The Cleveland Browns may have a starting running back controversy on their hands. Incumbent starter Ben Tate has just 140 yards on a dismal 2.3 yards per carry average over the last three weeks. Tate believes opposing defenses are keying in on him.
"I definitely think they have an emphasis on not letting us run the ball," Tate said, according to Cleveland.com. "I could tell they were very focused on that, especially Oakland. I played with some of those guys and talking to them after the game you could tell that was their big focus."
Tate took a thinly-veiled shot at his offensive line after the game last week. A reporter asked if he had any open holes to run through to which Tate answered, "Did you watch the game?"
For the most part, Cleveland's offensive line has played well this season, ranking eight in run blocking by Pro Football Focus.
ESPN's Mike Clay believes that second string runner Isaiah Crowell could replace Tate in the starting lineup should the latter continue to struggle.
"Isaiah Crowell was surprisingly limited to one carry in Week 8, but it's only a matter of time until he takes over as Cleveland's lead back," Clay wrote. "Current feature back Ben Tate is averaging only 3.6 yards per carry, which includes a career-worst 1.8 yards after contact per attempt. Crowell hasn't been much better after contact, but is averaging 4.9 yards per carry despite facing a base defense on 85 percent of his carries. That's the fourth-highest mark in the league. Considering that Cleveland operates the league's second run-heaviest offense, Crowell should be owned in all 12-team leagues."
Crowell has 256 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on a 4.9 yards per carry average.
Cleveland's rushers will have their opportunity to shine this week when they place the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 23rd ranked rushing defense.
