The Cleveland Browns gift wrapped the first win of the season for the Jacksonville Jaguars last week in a 24-6 loss. The Browns couldn't get anything going on the ground, rushing for just 69 yards against one of the worst defenses in the NFL.
Ben Tate, the lead back for Cleveland when healthy, Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West recently made comments about their struggles with getting comfortable during the game when the offense cycles through ball carriers so often. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan doesn't agree with their complaints, however.
"I don't ever worry about running backs getting into a rhythm," Shanahan said, according to ESPNCleveland.com. "They're not quarterbacks. When you hand them the ball they better run hard and do as good as they can, and if they want to be out there, then they need to separate themselves and show that they're obviously better than the other guy and we'll keep them out there more."
"I've never had to rotate a bunch of running backs because usually I've always had a running back who really separates himself from the others. ... We've got a bunch of solid guys who do a good job, but for one of those guys to just get the bulk of the carries and to take off then that's up to them. They've got to show us that they're ahead of the other guys."
Shanahan is right, for the most part. If any of Cleveland's rushers consistently performed at a high level, this timeshare wouldn't be as big of an issue. Instead, each back has had their share of good and bad games. Tate, who was signed in the offseason to a two-year deal worth $6.2 million, should remain the top ball carrier as long as he's healthy.Tate has rushed for 279 yards and two touchdowns on a 4.0 yards per carry average this season.
Crowell and West will continue to battle it out for that No. 2 spot. As of right now, Crowell might be ahead by the smallest of margins. West was inactive for Cleveland's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 12. However, over their last three games played, Crowell has just one more rushing attempt than West. Crowell has rushed for 225 yards and four touchdowns on a 5.0 YPC average while West has rushed for 243 yards and two touchdowns on a 4.1 YPC average.
ESPN's Tony Grossi had a suggestion for Shanahan to maximize the abilities of his trip of rushers.
"I think this is a real strong group of backs, the most improved position group on the team. But there's one thing I don't understand. Look at their reception totals:
- Tate: Two receptions for minus-4 yards.
- Crowell: Two receptions for 8 yards.
- West: Five receptions for 27 yards.
One way to improve Brian Hoyer's completion percentage would be to incorporate the backs into the passing game. I just don't understand why that hasn't happened by now."