How the Browns can overcome Dexter Lawrence, Giants run defense

Running the ball against the Giants defense could result in successful plays for the Browns. The Giants have allowed 13 runs of 10 or more yards so far this season, the second-most in the NFL through the first two weeks.

On nearly three-quarters of defensive snaps, the Giants have featured six or fewer players in the box – defined as the area around the line of scrimmage that is usually about 3-5 yards deep and spans the width of the offensive line.

“You would hope if you have a six-man box and you have enough hats for a hat, then you should be able to run the ball,” offensive line coach Andy Dickerson said. “They do play shell defense, but they’re a really good defense, especially starting inside with [Lawrence], the whole defensive front, their whole defense is coached really well. So, you like the favorable numbers, but you’ve got to get the angles. You’ve got to get your matchup.”

The Browns have averaged 68 rushing yards per game and have recorded three of their four total runs for 10 or more yards against a light box.

When in a six-man box, the Giants have given up nine explosive runs and have allowed an average of 103 rushing yards per game. Missed tackles became an issue for the Giants in their Week 2 loss to the Commanders, allowing 4.21 yards after contact per rushing attempt. At one point, the Giants had a chance to get off the field on third-and-1, but RB Brian Robinson Jr. ran up the middle before bouncing around to the outside for a 40-yard gain.

“They’re going to happen, but we’ve got to reduce them,” Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said of the Giants’ struggles against the run. “They’re going to happen from time to time, but making sure those missed tackles end up being two to five additional yards instead of 10-plus.”

Browns RB D’Onta Foreman knows that, despite the rushing yards the Giants have allowed this season, running on their defensive front is no simple task.

“They have a good front,” Foreman said. “They fly around to the ball. [Lawrence] is big in the middle and then of course, you got [Burns] and [Thibodeaux] on the outside. So, I feel like that’s the strong point of the defense. But I think definitely if we get going, I think we have some opportunities to go have a big game, a big day in the running game.”