In this week’s Data Dump, we look at how well the Browns are progressing as the regular season starts to end and teams prepare for the playoffs. The Browns’ last-second victory over the Chicago Bears has nearly guaranteed them a spot in the AFC playoffs. The team must prepare their struggling offense for a playoff run against some of the top offenses in the NFL.
The Browns’ offense had a miserable showing against the Bears for the first three-quarters. They could not run or pass the ball against a resurging but average Bears’ defense. The advanced analytics will not be kind to the Browns’ offense this week. Although, after throwing over 130 passes in the past three weeks, Flacco should have a large enough sample size to include in charts on quarterback play. Although, throwing three interceptions, including a pick-six won’t help his EPA.
The Browns defense remains dominant. They nearly shut out the Chicago Bears, ending most of their drives in three and outs. The defense is playoff-ready, and the unit will face off against some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. The defense proved their tenacity and determination for nearly the entire season. The stats reflect it. The unit needs to finish the season strong as the team will go as far as they take them.
Bears Game Recap
The Cleveland Browns had a pitiful offensive performance during the first three quarters and the team’s EPA reflects that. The Browns defense however had one of their best games of the season.
NFL Week 15 – Advanced Stats Review
Chicago Bears 17 – Cleveland Browns 20 pic.twitter.com/pWYWUMi3Zj
— SumerSports (@SumerSports) December 18, 2023
Browns are stuck in tier five
The team remains in tier five after the Browns’ putrid offensive performance.
~~ Week 15 NFL Thread ~~
Cowboys-Dolphins could be fun if the Cowboys actually show up this week
49ers good Jets bad pic.twitter.com/NIpAGSkP3b
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) December 19, 2023
QB Efficiency by Down
The Cleveland Browns are still struggling to pass the ball on third down. Flacco is grouped in with P.J. Walker and Dorian Thompson-Robinson in his quarterback chart debut
Drew Lock has fixed the Seahawks' 3rd down woes!! pic.twitter.com/U74p3oyvoP
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) December 19, 2023
The Browns defense is still top dog
The Browns’ defense is forcing teams to punt at a historic rate.
If you watch a Browns game, I hope you like punts pic.twitter.com/lCWDFCjgft
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) December 19, 2023
Flacco grades out poorly in EPA and CPOE
Flacco continues to make his graph debut bunched up around the other backup quarterbacks on the Cleveland Browns. There’s no where to go but up.
Quarterback completion percentage over expected (CPOE) and efficiency (EPA/play) pic.twitter.com/ZJYMxumvBx
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) December 19, 2023
Passing and rushing efficiency on early downs
The Browns’ rushing offense is bleeding efficiency leading to an even worse offense overall.
Rushing and passing efficiency on early downs
lol 49ers pic.twitter.com/imxlpHEmAd
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) December 19, 2023
Negative and explosive run rate for the backs
The Cleveland Browns have a thunder-and-lightning dynamic between Kareem Hunt and Jerome Ford. Unfortunately, neither player is too prolific.
and here's negative and and explosive run rate in 2023 https://t.co/jf21ehBN0n pic.twitter.com/k6Uh7qE4sT
— Tej Seth (@tejfbanalytics) December 19, 2023
Trench Grades
This is my favorite metric as it combines the subjective grading of PFF with the objective tracking data from ESPN. Together the two data sources illustrate a good picture of what is happening in the trenches.
The Browns’ defensive line continues to be great, beating their blocks often. The Browns’ offensive line is maimed and battered and it’s killing their ability to run the football.
All trench measures from ESPN & PFF
The Eagles' pass rush really tailed off this year. Their OL still dominant tho pic.twitter.com/PFD3X4y1oY
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) December 19, 2023
