So how would that philosophy help the Browns?
1. The foundation has been laid for a powerful running game. In 2007 they drafted All-Pro LT Joe Thomas, in 2012 they drafted Mitchell Schwartz, who started all 16 games at RT. They also drafted a big, versatile back in Trent Richardson, who had a very good rookie season. Richardson seems like a prototypical Tresselball back – good enough to get tough yards between the tackles, but versatile enough to catch passes out of the backfield.
The Browns also went all in with QB Brandon Weeden, who had an up and down rookie year, but there's talent there, and an ability to be a good, serviceable NFL quarterback. And really, that's all Jim Tressel wants, and anything else is gravy.
Admittedly, I haven't watched a ton of Browns football this year, but when I saw him play, he reminds me of a guy that did very well in Jim Tressel's offense – Craig Krenzel, only with more natural talent. He's not as mobile, but he's got a much better arm. And given a few more weapons and better protection, Weeden could succeed in a Tressel offense.
