The Cleveland Browns went from one of the worst offensive line in the NFL to one of, if not the, best in the league. In one season, Andrew Berry, Kevin Stefanski and Bill Callahan turned Wyatt Teller into one of the best guards in the league as well.
One of the most important parts of what the Browns were able to do in just one season was to make sure there wasn’t a weak link among their starting five. That allowed Baker Mayfield to build confidence in what was happening in front of him instead of wondering if one or two (or three sometimes in 2019) blockers were getting beat badly.
Brian Baldinger, of the NFL Network and other media outlets, does a great job of giving quick film breakdowns on Twitter. He often calls the Browns starting line “The Union” for how they work together.
This “Baldy breakdown” may not be one that would make a highlight reel but is a great example of how Cleveland’s offensive line works together and made sure to keep Mayfield clean:
.@Browns with a perfect visual of what help looks like from #WyattTeller. No QB should ever get sacked from a 3 man rush. EVER! #theunion #dawgpound #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/pp2P6DNKiC
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) July 15, 2021
In a short video, you can see the mindset of “looking for work” that is part of all of the great offensive lines. Teller makes sure he is available for any looping or later rushers before giving Jack Conklin just enough help and making sure J.J. Watt feels him.
The awareness and physicality of Teller and the rest of the Browns offensive line set the tone for the 2020 season. Baldinger highlights a good example of it and the foundation the Browns will build on going into 2021.