Running Game Is Key To Cleveland Browns’ Week 11 Win
By Connor Fulton
@ConnorFultonRS
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns just might be the most puzzling of the eight division leaders in the NFL right now. One thing that has been clear, however, is that the Browns hang their hat on a ground game that is powered by the best running back committee the league has to offer. For the Browns to reach their best record through 11 weeks since 1994, they must establish the run against J.J. Watt and the Houston Texans.
When Ben Tate, Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell combine to rush for over 100 yards in a game, the Browns are 4-1. That one loss came in Week 1 when they ripped off 173 yards but fell short to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 30-27. The Browns were a different team back in September; they have since exacted revenge on their divisional rivals in the form of a 31-10 Week 6 win.
Usually the Browns need the running game to carry them to victory. They failed to rush for 100 yards in their other two losses, to the Baltimore Ravens and the Jacksonville Jaguars. In Weeks 7-9, Tate, West and Crowell rushed for a total of 151 yards, including a measly 38 yards in an ugly win over the Oakland Raiders. The Browns can still win if they have an off day on the ground, but they’re not as reliable.
Playing against his former team for the first time, Tate is the player to watch. The Browns should employ Tate’s services early and often, as the veteran is both disgruntled he hasn’t had many carries lately and motivated to outperform his former backfield mate Arian Foster. Tate is due for a good outing; he hasn’t eclipsed 78 yards rushing since the win over the Steelers.
That isn’t to say West and Crowell will be irrelevant. The Browns will need these rookies to diversify the rushing attack. Crowell, in particular, has proven to be a great change-of-pace ball carrier, averaging 4.6 yards per rush and reaching the end zone five times.
An establishment of the run in the first half will quell the Texans’ fierce pass rush, giving Brian Hoyer time to find his receivers. For a team that can’t rely on an explosive aerial attack every week like the other top AFC contenders, it’s crucial that the Browns have success running the ball — not just this Sunday, but down the road.
Connor Fulton is an NFL writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @ConnorFultonRS, or find him on Google.
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