Staley directs focus to Browns’ running game
COSTA MESA >> Chargers coach Brandon Staley went viral Wednesday for a response he gave two weeks ago regarding his philosophy on running the football.
Supporters of analytics heard Staley say: “You don’t need a run game to play the pass” and showered him with praise and retweets on Twitter.
But fans of old-school, smash-mouth football also approved of Staley’s comments because he said, “What the running game does that the passing game does not is that the running game forces the defense to play blocks and to tackle.”
Staley’s 497-word explanation on how to run the football took time to circle through football communities, but it made nearly everyone happy after hearing the detailed comments.
“What I think that the running game does for a quarterback is that it gives you some breathers,” Staley said Sept. 24. “You don’t need a good running game to be a good play-action team, but what you need the running game for is the physical element of the game. There’s a physicality to the game that’s real. If you’re just a passing team, there’s a physical element to the game that the defense doesn’t have to respect. That’s the truth.
“The data will tell you that you don’t need a run game to play the pass. You don’t need that, but what the running game does for you is it brings a physical dimension to the football game.”
Staley understands the importance of running the ball and incorporating data to assist quarterback Justin Herbert. But Staley will need to provide the formula for stopping the run against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at the SoFi Stadium.
The Browns likely share the same sentiments as Staley. They’re a well-balanced organization with a run-heavy attack on the field and an analyticsdriven approach from the coaches and front office.
Browns running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt provide the physical element, but it’s the way head coach Kevin Stefanski rotates them that makes them the top rushing tandem in the NFL.
The Browns averaged a league-high 177 rushing yards per game heading into Week 5. The many analytics staffers employed by the Browns have contributed to their rushing success in the past few years.
“These two are as good as it gets on contact,” Staley said about Chubb
Sunday: Browns at Chargers, 1:05 p.m., Ch. 2
and Hunt. “That’s what the data will tell you. Yards after contact is a real strength of this team, especially in the fourth quarter. A lot of that has to do with how good their runners are. A lot of it also has to do with how good their O-line and tight end are.
“Their fullback, Andy Janovich, I was with him in Denver. He’s an outstanding player. There’s a lot of good run game design with that group with (Browns offensive line Coach) Bill Callahan and Kevin Stefanski. They’re a tough cover, for sure.”
The Chargers have had issues defending the run this season, but they’re no longer the worst in the league in rushing defense after containing the Las Vegas Raiders for 48 rushing yards in Monday night’s victory. As of Thursday, the Chargers are allowing 139.5 rushing yards per game, fourthworst in the NFL.
Rushing committee
The Chargers have a star running back in Austin Ekeler, but they’re still searching for another consistent running back to form a productive rushing committee.
Running backs Justin Jackson and Larry Rountree III have struggled this season and combined for only 27 rushing yards against the Raiders. Ekeler recorded a game-high 117 rushing yards on 15 carries and scored two touchdowns, one receiving and the other on the ground.
“There’s always a couple things, especially with a rookie, that you’d like to see improvement on,” Chargers offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said about Rountree. “I think it’s expected that a rookie’s sometimes not going to be as detailed as a veteran, but he’s had some good runs. Justin is the same way. I’ve been pleased with those guys.”
Jackson didn’t practice Thursday because of a groin injury. If he’s not able to play Sunday, that could create an opportunity for second-year running back Joshua Kelley, who’s been inactive for every game this season.
Ekeler doesn’t mind sharing carries because he said it allows him to be fresh and contribute in the passing game. He’s averaging 12.5 carries per game and 4.5 targets per game.
“I’m pretty open about it just as far as my workload,” Ekeler said. “I can’t take every single rep the entire season. I don’t think many running backs can. Maybe (Tennessee’s) Derrick Henry can. But there has to be some balance.”