Duke Johnson is the playmaker the Browns need
Oct 11, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) runs as Baltimore Ravens free safety Terrence Brooks (31) attempts to tackle during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Cleveland Browns defeated Baltimore Ravens 33-30 in over time. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson, now that he is healthy, is finally starting to show the playmaking abilities that the team needs.
Johnson and fellow running back Isaiah Crowell were both efficient in Cleveland’s 33-30 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens last week, as Crowell had 13 rushes for 48 yards while adding two receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown. Johnson rushed poorly, his nine carries only gained 22 yards, however he was once again used heavily in the passing game, as he caught six passes for 55 yards.
Although Crowell is still rushing better than Johnson, he’s not outplaying him. Johnson, the Browns third-round selection in the 2015 draft, has provided quarterback Josh McCown with the kind of versatile weapon who has the ability to stretch the field out and create plays.
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Opposing defenses are especially taking note of his Johnson’s abilities as a receiver. In the first two weeks of the season, Johnson wasn’t targeted once. But in the past three games he has seen 25 targets and has caught 21 of them. That’s an 84 percent catch rate, which ranks second among NFL running backs with at least 25 targets, only trailing New Orleans Saints tailback Mark Ingram (89 percent catch rate).
As seen by McCown’s statistics, Johnson being utilized more in the pass offense has helped the team tremendously, as McCown did just become the Browns all-time leader in passing yards in a single game (457) and also is the only quarterback in Browns history with three consecutive games with more than 300 passing yards.
Johnson has opened up the field and drawn defenders to him as he is certainly the most explosive Browns player the team have to offer (Travis Benjamin has some room to debate, but outside of speed he doesn’t have much to offer). Not many tailbacks have the ability to make defenders miss quite like Johnson, a former Miami Hurricane, and he’s only played five games in his professional career.
As the Browns continue to expand Johnson’s role in the passing game, he has also seen his carries increase. Crowell was getting the bulk of the carries to start off the season, which was expected, and still is. However, the Browns have started shifting toward a committee in the backfield as Johnson has seen his carries increase in three consecutive games.
Despite the increase in rushes, Johnson still can’t seem to hit the right hole at the right time. The offensive line has looked significantly better the last two weeks, and it should only be a matter of time before the rookie running back will finally break free for a big touchdown.
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Although head coach Mike Pettine is on record as saying he wants to incorporate Johnson more each game, Browns fans should expect to hear another name this week.
Robert Turbin, claimed off the waivers a few weeks ago from the Seattle Seahawks, is finally injury-free and ready to get into the running back rotation. Coming off of a high ankle sprain, Turbin will be eased into the rotation and will be the third back out of the three. With Crowell and Johnson both remaining inconsistent rushing this season, the young back from Utah State could steal carries from both amid an impressive game.
Don’t expect Turbin to touch the ball more than a handful of times in his first game, especially against a stellar defense like the Denver Broncos. This is a big game for the Browns as they come off of a division win in Baltimore, and would like to keep the streak going with a win at home this Sunday. The best bet to get that done is to get Johnson involved early and to establish a flow on offense quickly.
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Johnson must to be more productive on his rushes because when he starts producing the Browns are in good shape. Gary Barnidge has solidified his role as a dominant pass catching tight end and should be used to create opportunities for others as he will garner much attention from the Denver defense. This should open up players like Benjamin and Taylor Gabriel to get some shots downfield, but be aware as former Brown T.J. Ward will be lurking and ready to pounce on his prey in his return to Cleveland.
Despite Peyton Manning’s struggles this season, he’s never lost to the Browns in his career and is still not the person you want to let get a big lead early. With Joe Haden and Tashaun Gipson both out this week, this Broncos team may get in the groove finally against a deteriorated defense and the Browns can’t let this happen.
Johnson has opened up the Browns offense and provides a playmaking running back that the Browns haven’t had since (dare I say it) Willie Green. Unlike in Green’s case, Johnson has a talented offensive line and also isn’t a workhorse back. Johnson has already impacted the Browns significantly this season and, with some time to develop, he can turn into an absolute stud for this team.
We’ve seen the flashes in the passing game from Johnson and once the rushing productivity increases, the Browns should have their playmaker for the future.