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

Below, we analyze the snap counts and stats on offense for the Cleveland Browns’ Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints.

• Like it or not, what you’ve seen with Tyrod Taylor over the first two games is basically the type of quarterback you are going to see as long as he is the starter. He was at his best on Sunday throwing over the middle. His mid-range passes to either sideline were below average. I also love judging a quarterback based on ball placement — i.e. how easy they make it for the receiver to effortlessly catch a pass in stride. He’s not very good at that.
• I still appreciate the confident presence that Taylor provides for Cleveland, but I’d be lying if I said the other part of my brain was already pondering when a switch to Baker Mayfield could be coming.

• This was very much the same type of distribution as last week for the running backs.
• If you would’ve told me that in two games, Duke Johnson only had 3 receptions, I would have started laughing to death in disbelief. But that is reality (although he did draw a pass interference flag in the end zone, setting up the Browns’ first touchdown).
• Nick Chubb had two good carries again. The offense seems to be in the middle of a good flow when he gets those touches over the first two weeks.

• The Browns stayed with a three-man receiving group after the late news about Josh Gordon. It seems like Jarvis Landry had more catches than he did.
• Two of Antonio Callaway’s catches came in the final two minutes of the game. The speed he showed on that fourth down touchdown to haul it in by his fingertips? Oh my god. It reminded me of when we first got excited about Josh Gordon way back in 2012.
• Rashard Higgins had a drop, but is still getting involved in the offense regularly.

• For the second week in a row, the Browns just aren’t able to connect with David Njoku for a downfield play that would make him worthy of being a first-round pick. This week, one playaction pass was designed to get him on the deep fade, but pressure forced Taylor to overthrow it. He also dropped a pass, and then was the intended target on Taylor’s interception in the fourth quarter.
• Darren Fells had a couple of catches on quick stick routes. Seth DeValve was out due to injury.

• The Browns allowed 3 sacks and 4 quarterback hits on the day. If I recall correctly, there was not a single false start or hold on the unit all game, and Taylor usually had plenty of time to throw.
• Per PFF, Joel Bitonio and Kevin Zeitler combined to allow zero pressures. They also said that Saints rookie DE Marcus Davenport “showed some promise” against rookie LT Desmond Harrison.