Run-heavy plan faces bigger test vs. Browns
From the day David Culley was hired as the Texans’ new head coach, he’s never tried to conceal his formula for winning.
Culley never predicted a record in his first season, of course, but he’s never deviated from the plan he devised in conjunction with general manager Nick Caserio and the coordinators. And for one game at least, that plan worked to perfection in Sunday’s 37-21 victory over Jacksonville. Now comes a much more difficult challenge at Cleveland.
Culley, offensive coordinator Tim Kelly and defensive coordinator Lovie Smith earned a lot of well-deserved praise from their players after the 16-point conquest
of Jacksonville, a three-point favorite. They won’t give away any secrets about their game plan for the Browns, but their strategy is tried and true if they can pull it off.
Culley wants Kelly to emphasize the running game like he did against the Jaguars. Run the ball early and often, build a lead, and run it some more. Pound the ball between the tackles and try to wear down the defense and control the clock.
The more effectively the Texans run it, the better it is for quarterback Tyrod Taylor. With the defense worried about the run, Kelly can take advantage of Taylor’s strengths throwing and running. His mobility helps him avoid the rush and enables him to throw on the run.
And most important, of course, is to avoid turnovers. The Texans didn’t have one against Jacksonville, finishing plus-3 in turnover differential.
Ideally, Kelly’s strategy keeps Smith’s defense on the bench, and when the players return to the field, they’re fresh and better able to contain the run and pressure the passer.
“I felt like heading into (the Jacksonville) game, coach Kelly had a great game plan, and we executed it,” center Justin Britt said.
As one of Caserio’s first freeagent signings in March, Britt has been a strong proponent of having a consistently productive running game. The players prefer to fire off the ball and hit the defensive player across from them. Flanking Britt were left tackle Laremy Tunsil, left guard Tytus Howard, right guard Max Scharping and right tackle Marcus Cannon. Offensive tackle Geron Christian Sr. and guard Justin McCray also got playing time against the Jaguars and helped the Texans rush for 160 yards and control the ball for 35:04.
“Having those guys with the backs we have, we hold ourselves to a high standard,” Britt said. “It wasn’t perfect. We have a lot to clean up, but it was definitely a great start to the season.”
The Texans are 12½-point underdogs against the Browns, who suffered a tough loss at Kansas
City. Cleveland has a similar offensive approach as the Texans. Because the weather can be horrendous in their stadium next to Lake Erie — as it was in the Texans’ 10-7 loss in 2020 — the Browns must have a strong running game. And they have one with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. The team that’s able to execute its game plan the best should win the game, and that strategy starts with the linemen and backs.
Defensively, the Texans have to stop the run, pressure quarterback Baker Mayfield, and get takeaways. Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves, safety Justin Reid and linebacker Christian Kirksey intercepted Jacksonville rookie Trevor Lawrence. Smith likes to rotate his linemen depending on down and distance and matchups he thinks his players can exploit. End Whitney Mercilus had the only sack against the Jaguars, but the Texans were able to force Lawrence out of the pocket, which resulted in several errant throws and two of the interceptions. Mayfield is experienced, likes to get rid of the ball fast, and is adept at evading sacks.
The worst thing that can happen to the defense is for the Browns to dominate with their running game. That’ll allow them to keep the ball, use the clock and keep Taylor on the sideline. The last thing Smith wants is too many three-and-outs by the Texans’ offense that don’t give his players a chance to get breathers. Even though the weather in Cleveland can change by the hour, gametime temperature is supposed to be 84 with a slight wind. If the wind doesn’t become a factor as it usually does, Mayfield and Taylor could become even more vital to
the outcome.
Taylor must get good protection from a pass rush ignited by ends Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney. The linemen take great pride in keeping Taylor clean. He was sacked once by the Jaguars near the sideline.
“There’s something about Tyrod that makes me want to work harder,” Britt said. “Just with his history in the NFL. I just want him to flourish. I want him to have a great year. If he has a great year, we have a great year. I’m not going to let people take shots on him. I think all of us up front feel that way.”
That feeling is universal among Taylor’s teammates. Keep him upright and healthy. He showed against the Jaguars how mobile he is. There were a couple of times when he escaped pass rushers and completed passes like his predecessor, Deshaun Watson. Taylor has to stay healthy, not throw interceptions, and make plays off schedule.
“He’s a playmaker,” running back David Johnson said. “I think a lot of people forget how good he is, because, unfortunately, what happened with his health last year (punctured lung with the Chargers) and everything that’s gone on in his career. I think a lot of people forget how dynamic he is throwing the ball, scrambling and avoiding tackles.”
Culley and Kelly don’t want Taylor dropping back 50 times because the run has been stuffed by the Browns. If Cleveland builds a big lead, the Texans’ formula for winning goes out the window and straight into Lake Erie.