West Coast Offense and the Effect on the Browns- Latest Blog
With the announcement of the Mike "Walrus" Holmgren in Cleveland, there's been much talk about the offense that will be run. Holmgren has always ran the Walsh West Coast Offense, while at Green Bay with Brett Favre, and Seattle with Matt Hasselbeck. What does all of this mean though? What is the West Coast Offense, and what's the difference between what we run now and what we will be running? I'm going to break down all of that in the following.
The West Coast Offense (WCO) is an offensive system loosely based on the Air Coryell system established by the Hall of Fame coach Don Coryell. Bill Walsh perfected the system that emphasizes more passing than running. Originated in the 1960's by teams like the Chargers, Raiders, and even Coryell's own Cardinals (St. Louis at the time), the Air Coryell is a system that has been greatly used by teams more and more each season. It was Bill Walsh who perfected what is now called the WCO.
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What Personnel is Required for the WCO?</span>
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Quarterback-</span> A quarterback in the WCO is supposed to be an efficient passer. A guy that can complete 62% of his passes or better, that specializes in throwing the short-intermediate routes, and can get the ball out quickly after the snap. He needs to be an accurate passer that's also very smart and can make quick reads. In the WCO, the 3 step and 5 step drops are heavily utilized in a quick striking passing game that keeps the defense on it's heels, constantly forcing them to make quick adjustments at the line. A 7-step drop is also something that has to be utilized occasionally to keep the defense honest. Faster linebackers and safeties make it nearly impossible to stick with 5-step drops for an entire game, so often hitch routes, hitch and go's along with crossing patterns are utilized in a 7-step drop. When a defense begins playing up, and compensating for the short patterns over the middle, the offense can catch the defense sleeping and hit a deep route. Scrambling ability for a quarterback is also a plus.
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Runningback-</span> A runningback in the WCO needs to be a guy that can catch the ball out of the backfield, and is more a speed runner. A guy that can also hit the hole quickly and be effective between the tackles. Pass blocking isn't as big of a need because of how quickly the QB should be getting the ball out, but it's still something that'd be a bit of a luxury.
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Wide Receivers-</span> This is a position just as important as the quarterback. Possession receivers are crucial in the WCO. The WCO requires wide receivers that can catch the ball in traffic, over the middle while having a run after catch (RAC) ability. On the other spectrum, it's crucial to have a deep ball receiver so that the defense can't creep up and shut down the short game. So speed on the outside is a big plus to keep a safety over the top of a WR, and open up the middle of the field. Finally, perfected route running. If the receivers aren't on the same page with the QB and doesn't run crisp routes, then you can kiss any sort of efficiency out the window.
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Tight Ends-</span> Another crucial position of the offense, just like the wide receiver position, you need a tight end that can be physical and fight for the ball over the middle. Guys like Jason Witten, Jeremy Shockey (NYG days), Antonio Gates, etc. are all perfect WCO tight ends. Blocking isn't always a strong suit, more just a luxury, as well. RAC ability is nice to have, but glue fingers is the most important part. A TE that can catch everything thrown his way is a HUGE weapon in the WCO.
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Offensive Line-</span> The offensive line isn't as complex as the rest of the offense. Agility is the key. Finesse blockers, usually quicker, and a bit lighter are what makes a WCO offense line great. Think Zone Blocking Scheme, but more simple.
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Do the current Browns have the personnel for this?</span>
This is yet to be decided. The WCO offense an easy offense to run. However, many people proclaimed that Brady Quinn would be an ideal candidate for a WCO, coming out of Notre Dame. Quinn was very efficient at Notre Dame, and had physical wide receivers and tight ends in a quick striking offense. He flourished with those weapons, while having quicker running backs at Notre Dame. Can he be successful at the NFL level? It is yet to be determined, but he definitely has the skill set to be successful. Quick slants, crossing patterns, flag patterns, etc. over the middle of the field is something that Quinn really did well with in college, and he definitely has the ability. However, he can't be expected to be perfect in his first season running it, as it is a big change in what he's doing right now (assuming he's the QB in 2010). As of now, I'm saying that we have the QB for the WCO. I don't see any options in the draft that would be better than Quinn.
At the runningback position, we are finally finding out what Jerome Harrison is capable of. Harrison is a runner who hits the hole very quickly, can turn a play to the outside and burn linebackers with his speed. He's also very effective out of the backfield as a pass catcher. As of now, I'm saying that we could have a runningback for this system. However, don't rule out C.J. Spiller as he is a game changing RB, and would be available in the first round.
At wide receiver, we have Mohammed Massoquoi, Brian Robiskie, Josh Cribbs, and Chansi Stuckey, along with Mike Furrey (who's seen time at safety as of late). This is the scary part. Massoquoi is not a physical receiver. Often in one on one coverage, he struggles to make a play on the ball. To add to that, his route running is piss poor. Brian Robiskie is still to be decided. He hasn't seen much playing time as his practices have been terrible, and he is struggling to pick up the current offense. He is a more physical receiver, that offers limited RAC ability, but could be a guy that would be utilized heavily in slants and crossing patterns. His route running was very solid at Ohio State, however. Cribbs is just not a wide receiver that can be counted on. He's very special for the Wildcat, reverses and on screen plays, but his forte is special teams, and most likely always will be. Stuckey is a quicker receiver that I cannot see as being a reliable option. This is a big no for having personnel.
At tight end the Browns have had a revolving door. Starting the season Robert Royal was the tight end, followed by a bit of Steve Heiden. Following him was Greg Estandia, then Michael Gaines, and finally Evan Moore. Royal is not an option for the WCO. He's strictly a blocking tight end, with very unreliable hands. Steve Heiden is at the end of his career. While he has excellent hands, it's going to be more of a question as to whether or not he can stay healthy. Estandia and Gaines most likely won't be on the roster next season. The big story here is Evan Moore who just became a Brown in the last 5 weeks or so. His hands have showed quite a bit of promise. Consistency is going to be the question. If Moore can keep it up, he may be able to develop into a nice TE for the Browns. But for now, I'm going to say that we do NOT have the personnel.
Our best offensive lineman in Joe Thomas fits perfectly into this system, protecting the blindside, as does the aging Eric Steinbach. Rookie Alex Mack is also a finesse blocker who's quite athletic as well. The biggest question is the right side. Floyd "Porkchop" Womack is a big question mark, and John St. Clair isn't worth a twinkie. The most important part of the offensive line is in place and ready to go. We just need to find a right side to complete this line and make it a top 5 offensive line in the NFL. We're 3/5 of the way there on the offensive line.
This could be a move in the right direction for the Browns. A quicker offense that is also quick hitting would be a very efficient offense that could keep the defense off the field and eat up time of possession. We have a RB that can excel in counters and traps, and I believe we have a QB that can make the quick throws, and has the intangibles to make smart decisions for us. It's all about execution.
The biggest thing to understand is that this young offense will need time. We also need to hope that we can finally have an off-season with zero QB controversy. We need a QB that can take all the reps in training camp, and learn this offense as quickly as possible for the best success.
Great job DB41. I'm really excited to see how Harrison does against the raiders when its obvious the game plan will be hand him the ball. I think he could potential be a solid starter in this kind of system. I agree with Cribbs let him do the Wildcat and line him in the backfield at times but hes not a 1 or 2 receiver. I think Robiskie could really succeed in this system with MoMass and Stuckey still being up in the air.
I think Mo Mass will bust in any system. He's not a slot receiver or a #1. He could maybe develop into an average #2, but I don't see him amounting to much, TBH.
I think playing on a confident team with an established #1 reciever MoMass could be good, but well see as his career continues.
Sorry,but I think attacking Mo Mass is as "out of bounds" as a BQ Hail-Mary! 
Mo Mass gets open EVERY game.He just doesn't have the ball put out in front of him...I'm more optimistic about him.He's just a rookie.And what of his "dropsies"?A thing of the past.He does need another "threat" WR to help draw the double-teams.
I had to laugh,last week,that BQ didn't try to hit him with a home run when he was being single covered,with no safety.The announcer was even pointing out the fact.It should have been a no-brainer,easy TD.Was it the wind?BQ just wasn't accurate,all day.And he didn't appear confident in himself.Hopefully President Holgrem will find the time to Coach this kid into something much more.What he could be.
Sorry,but I think attacking Mo Mass is as "out of bounds" as a BQ Hail-Mary! [image]
Mo Mass gets open EVERY game.He just doesn't have the ball put out in front of him...I'm more optimistic about him.He's just a rookie.And what of his "dropsies"?A thing of the past.He does need another "threat" WR to help draw the double-teams.
I had to laugh,last week,that BQ didn't try to hit him with a home run when he was being single covered,with no safety.The announcer was even pointing out the fact.It should have been a no-brainer,easy TD.Was it the wind?BQ just wasn't accurate,all day.And he didn't appear confident in himself.Hopefully President Holgrem will find the time to Coach this kid into something much more.What he could be.
-realbrownsfan
So you're ok that Mo Mass just watches the ball get thrown to him and never makes a play on it?
You're ok that he constantly runs incorrect routes?
You're ok that he drops the ball?
QB's don't like to throw to WR's that they don't have faith in or trust. Mo Mass is still young, but until he gives his QB something to look forward to, he doesn't deserve to get looked at. The only reason he's on the field is because our only other option to start at WR doubles as a starting S.
Which is why Mangenious needs to give Robiskie a chance
So you're ok that Mo Mass just watches the ball get thrown to him and never makes a play on it? You're ok that he constantly runs incorrect routes?
You're ok that he drops the ball?
QB's don't like to throw to WR's that they don't have faith in or trust. Mo Mass is still young, but until he gives his QB something to look forward to, he doesn't deserve to get looked at. The only reason he's on the field is because our only other option to start at WR doubles as a starting S.
dabrowns41,on Mo Mass
Well,I guess watching that Raiders game didn't change your mind,even though he just made your statements look even more ridiculous,IMHO.
"Sorry,but I think attacking Mo Mass is as "out of bounds" as a BQ Hail-Mary! [image]
Mo Mass gets open EVERY game.He just doesn't have the ball put out in front of him...I'm more optimistic about him.He's just a rookie.And what of his "dropsies"?A thing of the past.He does need another "threat" WR to help draw the double-teams.
I had to laugh,last week,that BQ didn't try to hit him with a home run when he was being single covered,with no safety.The announcer was even pointing out the fact.It should have been a no-brainer,easy TD.Was it the wind?BQ just wasn't accurate,all day.And he didn't appear confident in himself.Hopefully President Holgrem will find the time to Coach this kid into something much more.What he could be.
-realbrownsfan
I stand by my post.Mo Mass is getting better.He just needs a QB that doesn't stink,and can get him the ball.He was even able to haul in those "behind" throws by DA.Pretty good for a guy that you think doesn't even deserve to be looked at.Who are you gonna rip on next?Jerome Harrison?
Mo Mass needs a veteran receiver to help him. Braylon wasn't much of a teacher even when he was here, Furrey is on defense, and Cribbs doesnt know any better then Mo. MoMass is a rookie and hes learning. In the meantime I think hes had a decent rookie season, especially when you consider that hes gone through multiple QB changes and poor play calling.
I honestly don't know why we cut David Patten so early last year.I thought he would be a great mentor for the new guys.And he still had some gas.After one practice,the News Herald reporter said that he was the fastest guy running sprints.I thought he'd be the 2 guy,along with BE.He must have just been too banged up.Too bad for us.
I think Mo will be fine,especially now,with Holgrem here.Watch for him/barring injury, to be around a long time.
David Patten didnt look very good in preseaon in my eyes. Our roster isnt good enough to have a player be there just to mentor players, we need everyone to play and I think Mangini was counting on Furrey having that role but obviously that didnt work out because of the defense.
I think we overlook how poor our DB depth is. I'm really starting to warm up to the idea of drafting Joe Haden. If we beat Jacksonville we could end up with the 9th pick in the draft. By that point Suh and McCoy will definitely be gone and most likely Berry. If all that is true I would take McClain but only if we are sticking with the 3-4. If Holmgren gets a 4-3 guy in here I would take Haden.
I would definitely take Mays over Haden.But I would also take McLain before either of those two,regardless of 3-4/4-3 mumbo.The defense,at times,has NOBODY on the defensive line.At other times,they have a CB in the DE spot,etc.They change around so much,as a matter of fact,that I find it laughable that they're even called a 3-4 defense.When Wimbley/Roth gets up on the line,isn't that a 4-3 anyways?It's become much more complicated,and an athelete like McLain would be our best LB going into next season,and I'm high on D'Qwell,so that's saying alot.I really hope he's our first pick,seeing that Suh/McCoy will be gone.
Know what?I think the Steelers are gonna get Mays.They certainly need the help at safety.Browns fans who think Mays is a bust will rue the day...............
On the bright side,TPalomalu will be a free agent.That would save us a draft pick.
Go Browns!!!
Why would the Steelers want Mays? Even if you think Mays is good you cant possibly think hes better then Polamalu, the steelers need a FS and I expect them to get Earl Thomas which would be a good pick for them unless they want to get an OL. But theres no way the stillers will let Palomalu go in the free agency.
Joe Haden's upside is way bigger then Mays. If May's was average size he would be lucky to get picked in the 6th round. But because hes 6'4 he should get picked 9th overall? No thanks
Mays' combine will get him into the first round, probably around pick 18-22. Although his lack of production, versatility, and football IQ, he'll still get into the first round because he's a guy with a lot of upside.
Haden is on another level. Haden goes one on one against the WR's of the SEC, like AJ Green, Julio Jones, Brandon LaFell, etc. Not to mention he gets to go up against those pesky Florida WR's and TE's in practice each day.
Haden is a guy that will go up and make a tackle, but is great in man coverage with excellent hip swivel, great with looking for the ball and is productive. Mays has done one thing, and that's sit 25 yards behind the LOS and make sure nothing gets past him. He rarely, if at all plays up at the line to help in the run game, and very rarely covers a receiver or tight end man on. He's just a big question mark, but because he's got the size, speed, vertical, etc. he'll be drafted in the first round, however, I wouldn't be surprised at all if he did slide into the top part of round 2 with all the actual talent in this draft.
Depending on what teams reach for QB's, Haden should go in the top 10. In any other draft, he's a top 5-10 pick easily.
Exactly, I would be happy with walking away from the first round with Haden.
Honestly, if we draft defense in the top 10, we will make out very well, whether it's McClain, Morgan, Berry, Suh, McCoy, Hughes, or Haden.
If we take a QB then it's a disaster.
If we take Spiller, I won't be as pissed because he'd be great for the WCO, but I'd be upset that we missed out on an elite defensive player.
BTW, Haden is leading the Gator secondary against the vertical passing game of Cincy in a route.
Acouple of weeks ago I would've said get Spiller but I really think Harrison has what it takes and theres just to many good defensive players
I'm sort of in the same boat. I was warming up to the idea of Spiller, but Harrison (while not nearly as strong a runner, or fast) could still be a solid WCO guy. He's not going to be required to block as much, and is a quick runner between the tackles, with excellent hands.
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