger areas within the team are the WR's and RB's on offense and the CB's on defense. TE would be a very strong position if Kellen Winslow II was healthy. Running play actions and completing short to moderate passes combined with a steady running approach is important to the Browns success. The offensive line finally is consistent after about five years of inconsistent play. The Browns don't have a T.O. or Moss but they do have WR's that are reliable (Edwards, Bryant, Northcutt). After a few running plays, hitting the TE (Miller or Heiden) on an out route or the speedy Northcutt on a fly (especially if the Safety comes up for run support) can open up big plays. The defensive line is average in talent and lacks depth, so injuries can really hurt the team. One or two blitzers are usually needed to stop the run or generate a decent pass rush. Blitzing early forcing the team to have a long down and distance setup is effective because it lets you play base 3-4 and hopefully force a punt. The middle linebacker Andra Davis is a great player. Also, Northcutt and Perkins are great at returning kicks while Dawson is a reliable kicker.
Get a lead and pound the ball on the weaker defensive line. Run play actions against the less experienced Safeties.
Strengths: Good depth at WR and RB. Good special teams players (KR, P, & K).
Weaknesses: Below average defensive line. Average LB's. Only rookies behind the starter at QB.
LB Andra Davis is one of the best players on the team. CB Gary Baxter can handle most WR's one on one. WR Dennis Northcutt is an average WR and a good KR with big play ability. WR Braylon Edwards (rookie) has great overall ability and can go up high for the ball. RB's Reuben Droughns, Lee Suggs, and William Green form a good stable of RB's with a lot of depth. FB Terrell Smith is a great lead blocker.
Offense: Denver - Shanahan Using balanced formations and focusing on short to moderate plays are most effective. Different variations of the I-Form allow the Browns to have their best talent on the field and works well with play action. Shotgun can work well as the Browns have a three good, but not great receivers. Running draw plays on second or third and log can be effective. Ensure you mix up your play calling to keep it balanced.
Defense: 3-4 Blitz early and often until you have the lead, then run a base 3-4 or Quarter to force the other team to be greedy and make a mistake. 4-3 isn't effective as the defensive line lacks depth.
