Cleveland Browns: Top 5 opposing running backs in 2016

If there is a game in 2016 that Browns fans will actually be expecting a win, rather than just hoping for one, Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans would be it.

The Browns defeated Tennessee last season in the home opener at FirstEnergy Stadium and the Titans finished with the same woeful 3-13 record as Cleveland. There is more upside for the Titans though than possibly than any other 3-13 franchise in NFL history. Quarterback Marcus Mariota is partially responsible for this optimism, as the former Heisman Trophy winner seeks to improve on a productive rookie season. This year he has help at the running back position in running back DeMarco Murray.

Murray was traded to the Titans in March after spending a season with the Philadelphia Eagles and looks to speed up a rebuilding process anchored by Mariota. The primary reason Murray is such a threat to opposing defenses is his unique combination of elite speed and power. It is not uncommon that an NFL running back features both, but what is special is how the former Dallas Cowboy excels in each.

This will presumably give the Browns a great deal of trouble as they often have trouble tackling, and containing running backs who can do damage in the open field. Murray is capable of both, and absolutely capable of having a 200-yard game against Cleveland.

The Browns will need to approach defending Murray with the mentality of limiting him. Any defensive front will struggle against the star back and the Browns, especially without Desmond Bryant, will be no different. Defensive coordinator Ray Horton will need to devise an especially intricate game plan that has the primary focus of containing Murray.

The problem is the Titans have another capable running back in Bishop Sankey and a mobile quarterback in Mariota.  This will make the approach different, as containment by the outside linebackers will need to be emphasized with a running quarterback threat. Still, the Browns can shut down Tennessee’s offense if they are able to stagnate the running game, as the Titans lack alternate weapons offensively.

If they can force Tennessee into passing situations on third and long, they should be able to limit the Titans’ offensive production. Although this is possible, it will be difficult against a running back like Murray, who is easily one of the most talented the Browns will see in 2016.

Next: LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills