2016 Northeast Ohio High School Football Preview
August 26, 2016Well that didn’t go well, Browns lose to Buccaneers 30-13
August 26, 2016The Cleveland Browns’ offensive backfield saw little change this offseason with the two positions being led by the same players from a year ago. The running backs unit is filled with youth and inconsistency. Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson Jr., Raheem Mostert, Glenn Winston, Jahwan Edwards, Rajion Neal and Terrell Watson are the running backs currently on the roster. The fullbacks unit did not perform well at all last season. Currently, Malcolm Johnson (one of the worst fullbacks in the league as rated by PFF) and Robert Hughes are the fullbacks on the roster.
What can Browns fans expect from the running backs and fullbacks in 2016? Let’s take a look.
2016 Browns Preview Series: Safeties, Cornerbacks, Inside Linebackers, Outside Linebackers, Defensive Line, Tight Ends, Offensive Line, Running Backs/Fullbacks
Key Additions: None
Key Losses: None
Expected Starters: Isaiah Crowell (RB), Duke Johnson Jr. (RB) and Malcolm Johnson (FB)
The Browns starting running back spot will be split between Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson Jr. Neither running back was able to consistently lead the position and take control of the starting spot. Last season in his second year, Crowell rushed 185 times for 706 yards and four touchdowns, while also catching 19 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown. In his rookie season last year, Johnson rushed 104 times for 379 yards, while also catching 61 passes for 534, two touchdowns and a fumble. The Browns run game will once again be a two-headed unit in 2016.
Crowell was too inconsistent last season for the Browns, showing glimpses of really nice play only be stuffed for short yardage for a stretch. This preseason, there have been reports that he has looked better, which we saw during the first two weeks of rehearsal contests. He has all the talent in the world. He has strength, speed, and tackle breaking ability with an awesome link to pizza lunchables. Conversely, he struggles with his vision, oftentimes missing holes or failing to capitalize on brief opportunities. Crowell must get better at finding the holes and shorten his decision making. No. 34 has the potential to form a one-two punch with Duke Johnson Jr., but his inconsistency has caused the team to struggle to rely on him.
Duke Johnson Jr. was more of a receiver than a runner last season, used far more in the passing game than in the running game. He showed off his versatility to be a really dangerous weapon in the passing game, serving as an outlet for underneath routes, but in the run game, the rookie was equally inconsistent as Crowell. He has the speed and elite elusiveness to be tough to catch, but his hesitation last season hurt him. He was far too slow on deciding to make it to the hole, allowing the gaps to close. Starting the season with an injury didn’t help his case.
Malcolm Johnson is the starting fullback and the only true fullback likely to make the team. In his rookie season last year, he had no rushing attempts, but did catch four passes for 15 yards. Johnson was just not good last season. He was mainly a blocker, but he left a lot to be desired in this department, missing or getting beat on blocks in far too many instances.
In Hue Jackson’s offense, the fullback is an important piece. Johnson needs to show he can be a better blocker and show versatility in other areas in order to stick around and keep earning snaps. His starting role may be a given due to the lack of options on the current roster, but how much playing time Johnson gets could be limited without marked improvement.
Possible Contributors: Raheem Mostert (RB) and Glenn Winston (RB)
The Browns possible backup running back options are Raheem Mostert and Glenn Winston. Last season in three games with the Browns, Mostert had 12 kickoff returns for a total of 309 yards. He also played a game in Miami, returning two kicks for a total of 57 yards and seven games in Baltimore, returning five kicks for a total of 164 yards. In three games with the Browns last season, Winston had one carry for negative eight yards and a fumble.
Raheem Mostert is entering his second season in the NFL. He is a speed back, who can make big plays, but his best and most valuable skillset is his returning ability on special teams. If he does make the squad, it will be his returning ability that earns him that spot.
Winston is entering his third season in the NFL. He is a big, physical back who can break tackles and move a pile. He has not had enough playing time to really show off his talents, but he is does offer unique ability with his size.
The Browns backup running back group will likely be a one-man show between either Mostert or Winston. It is unlikely the team decides to keep both of these backs. The decision will come to whether the Browns want more special teams help in Mostert or a more talented running back in Winston. At fullback, there are no real backup options to Johnson.
Biggest Strength: Versatility
The Browns running backs unit provides a lot of versatility has individual backs and in terms of the overall group. Duke Johnson Jr. may be the most versatile player on the offense with his ability to be a runner, a receiver and a returner. Isaiah Crowell also has the ability to catch the ball, along with being a runner. Johnson is a versatile do-everything type player, who can line up anywhere on the field. Crowell is a run cut running back, who can break tackles. Raheem Mostert is a returner, while Glenn Winston is a big, physical back. The running backs unit is a potpourri of skillsets.
Biggest Weakness: Consistency Rushing
The Browns running backs unit is not consistent enough rushing the ball, a key for success in the AFC North and a staple of previous Hue Jackson-led offenses. Whether it’s Duke Johnson Jr. or Isaiah Crowell, the Browns running backs were far too inconsistent rushing the ball last season. The team’s rushing was just not reliable for the Browns offense last season. Someone or hopefully both starting backs need to be able to be trustworthy and able to run the ball better than last season. The offense needs more balance than last season.
Key Player: Duke Johnson Jr.
In my opinion, Duke Johnson Jr. has the most talent in the running backs unit. He is a versatile weapon, who can do anything for the offense and line up all over the field. As a runner, I believe he could be a breakout star for the team. He has elite elusiveness to make defenders miss. He just needs to be more decisive running the ball, cutting out his hesitation to wait for things to develop. Duke has ability to run inside and outside, so he can be an every down back. Johnson can solidify the position with a breakout performance.
Overall Opinion:
I am more bullish on the Browns running backs unit due mostly to my love affair with Duke Johnson Jr. I believe he can be an every down back and be the leading back for the team because of his ability to run between the tackles paired with his speed and elite elusiveness. He can do everything for an offense, so he can be a weapon on third down as a receiver. Development will be key for him this season, improving his weaknesses that held him back in his rookie season.
Isaiah Crowell would then be a good complement to Johnson as a cut back who subs in to give a change of pace. He too needs to work on his weaknesses and be more consistent. The running backs unit has a lot of upside with its youth, but consistent and development will be the key for their success.
The fullbacks unit was a disaster last season, giving little aid to offense last year. In his rookie season as the prominent fullback, Malcolm Johnson was not good enough. He struggled as a blocker and provided little versatility. In Hue Jackson’s offense, the fullback is a position that is utilized quite a bit, but Johnson needs to improve and provide at the very least better blocking. If he cannot do that, the Browns will need to look elsewhere, whether it’s a player on the roster who can change positions or someone from the outside. This unit is not in a great position at this point of the season.
9 Comments
I hope you are correct and can point out my folly in not believing Duke Johnson to be an everydown type back.
Robert Hughes! I remember this guy from ND. He played (then) like a real full back. None of this Malcolm Johnson wimpy stuff.
However, his inability to stick with a team leads me to believe he is bad…but he can’t be worse than Johnson, can he?
In a league where decent-not-great starting running backs fall from the trees, the Browns don’t have a starter. They have a few guys whom, if abilities could be magically combined and deficits drained, would make one decent-not-great starter.
Crowell has “all the talent in the world” but can’t see/hit a hole? He had to be reminded last year that breaking tackles is what RBs are supposed to do? That’s like a guy being a “great singer,” it’s just that tone deaf thing. That’s why “all the talent in the world” Carlton Mitchell couldn’t get off that practice squad.
I don’t mean to crap on you, Joe, but it’s time, past time. No more free rides for this org, no more fuzzy hopefulness. The Cavs broke the curse, the fresh air is fragrant and clear. We’re strong now. Time for brutally objective evals based on what the players Sashi puts out there actually do. This is the worst collection of RBs in the league. The team knows it, but they can’t fix it all at once. In the mean time, let’s own it.
hmmm , no mention of terrell watson … i am fully expecting him to make this team with mostert or winston being the odd man out … i like watson & Hue brought him over from cincy with him.
#TeamStormClouds comes on strong
Exactly. I would put little value in today’s depth chart. Watson was a terror when they put him in.
Already got the “2oldforroseglasses” tees printed
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