JACKSONVILLE -- While the loss of center Alex Mack has been painful and the running game put on notice, the Cleveland Browns are about to find out how dimensional the offense can be.
The Browns showed in the first five games they want to run the ball 30-plus times, average 5-plus yards a carry and handle third downs with play-action. It's a good strategy, but one that Jacksonville put in the microwave and covered with aluminum. So many stats illustrate the Browns' struggles against Jacksonville's rush defense, but here are two: The Browns faced 10 third-and-longs Sunday, and they gained one yard or less on 65 percent of their plays. That last one is a bit shocking considering, even without Mack, who's on injured reserve after suffering ligament damage in his left leg, the Browns still have a cornerstone left tackle (Joe Thomas) and two steady second-round picks (Joel Bitonio and Mitchell Schwartz).
Kyle Shanahan will find a way to run more efficiently, but if the running game stalls again, an exit strategy is necessary.
Without an effective play-action, Brian Hoyer looked a bit skittish against what was considered a below-average pass defense. The fault isn't all Hoyer's. His receivers dropped three passes, the Jaguars tipped four throws and Hoyer looked out of sync with receiver Miles Austin.
To get Hoyer and the running backs comfortable, the Browns must figure out what to do with the right side of the line. John Greco moved from right guard to center and Paul McQuistan struggled mightily as a result. Jags tackle Sen'Derrick Marks had his way all afternoon.
This is where Nick McDonald comes into play. The center/guard hybrid is off the non-football injury list, meaning the Browns face a three-week decision window on whether to activate him or place him on IR. Assuming McDonald is caught up, playing him at center and keeping Greco at his natural right guard spot could work. Or the Browns can try Vinston Painter at right guard. The rookie certainly looks the part.
The Browns know they can't replace Mack, one of the game's best centers. But they need more than 2.3 yards per carry.
"He's the best center in football -- yes, that hurts," said receiver Andrew Hawkins of Mack. "But we know John is an incredible lineman. He's underrated, honestly. I thought he played pretty well today for it being his first game at center against one of the toughest run defenses in the NFL. We'll build off that and we'll rally around John."
Expect the Browns to find more creative ways to get Jordan Cameron the ball. One catch for 5 yards won't do for Cleveland's best pass-catcher. If it's not in play-action, work more of the quick game with Hoyer.
