This is where our TOUGHNESS went in 4th quarter of games and why we lose

[Chiefswinitall 60]

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/11/kareem-hunt-made-the-difference-against-the-bills-and-the-more-the-browns-use-him-the-better-film-review.html

 

Kareem Hunt made the difference against the Bills; the more the Browns use him, the better -- Film Review

Updated 3:28 PM;Today 4:54 AM

cleveland.com

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt reacts after running the ball against the Buffalo Bills in the first half of play. (Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com)

 

 

 

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By Ellis L. Williams, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On Sunday in a must-win home game against the Bills, Cleveland and coach Freddie Kitchens unlocked a new layer to the offense by taking running back Kareem Hunt -- fresh off his eight-game league suspension -- and infusing him into every aspect of the game.

There was no pitch count, hesitations or games. Rather, Hunt made the most of Kitchens’ game plan, touching the ball 11 times for 74 yards, while serving as a lead blocker for Nick Chubb. Most importantly, Hunt masqueraded as a pawn that Kitchens moved around to his liking.

Whether in the slot, out wide or in the backfield, Hunt was everywhere, which confused and put stress on the Bills for 60 minutes. Injecting Hunt into the Browns primary packages (other than goal line), sparked new life for Cleveland right when its head-scratching offense needed it most and he was the straw that stirred Cleveland’s 19-16 win.

According to Next Gen Stats, Chubb played 58 percent of the offensive snaps and shared the backfield with Chubb on 28 of the 38 snaps he played.

“They went in a lot of 20-fast personnel, a lot of trick plays, tried to get the ball in his hands," Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes said after Sunday’s game. "They ran the ball with him and (RB Nick) Chubb. They were going to try and get the ball to him, he has been inactive for eight weeks, so we knew he was going to get a fresh look.”

Hughes is wrong regarding one thing: Hunt’s usage wasn’t reliant on gimmicks or trick plays. By the second half, he and Chubb on the field together became Cleveland’s new normal.

In 20 personnel, Cleveland features two running backs and no tight ends, with three receivers. But it wasn’t just 20 that worked for the Browns. Cleveland was effective in 21 personnel also, which adds a tight end and removes a receiver. Point is, it didn’t matter what the personnel grouping was, as long as Chubb and Hunt shared the field, positive plays followed.

Let’s take a look at how Hunt left his mark as a lead blocker imposing his will, why he’s so effective when used in presnap motion and the reason Kitchens must keep using Hunt as a primary pass catcher.

Hunt as a lead blocker

It isn’t a cliche when coaches or players talk about blocking as a 1-on-1 battle to which the victor usually is the man who wants it more.

Playing with a new lease on his football life, Hunt wanted it more than any player in FirstEnergy Stadium. Whether leading Chubb through a hole or off the edge, Hunt found his man and moved him, carving huge holes for Chubb, who rushed for 116 yards.

On the Browns’ second play, Kitchens plugged Hunt right in and allowed him to wreak havoc instantly. Facing a second-and-10, Hunt (27) and Chubb (24) shared the backfield with quarterback Baker Mayfield. On the snap, Hunt launches left, finding the hole made between tackle Greg Robinson (78) and tackle Joel Bitonio (75), identifies Bills safety Micah Hyde (23) and moves him out of the play.

Hunt’s aggressiveness and strength pop off the screen, but after Chubb is tackled, notice who the first Browns player is who picks him up. That’s Hunt, showing his overall enthusiasm to not only lead block but to also see his teammate succeed.

That alone should put to rest any questions about there not being enough balls to go around in Cleveland. Hunt just wants to play and help his teammates win.

Later in the first quarter, Mayfield is in the pistol set with Chubb behind him and Hunt to his left. On the snap, Hunt sets the edge and finds his assignment (Hyde again) and removes him. Hyde eventually loops back and is involved on the tackle but by then Chubb has nearly scored.

This play is a prime example of how active a blocker Hunt is. He isn’t satisfied with just executing his job. Rather he keeps probing for additional work, keeping his feet active and moving downfield with Chubb, matching the effort levels coaches want.

Hunt in motion

In Week 3 against the Rams, Kitchens didn’t use presnap motion until the third quarter, and all he did was send Jarvis Landry in short motion. Though worthwhile, it is not as effective as the jet or bubble motions Hunt ran on Sunday.

On a second-down run, Kitchens motioned Hunt from split wide right and had him cross the formation at the snap. Buffalo’s linebackers and secondary react because Hunt flows left. He’s such a threat with the ball and already has a head of steam, that naturally his threat garners immediate respect.

Notice how Hunt’s motion forces linebackers Tremaine Edmunds (49) and Matt Milano (58) to step right, which puts them just enough out of position to catch Chubb. Without Hunt, this play is likely a short gain.

In the third quarter, with Hunt clearly established as an offensive focal point, Kitchens uses “bubble” or “jump” motion to position Hunt to the perimeter faster than Buffalo can react. Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashard Higgins are already split wide with a corner and safety over them. However, Hunt’s jump motion creates a 3-on-2-man advantage for Cleveland.

Using Hunt in motion gives Cleveland a numbers advantage, usually on the edges. Whether he is acting as a decoy or getting the ball, his involvement in the play’s packaging is paramount.

Hunt catching the ball

In his rookie season, Hunt led the NFL in rushing during the 2017 season, proving he’s more than capable of carrying the ball. But since the Browns have Chubb, Kitchens must get creative about getting Hunt touches. He’s earned more carries, but his effectiveness as a receiver is what this team was missing.

Essentially, Hunt should become the Browns’ No. 3 pass-catching option, a role the Browns haven’t solidified all season.

On his first touch, Hunt is split out wide and Kitchens called a receiver screen. The play probably would’ve worked either way as the Browns had linemen release-blocking downfield, but Buffalo called a corner blitz and Mayfield sidearmed the throw perfectly.

Again in the first quarter, Hunt lined up in the slot with Chubb split out wide right, resulting in an empty-backfield set for Mayfield. In empty, Mayfield can diagnosis Buffalo’s coverage much easier than if Chubb were in the backfield with him. Since Bills corner Levi Wallace lines up over Chubb, Mayfield knows Buffalo is in zone.

Hunt, running an angle route, breaks inside and Mayfield puts the ball on him in between two Bills linebackers. But it is not enough for a first down, as Mayfield missed his tight end Stephen Carlson open behind Hunt, which Mayfield will take advantage of later.

On a third-down play in the second quarter, Hunt lined up in the slot as the No. 2 receiver with Beckham inside him. Hunt runs a short return route, which pulls the attention of two Bills defenders in zone coverage. With their eyes on Hunt, Beckham sneaks in behind them for an easy completion, and Mayfield correctly reads a high-low look.

Even without the ball or in motion, Hunt influences defenses’ decision-making.

On the Browns’ eventual game-winning drive, they could’ve made things a lot easier on themselves had a ball that resulted in a highlight throw and catch from Mayfield to Landry instead gone to Hunt.

On the play which set up Rashard Higgins’ winning 7-yard touchdown catch, Hunt again uses jet motion to cross the formation. Only this time he carries up the sideline on a wheel route and he’s all alone.

Expect Cleveland to run a play like this again, but unfortunately, timing is everything in the NFL and now that Hunt running a backside wheel route is on tape, it’s unlikely to be open when Kitchens calls it next.

What we learned

Involving Hunt heavily in the gameplan proved wise. Kitchens and his staff deserve a lot of credit implementing him the way they did. Also, he was clearly coached up and assignment-sound, more kudos to Kitchens.

But the Browns hope Sunday served as an appetizer to a future Hunt buffet. He clearly deserves more carries, as Hunt averaged seven yards a pop against Buffalo.

Mayfield threw the ball 38 times, and though he played his best game of the season, there is no reason for him to drop back as much when Hunt and Chubb have proven to be the most efficient parts of the offense along with Landry.

Eventually, the attention Hunt draws also will open up Beckham as defenses begin scheming for Hunt. Earlier this year, Browns players described their offense as “pick your poison,” based on all the options Mayfield had at his disposal.

Now with Hunt in the offense, he’ll stir the poison before it’s delivered.

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[oldtimer 8,686]

ok.. no one will debate KH  is an above average RB ..but he is also an above average punk..so whats your point?

[Biggjliv4 1,292]

Guy is a prick, but damn good. 

[kcchief4lif 910]

Maybe the chiefs should look the other way more??

Good guys always finish last.

 

😆😆😆

😀

[dhitter 1,424]

Chiefs had no choice but to cut Hunt once the video came out and he had lied about it all. Do I wish it hadn't happened? Of course. Did the Chiefs do the right thing by cutting Hunt? Of course.

[Brochief 3]

Hell naw...we pussied out. We should have stood our ground put him on suspension for a couple of games and never let him go. I think what really caused Clark to let him go was the image of him pushing that white girl down, if she was a black girl he would still be a Chief. Turns out she was just a money grubber like most groupies. So if what he did was so bad why is he playing for Cleveland and doing a hell of a job we are so stupid!!!!! That's why we won't ever win anything in Kansas City

[SEMO 6,811]

2 minutes ago, Brochief said:

Hell naw...we pussied out. We should have stood our ground put him on suspension for a couple of games and never let him go. I think what really caused Clark to let him go was the image of him pushing that white girl down, if she was a black girl he would still be a Chief. Turns out she was just a money grubber like most groupies. So if what he did was so bad why is he playing for Cleveland and doing a hell of a job we are so stupid!!!!! That's why we won't ever win anything in Kansas City

Yeah, that’s why.

[qnet 1,150]

Kareem Hunt was a good player for the Chiefs, but was stupid. It's over and he's not coming back. I can't force anyone to stop bringing him up in conversation, but I  think it's time we let this go.

[sith13 1,746]

Looking at those videos especially the first one is really awesome OL play. Especially in the first one there's only one defender behind the LOS and he's well taken care of, the rest are all at least 2 yards ahead of LOS with quite a few holes around to choose from. 

Regarding Hunt he made a very stupid mistake and I don't mind them letting him go. If you keep a proven liar around it'll have effects on the rest of the team. 

[sith13 1,746]

5 hours ago, Brochief said:

Hell naw...we pussied out. We should have stood our ground put him on suspension for a couple of games and never let him go. I think what really caused Clark to let him go was the image of him pushing that white girl down, if she was a black girl he would still be a Chief. Turns out she was just a money grubber like most groupies. So if what he did was so bad why is he playing for Cleveland and doing a hell of a job we are so stupid!!!!! That's why we won't ever win anything in Kansas City

Pussied out? The guy lied to his boss and his boss punished him accordingly. 

[Joe_Chief 1,092]

5 hours ago, Brochief said:

Hell naw...we pussied out. We should have stood our ground put him on suspension for a couple of games and never let him go. I think what really caused Clark to let him go was the image of him pushing that white girl down, if she was a black girl he would still be a Chief. Turns out she was just a money grubber like most groupies. So if what he did was so bad why is he playing for Cleveland and doing a hell of a job we are so stupid!!!!! That's why we won't ever win anything in Kansas City

I just can't... seriously???

[dksww 484]

9 hours ago, dhitter said:

Chiefs had no choice but to cut Hunt once the video came out and he had lied about it all. Do I wish it hadn't happened? Of course. Did the Chiefs do the right thing by cutting Hunt? Of course.

It was the wrong decision.  They should've just suspended him and waited out NFL punishment.  They did it with Tyreek Hill and that news was way worse.

Everyone, including the Chiefs and myself, way overreacted to that video of Hunt.  I don't care that he lied about or whatever the reason/justification the Chiefs had for cutting him was.  We'd have him rested and healthy for the stretch run and could really use that right now.

[dhitter 1,424]

49 minutes ago, dksww said:

It was the wrong decision.  They should've just suspended him and waited out NFL punishment.  They did it with Tyreek Hill and that news was way worse.

Everyone, including the Chiefs and myself, way overreacted to that video of Hunt.  I don't care that he lied about or whatever the reason/justification the Chiefs had for cutting him was.  We'd have him rested and healthy for the stretch run and could really use that right now.

I respectfully disagree. Chiefs would have taken an absolute beating in the press and social media. The Hill thing wasn't as bad because it turns out he might not of done anything. If there was a video of Hill shoving a fist in his child's chest then he lied to cover it up?!....guess what...he'd be gone too.

[dksww 484]

14 minutes ago, dhitter said:

I respectfully disagree. Chiefs would have taken an absolute beating in the press and social media. The Hill thing wasn't as bad because it turns out he might not of done anything. If there was a video of Hill shoving a fist in his child's chest then he lied to cover it up?!....guess what...he'd be gone too.

Possibly, but all that ended up happening to Hunt was an 8 game suspension.  The Hunt video surfaced about this time last year and by March Hunt already been signed by CLE.

Nobody cares about the Hunt video anymore, all they know is CLE got a steal by signing him. 

IMO, the Chiefs know they made a mistake by knee jerk cutting him and that's why they didn't do that with Hill when the initial reports came out.

 

[Brochief 3]

We are still stoopidddd. Been a Chief for longer than most on this board (since 67) and I'm so frustrated year after year and decade after decade. Will die a Chief but we have been so stooooopppppiddd!!!!

[TomahawkChop 255]

18 hours ago, Brochief said:

Hell naw...we pussied out. We should have stood our ground put him on suspension for a couple of games and never let him go. I think what really caused Clark to let him go was the image of him pushing that white girl down, if she was a black girl he would still be a Chief. Turns out she was just a money grubber like most groupies. So if what he did was so bad why is he playing for Cleveland and doing a hell of a job we are so stupid!!!!! That's why we won't ever win anything in Kansas City

I think the girl was an African American.

[xen 1,010,220]

33 minutes ago, TomahawkChop said:

I think the girl was an African American.

Who gives a shit.  Brochiefs comment was monumentally dumb anyway.

[TomahawkChop 255]

32 minutes ago, xen said:

Who gives a shit.  Brochiefs comment was monumentally dumb anyway.

Yeah, but that was all I could muster as a correction.  To respond appropriately would have taken more of my time and effort than the ludicrous statement warrants.  

[xen 1,010,220]

20 minutes ago, TomahawkChop said:

Yeah, but that was all I could muster as a correction.  To respond appropriately would have taken more of my time and effort than the ludicrous statement warrants.  

True

[DefensiveMan 758]

Man say what you what about Hunt's off field issues but that guy is a true competitor. Plays his tail off, plays with grit and heart, and hardly ever fumbles. I truly believe we missed his presence on offense last year and this year to this day. Ever since he left Reid has been oblivious to the run. A game changer he single handedly ruined the Pats home opener as a Rookie in 2017. I'll never forget that performance. Time to hit the draft board again.

[Marleydawg 60]

Since 2018, Our record

with Hunt: 9-2

without: 10-7

I don’t think that’s a coincidence.  He provided an entirely different dimension, toughness and special gutty runs.  Losing him reduced our ability to dominate teams.

 

All that said, he had to go.  It was the right move by the organization.

 

[moons314 2,463]

1 hour ago, DefensiveMan said:

Man say what you what about Hunt's off field issues but that guy is a true competitor. Plays his tail off, plays with grit and heart, and hardly ever fumbles. I truly believe we missed his presence on offense last year and this year to this day. Ever since he left Reid has been oblivious to the run. A game changer he single handedly ruined the Pats home opener as a Rookie in 2017. I'll never forget that performance. Time to hit the draft board again.

They've made no effort to upgrade that position since he was released.  Williams was given an extension, and McCoy was brought in off the scrap heap.  The RB position has not been a priority, and it's showing.  

[kkuenn 3,597]

So we can expect a high pick or FA RB. If we see this you know Reid sees it and what Reid wants, he gets.

[Thegoatee 1,780]

Hunt got what he deserved and I don’t care that he isn’t in KC. We definitely need someone with a mean and physical game on the ground though. McCoy is not that, Damien jukes around like he is afraid to get hit. Darrell should probably get a lot more work. Darwin is probably tough, but his frame is so small he seems to disappear. Hyde was bad in preseason, no reason he would have made the roster given his performance.