| Trent Richardson and the Cleveland ground game haven't gotten the job done, which is a big part of why the Browns are in last place in the AFC North at 1-6. (US Presswire) |
Some statistics don't lie. Those compiled by the Browns running attack tell the ugly truth.
Their average of 3.8 yards per carry ranks 23rd in the NFL. Their 79.1 yards on the ground per game ranks 30th.
Making matters worse, featured back Trent Richardson is slowed with a rib injury. He's averaging 2.8 yards a carry aside from his 109-yard performance in Week 2 in Cincinnati. He has been criticized for dancing in the backfield rather than attacking the holes. But the offensive line has been far better in pass protection than run blocking.
It all adds up to an offensive deficiency that the Browns (1-6) aren't talented or experienced enough to overcome. Richardson managed just eight yards on eight carries Sunday in Indianapolis. Those numbers played a huge role in the 17-13 defeat to the Colts (3-3).
"It could be one thing or one guy, whether it's an assignment or a technique issue," said left guard John Greco, who has replaced Jason Pinkston (blood clot) as the starter. "If one piece is missing, it screws up the whole thing. We have to keep working on it to give guys room to run."
The inability to run might have played a role in coach Pat Shurmur making the most controversial decision of the game. He called for a punt on fourth and 1 on the Indianapolis 41-yard line with six minutes remaining. The Browns got the ball back two minutes later but failed to move it.
Greco was asked if it was a slap in the face to the offensive line to eschew a play from scrimmage for a punt in that situation, but he said he simply accepts whatever the coach decides.
"We want to go for it on fourth and 1 on our own 15-yard line," he said. "That's just our mindset."
Shurmur didn't point the finger when assessing the stalled ground attack.
"We need to be better," he said. "Rushing yards is a team thing. It's a combination of things we need to get better at. I think we can be effective running the football. We need to do a better job. We need to call better plays, run better, block better. I wish I could give you some theorem."
Upon further review: Kick coverage specialist Ray Ventrone said he has never been called for a hold on a return in eight years. That is, until Sunday, when he was called twice.
The two penalties played a significant role in the poor field position the Browns were saddled with most of the game. Ventrone stressed after the game his contention that neither call was correct. He reiterated that after watching the tape on Monday.
"It's what I thought it was," he said. "It was looking clear to me and to the coaches that they were good blocks. The (Colts player) came into me sideways, turned and threw his arms into the air. It was a [sell job]."
Ventrone added that the Browns have sent film of both plays to the league office.
"I didn't feel like I held," he said. "After seeing the tape, I know I didn't hold."
Taylor ready to return: An inconsistent run defense coming off one of its worst games is about to get a boost. Shurmur said tackle Phil Taylor will return to practice this week. Taylor has been missing all season after undergoing pectoral surgery.
It remains to be seen, however, how soon Taylor can return to game action.
Shurmur praises Gordon: Rookie WR Josh Gordon took blame for the defeat on Sunday. His drop in the end zone cost a touchdown that would have given the Browns the lead with six minutes remaining.
"He's a full-grown man who knows what's going on and is hard on himself," Shurmur said. "That tells me he's got a chance to improve, and we've seen great improvement from him. ... It pleases me to know, just as I take responsibility when things don't go right, that he's man enough to say, 'I screwed that up.' It's the first part of the learning process -- finding a solution, working to get better and not being willing to deflect things. No excuses."
Gordon did catch a touchdown pass from QB Brandon Weeden in the third quarter, his fourth in the past three games.
Stay dialed in on the Cleveland Browns on Twitter at @CBSBrowns throughout the season with on-site updates from CBSSports.com RapidReports correspondent Marty Gitlin.