Browns’ offensive snap counts, stats, and PFF notes: Week 16

Below, we analyze the snap counts and stats on offense for the Cleveland Browns’ Week 16 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

• Getting to see Baker Mayfield in person for the first time was a thing of beauty. This week, his specialty was getting the ball quick out to the sideline for eight yard routes. He has the arm strength to get it out there easily. One thing you really appreciate is his work in the red zone, putting the ball exactly where his tight ends needed it to use their size to secure a touchdown.
• Mayfield received the highest offensive grade (86.8) from PFF. PFF said “Mayfield went 10-of-12 for 150 yards and two touchdowns when blitzed, earning a perfect passer rating of 158.3 and an elite offensive grade (98.1).”

• Another thing I appreciated in person was the Browns’ running backs. Nick Chubb and Duke Johnson are just amazing — Chubb with his reads and power, and Johnson with his shiftiness that makes defenders miss over and over.
• Per PFF, Chubb gained 100 of his rushing yards after contact. He received a game grade of 83.8, while Johnson was second offensively with an 84.6. A couple of Johnson’s “catches” were pitches forward at the line of scrimmage that were more like runs. The Browns continue doing a good job of mixing Dontrell Hilliard into the mix too.

• It looks like Freddie Kitchens wants to make a habit of turning Jarvis Landry into a receiver, runner, and passer. It’s the second game this year that he has registered stats in each category. Early in the game, it was weird — he just wasn’t looking for the ball when Mayfield delivered it. He got it together, though, and his pass downfield was right on the button.
• No catches for Antonio Callaway, but Rashard Higgins was involved early and often — 6 catches, including a pretty catch-and-run with a dive over the pylon for six. He now has 4 touchdowns on the year and is on pace to surpass 500 yards despite missing several games.
• Breshad Perriman caught the deep ball by Landry, and with how he is playing, you have to wonder how in the world the Ravens couldn’t figure him out. Maybe he will burn them again on Sunday.

• I was at a game last year in which the Browns could’ve sealed the game with a catch by David Njoku against the Packers. It was ruled a first down, but replay overturned the call to a drop. We collapsed and lost the game. 2018 is a whole different year. This year, Njoku catches the ball and runs like a crazy guy almost to the end zone. He did make me nervous by not switching the ball to his left hand, which risked a fumble.
• Darren Fells did a nice job boxing out in the corner of the end zone for another touchdown catch. He now has three touchdowns on the year, tying a career-high.

• Get this: the Browns didn’t allow a sack or quarterback hit all game. Holy smokes.
• Per PFF, the Browns were first in pass-blocking efficiency (92.9) this week and only allowed six pressures all games.

Over the last six games, the Browns have the highest PBE (90.0) and have allowed just two sacks and zero quarterback hits.