Video Analysis Spotlights Weaknesses of the Cleveland Browns

In the NFL, video analysis is a cornerstone of evaluating team performance—uncovering subtle flaws that might go unnoticed during live games. For the Cleveland Browns, recent deep dives into game film by analysts, coaches, and football experts have shed light on critical weaknesses that have held the team back this season. From offensive line inconsistencies to defensive lapses in run support, these video breakdowns don’t just highlight problems; they provide concrete examples of where the Browns are falling short. Video Analysis Spotlights Weaknesses of the Cleveland Browns explores the key issues uncovered by this film study, how they’ve impacted the team’s record, and what adjustments are needed to address them.

Video Analysis Spotlights Weaknesses of the Cleveland Browns begins with offensive line protection—blind-side vulnerabilities. One of the most glaring issues revealed by video analysis is the Browns’ struggling offensive line, particularly when protecting quarterback Deshaun Watson’s blind side. Film from the last five games shows that left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. has allowed 12 pressures and 4 sacks, often struggling to handle fast edge rushers. Analysts point to Wills’ inconsistent footwork: in breakdowns of his matchups against the Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson and Steelers’ T.J. Watt, Wills is repeatedly caught overcommitting to one direction, leaving gaps for rushers to exploit. The problem isn’t limited to Wills, either—video shows the entire line struggles with communication on blitzes, leading to unblocked defenders sneaking through to pressure Watson. “The offensive line’s issues are systemic, not just individual,” said a former NFL offensive lineman who analyzed the film. “They’re not adjusting to defensive schemes quickly enough, and that’s putting Watson in danger and derailing the passing game.” This weakness has forced the Browns to rely more on short passes, limiting their ability to stretch the field.

A critical defensive weakness highlighted by video analysis is run defense gaps—exploited by opposing backs. While the Browns’ defense has shown flashes of strength in pass rushing, film breakdowns reveal a persistent problem in stopping the run: inconsistent gap control by linebackers and defensive linemen. In losses to the Steelers and Ravens, video shows that the Browns’ defensive front often fails to plug the “A-gaps” (between center and guards) and “B-gaps” (between guards and tackles), allowing running backs like Najee Harris and Lamar Jackson to find large holes. Analysts note that linebackers Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Anthony Walker Jr. are frequently out of position, overpursuing plays and leaving gaps uncovered. For example, in a key play from the Steelers game, Harris rushed for 18 yards after Walker overran the play, leaving the A-gap wide open. “Run defense is about discipline, and the Browns’ linebackers lack that right now,” said a defensive analyst. “Opposing teams are watching the same film we are, and they’re targeting these gaps every game.” This weakness has allowed opponents to control the clock, keeping the Browns’ offense off the field for long stretches.

Video Analysis Spotlights Weaknesses of the Cleveland Browns also includes red-zone inefficiency—wasting scoring opportunities for the Cleveland Browns. For the Cleveland Browns, video analysis has exposed a frustrating trend: the offense struggles to convert red-zone trips into touchdowns, often settling for field goals. Film from the last seven games shows the Browns have a red-zone touchdown rate of just 42%, well below the league average of 56%. Breakdowns reveal two main issues: predictable playcalling and poor execution. In the red zone, the Browns rely heavily on run plays up the middle, which defenses have learned to stop—video shows opposing defensive lines stacking the box on 70% of Browns’ red-zone runs, limiting gains to 2 yards or less. When they do pass, Watson is often forced to throw into tight coverage, as the offense fails to create open receivers. For example, in a recent game against the Cardinals, the Browns had three red-zone trips and scored just one touchdown, with two drives ending in missed throws by Watson due to lack of open targets. “The red zone is where good teams separate themselves, and the Browns are falling short,” said an offensive analyst. “Their playcalling is too easy to predict, and defenses are capitalizing.” For the Cleveland Browns, this inefficiency has cost them at least four games this season, as they’ve lost by three points or fewer in each case.

Another weakness uncovered by video analysis is third-down conversion struggles—stalling drives for the Cleveland Browns. The Browns’ inability to convert third downs has been a season-long issue, and video analysis explains why: a mix of poor route running by receivers and inconsistent decision-making by Watson. Film shows that on third-and-medium (4-6 yards) and third-and-long (7+ yards), receivers often fail to create separation from defenders—either running imprecise routes or hesitating at the break point. In one breakdown from the Jaguars game, wide receiver Elijah Moore ran a slant route that was 2 yards off target, forcing Watson to throw the ball away on third-and-5. Watson isn’t without blame, either—video shows he sometimes holds the ball too long on third down, leading to sacks or rushed throws. The Browns’ third-down conversion rate is 34%, ranking 26th in the NFL, and video analysis makes it clear that execution is the main issue. “Third downs are about precision, and the Browns aren’t executing,” said a former NFL quarterback. “Receivers need to run crisper routes, and Watson needs to make faster decisions.” For the Cleveland Browns, these failed third downs have led to short drives, preventing the offense from building momentum and putting pressure on opposing defenses.

Video Analysis Spotlights Weaknesses of the Cleveland Browns also highlights special teams coverage lapses—giving up big plays for the Cleveland Browns. While special teams often gets less attention, video analysis has shown that the Browns’ coverage units have significant weaknesses, particularly on kickoff and punt returns. Film from the last six games shows the Browns have allowed four returns of 30+ yards, including a 75-yard punt return touchdown against the Texans. Breakdowns reveal that coverage players are often out of position, failing to maintain their lanes or take proper angles to tackle returners. In the Texans game, video shows two Browns special teams players missed tackles on the returner, allowing him to break free down the sideline. The issue isn’t just tackling, either—video shows the Browns’ blocking on their own returns is inconsistent, limiting their ability to gain yards and set up good field position. “Special teams can swing a game, and the Browns’ coverage lapses are costing them,” said a special teams analyst. “They’re not fundamentally sound, and it’s showing in big plays against them.” For the Cleveland Browns, these special teams mistakes have given opponents easy scoring opportunities, further hurting their chances of winning close games.

Video Analysis Spotlights Weaknesses of the Cleveland Browns wraps up with the path to improvement—learning from film. The good news for the Browns is that video analysis doesn’t just highlight weaknesses; it also points to solutions. For the offensive line, coaches can use film to correct Wills’ footwork and improve communication on blitzes. For the run defense, linebackers can study film to fix gap-control issues and learn to avoid overpursuing plays. In the red zone, the offense can use film to diversify playcalling, adding more misdirection plays and target-specific routes to create open receivers. “Film is a tool for growth, and the Browns have to use it,” said a NFL coaching consultant. “Every weakness we see in the video is fixable—they just need to put in the work to correct it.” For the Cleveland Browns, addressing these film-revealed weaknesses is essential if they want to turn their season around and compete for a playoff spot in the future. Video analysis has given them a roadmap—now it’s up to the team to follow it.