NFL Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns Have Solid 1-2 Running Punch

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Andrew Weber -- USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Weber — USA TODAY Sports

Much has been made about the Cleveland Browns‘ resurgence under quarterback Brian Hoyer, as the Browns have become one of the teams to watch in a very crowded AFC North picture.

Hoyer may be getting it done through the air, but the feet on the ground are getting the job done, as well.

The return of Ben Tate after a few weeks away with a knee injury has energized the Browns’ running attack. Together with Isaiah Crowell, the Browns gained 158 yards on the ground in a 31-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Combined with Hoyer’s 210 yards, the Browns suddenly have a two-pronged offensive attack that should help Cleveland stay competitive through the season.

You remember what this team was like in the preseason. Josh Gordon’s suspension cast a spell over the Browns’ offensive attack. The question of who the quarterback would be was also in flux. Instead, Hoyer won the job over Johnny Manziel and kept it.

Instead, Manziel has been relegated to the sidelines and all of the drama has been on the field instead of off it — well, most of it anyway. Gordon’s suspension still hangs over the Browns, but the team isn’t letting that drag it down.

What has brought the team up is the presence of Tate and Crowell. Tate has been effective running the ball up the field, but Crowell is effective in the red zone.

A team is always good when everything clicks. The offense has been rock solid thanks to an impressive running game and Hoyer’s passing. The defense has been very good, holding Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger powerless for most of the game.

If this keeps up, the Browns may indeed challenge for an AFC North title, and happier times may return to Cleveland.

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