It's been a mystery throughout nearly the entirety of Cleveland Browns training camp as to just what player, out of Isaiah Crowell, Terrance West and recent draft pick Duke Johnson would wind up assuming the lead role in the Browns backfield. While each player has taken their turn receiving plaudits as well as demerits from the Cleveland coaching staff, it seems we may finally know who is going to take the reins of the Browns running game. Browns head coach Mike Pettine told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com after the team's final preseason bout against the Chicago Bears that Crowell has a clear edge at this point in the running back competition and, thus, seems likely to get the start in the Browns season opener against the New York Jets.
"Yeah, I would say Crow has an edge,'' said Pettine, via Cabot. "That's fair to say. I was glad late in the game, to me it was very tough on (West's) part to have to go through it, but we wanted to get (Shaun) Draughn some work even with the cast. So that wasn't ideal but I thought he gutted through it and made some plays.''
Crowell didn't dress for the Bears game, but it seems he's done enough in his other preseason appearances and during training camp practices to get the nod, at least to start the year for the Browns. Crowell finished his preseason work with 17 carries for 47 yards. The totals aren't great, but then again the entire Cleveland offense likely needs to take it up a notch if they're to compete during the regular season. Crowell did provide ample reason for optimism during his rookie season, in which he managed 607 rushing yards on 148 attempts to go along with eight touchdowns.
West's preseason stats were better - 31 carries, 113 yards, a long of 17-yards - but it seems Crowell offers an extra element, possibly in protection, that West lacks. And Johnson, electrifying talent though he may be, is dealing with the effects of a concussion and his status remains in question.
But considering the lack of an established and dependable presence at quarterback for Cleveland, it's probably pretty fair to assume that West and Johnson will eventually be given their fair share of opportunities to touch the ball.
