Ball Played: Indians say Goodbye to the Good Guy (but not to losing streak)
July 29, 2015Cavs Rewind: Top 15 Plays of the 2014-15 Season
July 29, 2015We have finally reached the beginning of the NFL season, with the first Browns training camp opening to the public on Thursday. Over the last few weeks, I have previewed each position of the Browns defense and started last week with the tight ends and fullbacks on offense. We now shift to the backfield to examine the Browns running backs unit. This group has a lot of young backs with a lot of potential. So, let’s take a look at the running back group of the Cleveland Browns.
2015 Browns Position Previews: Safeties | Cornerbacks | Inside Linebackers | Outside Linebackers | Defensive Line | Tight Ends/Fullbacks | Running Backs
Running Backs
Additions
Duke Johnson (Draft, Third round from Miami (FL))
Luke Lundy (UDFA, Ottawa University)
Subtractions
None
The Starters: To Be Determined
The Browns never really had a starting running back last season, going with a rotation based on the situation in the game. This season could be much of the same with an additional back in the rotation in rookie Duke Johnson. One of three players — Johnson, Isaiah Crowell, and Terrance West — could emerge this preseason and become the starting feature back, but it is more likely the team uses Crowell, West, and Johnson each in different situations. The trend around the league has been centered on a committee in the backfield rather than a true feature running back. The Browns are looking like they will utilize the running back by committee strategy to showcase their very important running game.
Contributing Running Backs: Isaiah Crowell, Terrance West and Duke Johnson
The Browns will have a three-headed monster man the backfield this coming season. Crowell, West, and Johnson will most likely share time in the backfield, with all taking snaps as the Browns running back. With the way offenses in the NFL have shifted to a committee backfield and the way the Browns utilized the backs last year, the Browns will most likely not have a true feature back. Last season, Isaiah Crowell was given a minus-8.0 grade by Pro Football Focus, while West was given a minus-5.9. In comparison, Le’Veon Bell of the Steelers led the league with a plus-23.8 grade.
Isaiah Crowell showed glimpses last season that he could be a productive running back in the NFL — the sort to inspire more Pizza Lunchable throwing. In his rookie season, he rushed 148 times gaining 607 yards and eight touchdowns. Crowell is a decisive runner who makes quick decisions without trying to be too pretty. He has a good combination of strength and speed to run through or around defenses. His biggest problems last season were his ball security and consistency. Crowell had three fumbles, losing two of them, leading the coaches to lose a little faith in the young back. He showed glimpses of what he could be last season, but he never was to put it all together for an extended period of time.
Terrance West was a frustrating player for the Browns coaching staff last season, with a lot of ups and downs. Last year as a rookie, he rushed 171 times for 673 yards and four touchdowns, along with one receiving touchdown. West is a player with great agility and balance, with the ability to change direction on a dime. His feet are always moving and he can break tackles thanks to his strong balance. His biggest problem areas are his decision-making and his attitude. West tries to be too pretty and can sometimes dance around too much, leading to holes closing up before he makes a decision. He also must become more mature and professional this coming season.
Duke Johnson was the Browns third round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Miami (FL). In his junior season last year, he rushed 242 times for 1652 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also adding 38 receptions for 421 yards and three touchdowns. Johnson has great explosion and speed to make defenders miss and turn up field for big plays. He has versatility and could really be a weapon for the Browns offense. He is just as dangerous as a receiver as he is as a runner. He also adds return ability on special teams. The biggest question mark for the young rookie will be how fast he can acclimate to the NFL and if he can stay healthy as a smaller back (5-foot-9, 194 pounds). If he can answer those questions, he could see the field pretty quickly.
The Browns will feature three running backs in their backfield this coming season. I see the Browns going with all three players in situations that best fit their styles, as each gives the team a different threat. Crowell brings decisiveness, West brings agility and balance, and Johnson brings versatility and big play ability. Each one will have a role, but one of the three could emerge over the rest and become the main back in the offense.
Strictly Special Team Contributors: None
The Browns will most likely not have a strictly special teams contributor in the running back depth chart. The depth chart will be pretty full with the three backs I have talked about above. I don’t see a back making it as a special teams contributor only.
Other Running Backs on Roster: Shaun Draughn, Luke Lundy and Glenn Winston
Shaun Draughn, Luke Lundy and Glenn Winston will most likely not be on the team this season, falling victim to the numbers game. It will tough for the Browns to carry any of these three running backs, especially with the three on the depth chart expected to get most of the snaps on offense next season. Shaun Draughn and Glenn Winston have the best chances to make the team, but they are still highly unlikely.
Biggest Strength: Versatility
The Browns’ biggest strength in the running back group is their versatility. The team has three players who each bring a different playing style to the roster. Crowell is a one-cut decisive runner, while West brings elusiveness and balance. Johnson can catch passes out of the backfield and spring for the big play. The coaches will have the ability to mix and match the three backs based on the situation and what style the team needs at a given time. Versatility will be a key to the success of the running back group.
Biggest Weakness: Consistency
The Browns running backs will have to be more consistent than last season. Both Crowell and West had their moments last season, but neither were able to sustain their success for more than a couple games. The coaches were unable to have full confidence in either back because of their inconsistencies throughout the 2015 NFL season. With a year under their belts, Crowell and West should improve from last season and build on their successes. The addition of Johnson should also help the overall group play more consistently.
Biggest Position Battle: Isaiah Crowell vs. Terrance West vs. Duke Johnson
The battle for playing time between Crowell, West, and Johnson will be one of the more interesting battles to watch this season. All three players bring something different to the table, which gives the coaches plenty of options. I don’t expect this battle to produce a full time feature back. I think the Browns will continue their rotation of backs like last season, utilizing all three players’ talents in different situations. This is probably the best option because it creates a more difficult situation for opposing coaches to gameplan against.
Grade: B
The Browns running back group should be improved from last season because of the two sophomore backs putting a year under their belt and also because of the addition of Duke Johnson. Crowell, West, and Johnson are three talented backs with differing skills that will make the position very versatile and dangerous. The coaches will have the luxury to mix and match the three based on the situation. The biggest question will be whether any or all of the three can be consistent, without having so many ups and downs like last season. The Browns running back group should be improved and one of the strengths of the offense in 2015. They will need to rely heavily on this group to be a successful offense this year.
All stats (unless noted otherwise) are from ESPN.com
3 Comments
I’m excited by this group especially behind this offensive line. Lets be honest they’ll have to really carry the water this season.
Feed.The.Crow.
Pizza Lunchables.