Browns: 3 storylines coming out of victory over Giants
By Chad Porto
The offensive line mashup
The Browns saw three major changes to the offensive line today. With guard Michael Dunn and center Nick Harris out for the game, the Browns opted to change things up. Blake Hance got the start at center and completely turned the offensive line around compared to what they looked like against the Jaguars.
The Browns running game averaged 6.8 rushing yards per carry, and did so with Hance leading the way and more than likely, securing his spot on the team. After all, Hance has proven he can play tackle, guard, and center in the NFL. Drew Forbes and Colby Gossett started at guard for the day and all three men played most of the game, with Hance giving way to Javon Patterson later in the game. With Dunn injured, and Hance sliding to center, the Browns needed to see something good from the third-string guards. It’s fair to say they were solid. As was Patterson, who himself did very well, making it really hard to justify carrying Nick Harris any longer.
Harris has struggled at the center and guard positions ever since the Browns drafted him in 2020, and with Patterson and Hance proving they can play center and play well, Harris, who struggled against the Jaguars, may be one of those on the chopping block.
The Browns have a good offensive line from start to finish now, and it’s clear that the team can survive if they have any injuries to the starting five.