Browns’ offensive snap counts, stats, and PFF notes: Preseason Week 2

Below, we analyze the snap counts and stats on offense for the Cleveland Browns’ Week 2 preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.

• Unlike the first preseason game, the preseason home opener against Buffalo wasn’t a banner day for the quarterbacks, despite a strong running game to work with. One thing I like to think about in the preseason, though, is “what did we try and repeatedly fail at in this game, so we know to work on in better in the coming week?
• Last week, it was the running game that needed work. This week, it was the timing and blocking of wide receiver screen passes, which led to several penalties that assisted in killing drive. Baker Mayfield had a touchdown pass taken off the board.
• Drew Stanton got a little bit of work at the end of the game, but could not complete a pass in four attempts.
• PFF says “Taylor didn’t really test any throws downfield, while Mayfield had a decent outing as he protected the ball and made a few nice plays with both his arm and his feet.”

• Now that is more like it!
• All three of the Browns’ top running backs averaged 4.8 yards per carry. I predicted a heavy emphasis on Carlos Hyde this week, and that is what we saw: 9 carries for 64 yards. He and rookie Nick Chubb had a touchdown.
• Duke Johnson nearly had his own touchdown on a nifty run, but was tripped up by the turf monster. Cleveland is hiding their usage of him as a receiver at the moment.

• Considering Tyrod Taylor only connected on 4 passes, it is no surprise that Jarvis Landry went without a catch despite playing 23 snaps.
• Overall, it was an uneventful day for the receivers. I like how Rashard Higgins seems to have a good knack for being in the right spot just as the quarterback’s clock is ticking down. Antonio Callaway’s lone touch came on a reverse.
• After not playing last week, Jeff Janis played 11 snaps. He was targeted 4 times, but did not catch a pass. His stock is dropping a bit.

• Much like the receivers, it was an uneventful evening for the tight ends. Darren Fells had a catch near the goal line to set up Cleveland’s first score. Hard Knocks hero Devon Cajuste had the longest catch of the day for the Browns at 26 yards.

• The Browns’ offensive line allowed 2 sacks.
• Spencer Drango and Austin Corbett played the entire game.