No Quarterback Will Succeed Without Browns Fixing This Major Problem
By Joe Summers
![David Njoku leads the NFL in dropped passes (10) David Njoku leads the NFL in dropped passes (10)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4130,h_2323,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/251/01hgv77jkdhk6gdcqpvw.jpg)
The Browns' offense is struggling, ranking 17th in points per game (21.5) and 31st in yards per pass attempt (5.7). However, the culprits behind the issue may be a surprise.
We know Cleveland hasn't found consistent quarterback play, especially considering Deshaun Watson's ongoing injuries, but pass-catchers haven't impressed either.
In fact, the Browns have two players among the NFL leaders in dropped passes. Unless the pass-catchers can turn things around, no quarterback can succeed under these circumstances.
Browns Among League Leaders in Drops
Per PFF
— Mac🦬 (@tha_buffalo) November 28, 2023
The Browns have recorded 9 drops over the past two weeks and as a team has a receiving grade of 60.1- the LOWEST of any team in the NFL
Say what you want about playcalling, but drops are the main problem holding this Browns offense back#Dawgpound pic.twitter.com/e2RzeGVXzJ
Cleveland ranks third in the NFL in drops (20) on the season, with tight end David Njoku and running back Jerome Ford the main two culprits.
Njoku leads all players with 10 drops, while Ford is tied for third at seven. Tight ends and running backs typically serve as safety valves for passing attacks, giving the quarterback a relatively safe throw if wide receivers aren't open.
That those two positions keep dropping the ball is a huge problem for the Browns. If you can't trust your safety valves, you have to be more aggressive. Considering the quarterback carousel Cleveland is utilizing, that's a poor recipe for success.
To drive the point home, consider that the Chiefs lead the NFL in drops (24). One of the defining storylines of this NFL season is how much Kansas City's offense is struggling.
If not even Patrick Mahomes can succeed with tons of dropped passes, how can we expect PJ Walker or Dorian Thompson-Robinson to find success?
No matter what happens under center the rest of the way, Cleveland's offense has no chance unless these guys start catching passes.
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