3 Questions That Could Define the Browns’ Season vs. Bills
How the Cleveland Browns Are Building a Powerful Run Game
What Happened at Practice?
The Cleveland Browns held a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills. Think of this like a scrimmage where two teams practice against each other instead of just their own teammates. During this practice, the Browns’ running backs looked really good!
Standout Performers
- Dylan Sampson found open lanes created by the offensive line and ran through them with ease
- Raheim Sanders had an exciting play where he:
- Took a handoff to the right side
- Quickly cut back to the left
- Stayed in bounds along the sideline
- Ran deep into the red zone (the area close to scoring a touchdown)
- His teammates were so excited they ran down the field to celebrate with him!
Important Point: The "red zone" is the last 20 yards before the end zone. Getting there means you’re in prime scoring position!
What the Coach Had to Say
Offensive Coordinator Ken Dorsey (referred to as "Monken" in the report) was happy with what he saw:
"We weren’t getting double-teamed every other snap, and we were prepared. We prepared for this practice, what we thought we’d see. I’ll have to see the tape. It felt like we played more physical, felt like we were at the point of attack, more aggressive."
In simple terms: The Bills’ defense didn’t gang up on Browns players as much as expected. Cleveland came ready, played tough, and attacked the line of scrimmage (where the play starts) with energy.
The Bills’ Run Defense: A Tale of Two Stories
Here’s where it gets interesting. The Bills’ run defense has been… inconsistent.
| Time Period | Performance | League Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Regular Season | Allowed 136.2 rushing yards per game | 28th (3rd worst) |
| First Preseason Game vs Panthers | Held Carolina to only 61 rushing yards | Much better! |
Key Takeaway: Preseason games don’t always predict regular season performance. Teams don’t show all their plays, and starters play limited snaps.
Browns’ Preseason Success on the Ground
In their first preseason game against those same Bills, Cleveland ran for 108 total yards. Here’s how they did it:
- KC Concepcion (a wide receiver!) scored on a 14-yard touchdown run
- Davon Booth broke off a 28-yard gain
- Multiple players contributed to the total
Why this matters: If the Browns can consistently create these running opportunities during the real season, they’ll move the ball downfield and put themselves in position to score.
Why a Good Run Game Matters (ELI5 Version)
Imagine football is like a video game where you have two main buttons:
- Pass Button Risky but big rewards
- Run Button Steady, reliable, wears down the other team
When the run game works:
- Clock keeps moving (good when you’re winning)
- Defense gets tired chasing runners
- Opens up play-action passes (fake run, then throw)
- Controls the tempo of the game
Summary
The Browns showed promising signs in their run game during joint practices and preseason action against the Bills. Dylan Sampson and Raheim Sanders found success behind an aggressive offensive line. While Buffalo’s run defense struggled in the 2025 regular season (28th in the league), they looked stronger in preseason. Cleveland gained 108 rushing yards in their preseason matchup, with contributions from unexpected players like WR KC Concepcion and RB Davon Booth. If this translates to the regular season, the Browns will have a reliable way to move the ball and control games.
FAQ
What is a "joint practice" in football?
A joint practice is when two NFL teams practice together instead of against their own teammates. It gives players a chance to compete against different schemes and bodies before the preseason games.
Who is Ken Dorsey/Monken?
Ken Dorsey is the Browns’ Offensive Coordinator – the coach responsible for designing the offensive plays and calling them during games. The article refers to him as "Monken" which appears to be an error in the original source.
Why did a wide receiver (KC Concepcion) run the ball?
This was likely a "jet sweep" or "end around" play where a fast receiver takes a handoff running horizontally, then turns upfield. It uses speed to get outside the defense quickly.
Do preseason stats matter?
Not as much as regular season stats! Teams use basic playbooks, starters play limited time, and coaches are evaluating players rather than game-planning to win. But they can show potential.
What does "point of attack" mean?
It’s the specific spot on the line of scrimmage where the run play is designed to go. Being "at the point of attack" means the offensive line is winning their blocks right where the running back needs to run.