Through two games. the Browns are 17th in yards gained per game. Statistically, that's a vast improvement from last season, when they were dead last in yards gained.
However, the Browns are just 24th in points, with 14 in each of their first two games of the season. Most importantly, none have come after halftime.
Overall, I'm left with the sense that the Browns, while less vulnerable on offense than they were last season, are going to be battling all year to sustain their offensive production for 60 minutes. Splash plays, though they have occurred this season, will likely be few. They are usually going to have to string drives together, making efficient, mistake-free football a must. And they must be better in the second halves of games to have a chance, lest their defense be overworked.
As I consider the Browns' issues, I can't help but think of the last game we saw in Week Two.
If you watched the end of Saints-49ers on Monday night, you saw both offenses finish the game with impressive, eye-catching drives. San Francisco marched 82 yards in just eight plays in only 53 seconds to tie the game only to have New Orleans get in range for the game-winning field goal with a seven-play, 51-yard drive with in the final minute and 19 seconds.
The drives highlighted the brilliance of Saints QB Drew Brees and the potential of 49ers QB Alex Smith. The confidence of both offenses was also striking. New Orleans' attack has shown it can pick teams apart, and San Francisco's, at its best, may be capable of that. The 49ers have weapons in the passing game and a strong running game. They also have an improved offensive line. Most importantly, they have a quarterback who may be finding his way.
The Browns have tried to find a young quarterback to lead the offense for years, a la Smith and have struggled to do so; no need to go over that again. Perhaps Colt McCoy can be that player, but he's the third-string quarterback right now. At present, the Browns will go with Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, who have each had their moments in these first two games but have each thrown terrible interceptions.
And this is an attack with little margin for error. Blaming just the quarterbacks for this is a mistake. The Browns have multiple contributors at wide receiver, tight end and running back but no stars. Perhaps WR Joshua Cribbs can become that sort of player on offense; he had a 65-yard TD catch in Week Two. He had just one carry out of the "Wildcat," a package head coach Eric Mangini said the team should have used more against the Chiefs.
Increasing the number of direct snaps Cribbs takes on offense isn't a cure-all, but the package can be effective, as Cribbs showed in the memorable upset of Pittsburgh last year. On the one hand, it's good that Mangini and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll are in agreement the "Wildcat" (or "flash," as it is sometimes referred to in reference to Cleveland) package should have used more against the Chiefs. On the other hand, Cribbs is the Browns' most dangerous player with the ball in his hands, and when the conditions are right for him to be used more on offense, the coaching staff needs to recognize it quickly.
Success for the Browns' offense will be a series of small steps forward. Big leaps will be few. Missteps will be extra costly, as we have already seen.