Film Study: Brandon Brooks’ Performance against the Browns

Brandon Brooks was the key cog added by the Philadelphia Eagles this past offseason to reshape the offensive line.

Turned out he had quite a debut against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Let’s take a look at how he did.

Brooks is most notably known for his power in the running game and pushing defenders backwards. There were times where he’d get some help from center Jason Kelce before taking over himself and others when he’d manhandle the defender and take him to the second level while he was on his own. Look at the hand placement too to generate maximum leverage.

Just showed Brooks’ ability, now power, whether he gets help 1st before taking over, or pushing Browns back himself pic.twitter.com/XQSkFAeBql

— The Bitter Birds (@AdrianFedkiw) September 13, 2016

I was impressed with Brooks’ agility and movement on his pulls before getting to the second level and finding linebackers and defensive backs to clear out of the way. He paved the alley off the right side of the line a few times.

Look at the agility and movement skills by Brooks on his pulls, he’s about 340 pounds by the way. #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/OzuVUNi6zF

— The Bitter Birds (@AdrianFedkiw) September 13, 2016

First of all, check out the alignment of the offensive line. There’s an overload to the left with both Jason Peters and Lane Johnson lined up on that side with Zach Ertz basically playing the right tackle spot. The formation screams that the run is coming to the left, but it goes right. Brooks seals his defender off the right side of the line and Ryan Mathews picks up four yards. 

Brooks is known for being a better run blocker than pass protector and it was tough to grade his pass blocking in this one. Kelce helped on the double team a lot of the time and Carson Wentz wasn’t taking that many deep drops.

When Brooks did get left on an island, however, he wasn’t bad. His feet looked soft while easily sliding to the left and right and mirroring the defender. In the third clip, he engulfed Carl Nassib after dropping his anchor.

Wentz didn’t take a bunch of deep drops and Brooks was helped by Kelce some, but good job in pass pro in these clips pic.twitter.com/Vg6bR12S2B

— The Bitter Birds (@AdrianFedkiw) September 13, 2016

This was the lone mistake Brooks made. I don’t know what went on here, whether Brooks thought there was screen coming or what, but it was a mistake for him to come off of Nassib.

It was a solid debut, we’ll see how Brooks handles himself as the season goes along as the defensive lines become a lot more stout than what the Browns had to offer.