CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns’ offense is built on a foundation that suddenly appears to be crumbling beneath their feet. After a disappointing showing against Cincinnati, their inability to establish a dominant run game has exposed a potentially fatal flaw in their offensive philosophy as they prepare to face Baltimore’s fearsome defense.
In the latest Orange and Brown Talk podcast, Browns film analyst Lance Reisland identified the core problem after reviewing the game film: “That was my big disappointment, which I think will improve. They just didn’t vertically move anybody off the football. And when you don’t move people off the football, then you can play two high safeties and you don’t have enough talent to necessarily go win everything at the catch point, things like that.”
This fundamental failure to create movement at the line of scrimmage isn’t just a minor concern — it threatens the entire identity of the Browns’ offense. Without a reliable run game, the defense can commit more resources to stopping the pass, making the offense predictable and one-dimensional.
The issue goes beyond just physical dominance. Reisland’s film analysis revealed deeper problems: “The struggle in the run game came down to the offensive line missing assignments on the second level, which I’m seeing a lot on film, which they’ll get corrected. Different fronts, they’re blocking wrong linebackers, in my opinion, and then physically moving guys against their will.”
These mental errors are particularly concerning given the experience on Cleveland’s offensive line. When veterans are missing assignments, it suggests communication issues that can’t be fixed overnight.
The timing couldn’t be worse. After struggling against a Bengals defense that many consider subpar, the Browns now face a Ravens unit that promises to be much more formidable. Podcast host Dan Labbe expressed serious concern about the potential consequences: “All of that said about Joe (Flacco), I’m very worried about what’s going to happen to Joe Flacco against, against this Ravens defense, especially if the Browns can’t run the football. I really think that Bengals defense is awful, like bad ... I think this Ravens defense, it’s like varsity vs. JV (compared to the Bengals defense). I think this is, this is a whole different level.”
Without former running back Nick Chubb’s ability to create something from nothing, the Browns must rely on their offensive line to create lanes for whoever is carrying the ball. Against Cincinnati, they failed that test. The question now becomes whether the possible return of rookie Quinshon Judkins might provide a spark, or if the problems run deeper than just who’s carrying the football.
As Cleveland prepares for Baltimore, fixing the run game isn’t just about establishing offensive balance — it’s about protecting Joe Flacco and giving the offense a fighting chance. The difference between the Bengals’ defense and what the Ravens will bring is stark. If the Browns couldn’t move Cincinnati’s front, what hope do they have against Baltimore’s?
Want to see if the Browns can resurrect their run game against one of the league’s most physical defenses? Tune in Sunday to witness whether Cleveland’s offensive line can rise to what might be their toughest challenge of the season.
Here’s the podcast for this week:
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