Browns passing offense hasn’t been clicking but receivers are getting open
The Cleveland Browns passing offense has not been very good this year. Unfortunately, figuring out blame in the NFL can be very difficult. So far, QB Deshaun Watson played horribly in Week 1 and adequate in Week 2, the offensive line has not been good, pass catchers have dropped too many passes and a few play calls from Kevin Stefanski were questionable.
Penalties have also killed the Browns.
WR Amari Cooper is having one of the worst two-game stretches of his career, if OL James Hudson III held a block for a second Watson would have another big play touchdown on his resume and fewer drops would make Stefanski look better as well.
Interestingly enough, Watson’s group of receivers, including newcomer Jerry Jeudy who played well in Week 2, are the third best at creating separation from defenders so far this season:
Average separation generated for a QB so far in 2024 along with their accuracy rates pic.twitter.com/p2C8oAa3Tc
— Jrfortgang (@throwthedamball) September 18, 2024
Obviously the other side of the graph notes that Watson has not been accurate (true) but does not take into account one of the worst pass-blocking units (27th according to Pro Football Focus) in the league.
As noted in the beginning, blame is tough to pin down but at least receivers are getting open. That means when the offensive line solidifies and Watson finds his footing (assuming both of those as “when” not “if”), the passing game will have a lot of options and a lot of explosive plays.
Are you surprised at how open the Browns receivers have been this year compared to the rest of the league?