The Cleveland Browns' Offensive Line Is Moving Them in the Right Direction

It was just three short months ago that the Cleveland Browns' offensive line was one of the biggest question marks of the upcoming season. It took just four regular-season games for the line to transform from something the team had to worry about to something the team can hang its hat on. The Browns’ big-uglies are one of the best units in the NFL.

In August the Browns had a rookie penciled in as one starting guard and a battle between a veteran journeyman and a tackle/guard hybrid for the other guard spot. The right tackle position was occupied by Mitchell Schwartz, who was among the worst at his position in the league last year.

The Browns were trying to rebound from a 2013 season where they ranked 23rd in the NFL in yards per rushing attempt and gave up the third-most sacks in the league. So how were the Browns going to fix this issue?

They brought in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and his zone-blocking scheme, clearly believing they fit the personnel on the roster better than the old scheme. It seemed the athleticism of Joe Thomas, Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz made a perfect fit to run his scheme.

They were also going to add a rookie. Second-round selection Joel Bitonio, who would be moving from tackle to guard, was going to save the day. The idea that a brand new system and a rookie guard were going to fix one of the worst lines in the NFL was certainly met with skepticism.

The fact that John Greco missed most of the beginning of training camp did nothing to ease the fears of those watching closely. Then guard Jason Pinkston was forced to miss another season after the blood clots in his lungs flared up once again. The Browns had spent the entire offseason trying to sign and draft depth on the line, and it was quickly dissipating.

During the beginning of training camp, it is almost impossible to accurately judge the offensive line. They basically play patty cake with the defensive line while the skill players show off their catching, running and throwing abilities. The trenches cannot be tested until they face opponents in different uniforms.

The line finally faced that test on August 9 against the Detroit Lions. The result left everyone more confused than before the game began. While they kept the quarterbacks clean and did not allow a sack, they only paved the way for 89 rushing yards and 3.2 yards per carry. The offense seemed out of sync and scored just 12 points. The line was also flagged for multiple penalties.

The next two games would have everyone sounding the panic alarms.

Against Washington and St. Louis, the line allowed nine sacks and was called for numerous penalties, which had everyone concerned. How would Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel be able to survive if the line cannot block for them or create opportunities in the run game?

Apparently, that wouldn’t be an issue. Sometime between the third preseason game and the second half of the Browns opener against Pittsburgh, the line figured out the scheme and jelled as a unit. The zone-blocking scheme, which the coaching staff swore was going to fit this personnel, was working to perfection.

Now, after the Browns have started 2-2 and are scoring 26 points per game, the line looks like it is among the elite in the NFL. The stats back up that statement.

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

The line has allowed just five sacks this season, which is tied for third-best in the NFL. They are blocking the way for 143 rushing yards per game, which is good for fourth in the league as well. Most importantly, they are allowing Hoyer enough time to survey defenses and not force bad passes. He has thrown just one interception.

Oh, and what about that rookie who was supposed to save the day?

“I’m just learning every day,” Bitonio told Kevin Jones of ClevelandBrowns.com. “From the beginning, I said I didn’t want to just just-a-guy, or just that rookie guard. I wanted other teams to know who I was on film. I think I’ve done a good job of that so far.”

Jones points out some very interesting stats about the Browns line after saying they may very well have the best line in the NFL.

• "The Browns have allowed 15 quarterback pressures in five games, the best in the league. By comparison, the San Diego Chargers have given up a league leading 69. The median number is 46."

• "Brian Hoyer has only been “hit” (not touched, but hit hard), two times. The only quarterback who’s stayed upright more is Ben Roethlisberger."

• "Hoyer has only been sacked five times and routinely has a clean pocket to throw from. The only fulltime starting quarterbacks with less are Drew Brees and Peyton Manning."

So while Hoyer and the offense are getting the praise and Pettine is having roses thrown at his feet, don’t forget the big fellas up front. After how poorly they played last season, they deserve a little recognition for their vast turnaround.

The Browns have become a nasty, run-first offense that sets up the pass with an aggressive rushing attack. That starts in the trenches, and very few, if any, are doing it better than the unit in Cleveland right now.