Browns Have Mindset on Offense with Rob Chudzinksi

The Cleveland Browns offense has been anemic since their 2007 campaign when they finished No. 8 in total offense. Not coincidentally, that was the last time the Browns had a winning record. So while the hiring of Rob Chudzinski as head coach may not have created the buzz that big name coaches such as Chip Kelly or Lovie Smith would have, “Chud” may be exactly what the Browns need to turn their fortunes around.

            Chudzinski was actually the offensive coordinator of the Browns squad that finished 10-6 and sent four offensive players to the Pro Bowl in 2007. After the Browns wavered to a 4-12 finish in 2008, management decided to clean house, firing then head coach Romeo Crennel, along with his coordinators, which meant “Chud” had to find a new job. Chudzinski spent 2009 and 2010 in San Diego as a tight ends coach, before being hired by the Carolina Panthers to be their offensive coordinator in 2011.

            In Chudzinski’s first season as the Panthers offensive coordinator, he was able to lead a turnaround for the Panthers offense as Carolina set team records for total yards (6,237) and first downs (345) one year after experiencing franchise lows in both categories. The Panthers also scored 48 touchdowns in 2011, second most in franchise history, a year after the team recorded a franchise low (17) in touchdowns. The Panthers led the league with 90 plays of 20 yards or more, finishing 7^th in total offense. This past season, the Panthers finished 12^th in total offense, despite the early season struggles of QB Cam Newton.

Rob Chudzinski success in Carolina helped him become the new head coach for the Browns. (AP)

            The hiring of Chudzinki should give the Browns fan base some hope, especially given their reason woes on offense. In the past five seasons, the Browns have ranked 30th (2008), 29th (2009), 31st (2010), 30th (2011) and 24th (2012) in total offense, proving they needed an overhaul on that side of the ball. “Chud” is not the only coach who will have a positive impact on the Browns offense this upcoming season as the team announced the addition of Norv Turner to the coaching staff yesterday. He will become the team’s new offensive coordinator.

            While Norv Turner has been a mediocre head coach, posting a 114-221-1 career record, he has thrived as an offensive coordinator as he has a reputation for being one of the best play-callers in the NFL. He had stints as an offensive coordinator in San Francisco (2006), Miami (2002-03), San Diego (2001) and Dallas (1991-93) recently. Turner’s system has produced the NFL’s league leading rusher five times through three different players via Emmitt Smith (1991-1993 for the Cowboys), Ricky Williams (2002 for the Dolphins) and LaDainian Tomlinson (2007 with the Chargers). This should be music for the ears of current running back Trent Richardson. Richardson ran for 950 yards and scored 11 rushing touchdowns in 15 games this past season. The Browns rookie was able to put up these impressive numbers, despite playing with broken ribs for nine games this season. Richardson has the potential to be a top five running back in the very near future (possibly next year) and he will likely succeed under the offensive system of Turner.

            Turner’s resume speaks for itself as he led the Dallas Cowboys to consecutive Super Bowl wins as offensive coordinator in 1992 and 1993. Turner is great at developing young quarterbacks, his most recent success came in San Diego where he developed Philip Rivers. Rivers was regarded as one of the top 10 ten best quarterbacks in the league before struggling mightily these past two seasons. The porous play of Rivers could be attributed to losing talent (Vincent Jackson and Darren Sproles) over the past two years, while also having to deal with one of the leagues’ worst offensive lines. Therefore, Turner should be not criticized for Rivers declined play these past couple of years.

            Norv Turner is known for downfield passing with his quarterbacks and that could play  to the strengths of Brandon Weeden. Weeden has a strong arm and showed some signs of being a decent quarterback this season. But he will have to read defenses better this season. Turner will need to help improve Weeden’s play if the Browns are to succeed offensively.

Norv Turner helped launch the career of Philip Rivers. Can he do the same for Brandon Weeden? (AP)

            The Browns do have some weapons for Turner to work with. As previously mentioned, Richardson is a beast who could shine in Turner’s system that has a knack for producing some of the best backs in the game. Rookie wide receiver Josh Gordon could fit in perfectly to Turner’s big-play offense as he averaged 16.1 yards per reception in his first year in the league. Wide receiver Greg Little also has talent but over the course of his two year NFL career, he has dropped way too many passes and has not shown a great mental capacity on the field.  Turner has a talented offensive line that features left tackle Joe Thomas and center Alex Mack. Still, the Browns lack of talent at the play-making positions is a cause for concern. The Browns may look to free agency to solve their issues at tight end and wide receiver. Overall though, the Browns ability to turn the corner will hinge on whether or not Turner can develop Weeden into a top-notch quarterback, which is a major question mark.

            The Browns may not have been able to reel in Chip Kelly or lure Bill Cowher out of retirement but the franchise may have hit jackpot  with offensive minded “Chud” and Turner. Cleveland’s offense has a chance to drastically improve in the future and for a team that has ranked in the bottom five in total offense the past five years, these hirings should at least provide hope going forward.