5 areas to watch during Browns first preseason game
By Mark Riley
Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Based on the spanking the Browns running backs took recently from position coach Wilbert Montgomery, it is also going to be interesting to observe the efforts of the running backs in the preseason.
Isaiah Crowell will play a starring role, at least initially, as he is the only healthy running back available, hence the admonishment from Montgomery. Terrance West and rookie Duke Johnson are sidelined with questionable injuries, the type that in mid-season wouldn’t even be acknowledged. It will be up to Crowell to grab the brass ring early on.
Related: Who will take charge of the running back position?
In response to a question, Browns head coach Mike Pettine mentioned on Tuesday that the Browns have “talked” about bringing in troubled ex-Raven Ray Rice, but that the team is really not considering it.
Considering Rice’s declining numbers and recent hip injury, it would be my opinion not to exercise this option. The media crush on the team would rival the Johnny Manziel insanity of just one year ago, and is exactly what this team does not need right now.
I think the idea of the Browns looking at an outside running back is more of a way to send a message to the West, Johnson and Crowell. I do believe that once they have recovered from their injuries that West and Johnson will contribute greatly to the efforts of the Browns offense. Considering that the Browns intend to be a running team, they need to get back soon.
Next: Training Camp All Star