Cleveland Browns: The Need for an Intense Offense

The Cleveland Browns have hired a new coach, hopefully one that understands the need for an explosive offense.

There are many needs that must be addressed before the Browns can be considered a playoff contender, on offense and defense.

Browns quarterback Colt McCoy has shown many tangibles that are well suited to the west coast offense. Peyton Hillis has proven to be an effective and punishing running back while Ben Watson can be considered a clutch tight end.

Playing in a division that features powerful and punishing defenses, like those of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, demands a highly talented and intense offense, something the Browns do not possess.

The latter part of the season exposed an offense that could quickly become one-dimensional, even when facing less-than-stellar defenses.

The signing of quarterback Jarrett Brown, a young man with what many consider a strong arm is an improvement. With Seneca Wallace becoming a free agent, it is possible that Brown could be groomed into a backup quarterback with the ability to run the wildcat.

Wide receiver is another position that needs to be addressed via free agency, or if need be, the draft. If  Watson and Hillis are on the sideline, Cleveland has little, if any, passing attack. The need for talented receivers was exposed quickly when the running game was halted.

The offensive line had its own share of problems when facing a good defensive line. McCoy had little time in the pocket, was hurried and relied heavily on his scrambling ability. In order for any offense to be productive, the offensive line must hold long enough for the play to develop. On numerous occasions, the Browns offensive line was pushed back and collapsed repeatedly.

Hopefully, the Browns' new coach will be offensively minded. Given Mike Holmgren's background, one can expect such.

Whether Colt McCoy is the answer Cleveland fans have been waiting for is still unanswered. Holmgren comes from a coaching "tree" philosophy that stresses the west coast offense or a spin-off of it. A student of the pass-first theory, expect Holmgren to hire a coach with the same thoughts, a coach who's primary thought is offensive improvement.

The Steelers and Ravens, both in the playoffs, are examples of one philosophy.

Defense wins games, provided you have an offense that can score!

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