Ben Tate Will Be X-Factor For Cleveland Browns In Week 7
By Rick Stavig
@rickstavig
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns have been the darlings of the 2014 NFL season though six weeks, surprising everyone with a 3-2 record. The two losses? Combined they were outscored by five total points. Now there appears to be a ‘gimme’ game this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but just like Cleveland before the season, they’re not as bad as people think. The x-factor for the Browns this week will be their stable of tailbacks, particularly Ben Tate.
Tate was signed from the Houston Texans this offseason on a two-year, $6.2 million dollar deal to be the primary ball carrier in a blue collar, lunchpail-type AFC North. His start with the team was a rocky one as he continued battling injuries like he’s done his entire career, but has come on strong the last two weeks with 47 carries for 202 yards and 2 TD’s. Behind him are two promising rookies in Terrance West (235 yards, 2 TD’s) and Isaiah Crowell (237 yards, 4 TD’s). In total the Browns are third in the NFL in rushing yards per game with 146.4, so there’s no secret as to their success so far in ’14.
The Jags, meanwhile, may be 0-6, but they’ve probably should’ve won three or four games by now. A handful of times they’ve gone into either the second half or the fourth quarter with a lead only to see it given away. Their offense is putrid (rookie QB, what do you expect?), but their rush defense is downright solid, however. Roy Miller and Sen’Derrick Marks are stout against the run and Ziggy Hood provides good depth inside. Red Bryant is one of the best DE’s in the business against the run and Chris Clemons is a blur off the edge. MLB Paul Posluszny and SLB Geno Hayes are instinctive playmakers with good range.
The Browns have a solid offensive line even considering the loss of star center Alex Mack. They can win this matchup against the Jags front seven, but Tate and company need to hit the holes hard and get north-south. With the ground game established, the playaction will open up and chunk yards will be found down the sidelines against a young secondary giving up nearly 300 yards passing per game.
Rick Stavig is an NFL Draft Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @rickstavig or add him to your network on Google+.
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