Editorial lBy Karl Kimbrough (pictured), Cleveland Urban News.Com Sports Writer
CLEVELAND, Ohio-After a losing 2011 NFL football season where the Cleveland Browns won only four out of 16 games, the coaches identified the offense as priority in building a winning team.
By using their first three picks in the 2011 NFL draft on offensive players and fourth and second round supplemental draft picks on wide receivers, the Browns began to reshape their offense. The first two draft picks in the first round were used to acquire a top rated running back and quarterback. So, after one quarter of the 2012 season has been played, have these picks helped the Browns?
If wins is the barometer, then the answer is a resounding no as the Browns have begun the season with four losses in a row. Last year the Browns averaged 13.6 points per game for the entire season: This year, through four games, they have averaged 18 points. So, Browns fans should be happy with this improvement right? Not so fast. Even though they average more points and even more yards passing, there is an alarming imbalance in rushing and passing attempts, making the team’s offense one dimensional. The Browns have been inconsistent in making first downs and maintaining drives. Trent Richardson, the Browns all American running back, only attempted three rushing plays in the second half of the game against the Baltimore Ravens and four times against the Buffalo Bills. In both games, the Browns trailed by seven points or less going into the second half.