In the world of NFL journalism, there are few teams that generate as much buzz and excitement as the Cleveland Browns. This team, which considers itself a Super Bowl contender, had high hopes heading into their preseason debut. However, things didn’t quite go according to plan, especially when it came to their running game.
The Browns seemed to take a cautious approach in their game against the Green Bay Packers, opting for a vanilla scheme on both offense and defense. While the Packers played several starters, including quarterback Jordan Love, the Browns decided to hold back. This is not unusual for Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, who has never been one to put too much stock in preseason games.
One glaring issue that has carried over from last season is the Browns’ running game. With star running back Nick Chubb sidelined due to injury, the team has struggled to find a consistent ground attack. Chubb, who is on the physically unable-to-perform list, is a key piece of the Browns’ offense, and his absence was sorely felt in the preseason debut.
In Chubb’s absence, Jerome Ford was tasked with shouldering the bulk of the rushing duties. However, Ford’s performance left much to be desired. While he did manage to rack up a decent number of yards, his inconsistency and inability to find tough yards up the middle were major concerns. This lack of production left the Browns facing long yardage situations far too often, putting a strain on the offense.
To make matters worse, the Browns have been dealing with injuries along the offensive line. The team has lost their offensive line coach, Bill Callahan, a significant blow to a unit that was already struggling. With key players like Jed Wills and Jack Conklin still recovering from injuries, the Browns’ offensive line has been in flux.
Given these challenges, it is crucial for the Browns to focus on improving their running game. Establishing a strong ground attack will be key to the team’s success, especially in a league that values passing offenses. The team must evaluate their talent and find a scheme that suits their personnel if they hope to compete at a high level in the upcoming season.
In the words of one NFL analyst, “The Cleveland Browns have a problem in their running game, and it’s one that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.” For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, getting the ground game on track will be essential to their success in 2024.
