Dawgs By Nature
An anemic offense needs its heroes
The Cleveland Browns were supposed to be good this year. Right?
All these offensive stars the franchise signed, a top defensive unit, a punter who can kick it over a pine tree, a kicker who consistently nails 50+ kicks, an exceptional long snapper, the reigning NFL Coach and Assistant Coaches of the Year, three Pro Bowl/All-Pro offensive linemen, an NFL All-Rookie Team offensive tackle, plus the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Through the first five games, the reality is one win and four losses with two of those losses being to bottom-third teams. This means the Browns are worse than the bad clubs that defeated them. Correct?
This vaulted offense has not lived up to its billing. A $230 million quarterback, four receivers taken in the first, second, and third rounds of the NFL draft, numerous accolades throughout the offensive line, a Pro Bowl tight end, and the eventual return of an All-World running back.
So far, none of the good stuff has returned from a team that won 11 games last year.
Cleveland is ranked 27th in passing and 26th in rushing. The Browns’ offense is the most sacked team in the league with 26, or averaging 5.2 per contest, and the most yards lost via sacks. Seven total touchdowns on offense. Fifth-worst completion percentage. Seventh-worst rushing yards. Third-worst points-per-game average at 15.8.
Needless to say, they are the author of their own misery. All this ineptness on the offensive side of the ball creates chances for other players to excel.
For instance, Browns punter Corey Bojorquez.
A great offense usually has elevated marks for its kicker. A high-flying offense is getting in a position to score frequently, and if they are not connecting in the end zone with touchdowns and subsequent PATs, it provides lots of field goal opportunities.
The exact opposite is true for punters.
Think about it: except for after a safety, the punter is brought out onto the field only when the offense has failed.
This Browns offense this year has struggled mightily. It starts with the offensive line which has been in a state of using Band-Aids even before its first game. The quarterback has been running for his life which has affected his overall play. The running game is non-existent no matter who gets the carry, while the tight end group has been invisible. Only WR Amari Cooper and WR Jerry Jeudy have had decent production, but that has not been consistent with either player.
So, trot out the punter. Again. And again.
Has anyone paid any attention to how Bojorquez has been doing with all of his activity? Oh sure, you noticed that 84-yard punt against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. Or that punt that he nailed at the one-yard line that then skipped out at the two in the fourth quarter of the Jacksonville Jaguars game. Or his incredible game against the Washington Commanders. Notice he dropped five kicks inside the 20...
