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Cleveland Browns: Top 5 opposing running backs in 2016

By Jonathan Goehring

Nov 8, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs with the ball during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs with the ball during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le-Veon Bell (26) runs the ball as he receives a block from fullback Roosevelt Nix (45) on Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le-Veon Bell (26) runs the ball as he receives a block from fullback Roosevelt Nix (45) on Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

Despite his four-game suspension for failing to complete a drug test, Le’Veon Bell is one of the top running backs in the NFL. The Browns have the misfortune of having to face him twice every year, as the Steelers and Browns will square off in Weeks 11 and 17 of 2016. Facing the Steelers has been difficult enough for the Browns in recent history, and the former Michigan State Spartan has only made matters worse.

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Bell’s greatest asset is his speed, as well as his ability to cut sharply and his nose for the first down marker or goal line. Much of what Bell brings to the Steelers offense cannot be neutralized by any defense, as they are natural instincts. But there are ways Cleveland can stop Bell, though they haven’t done so successfully thus far.

In four career games against Cleveland, Bell has rushed for 361 yards and two touchdowns, serving as just another Steeler who has had success against the Browns. Bell exploded on to the league when he rushed for 1,361 yards in 2014, quickly placing himself in the most elite group of NFL running backs. Only now is he entering his prime, as the 24-year-old has a ton of potential.

One of the hidden strengths of Bell’s game is his ability to receive out of the backfield. In his 2014 breakout season, Bell also caught three touchdown passes and totaled 854 receiving yards. This threat is one that the Browns cannot ignore, making the young rising star the most formidable offensive threat the Browns will face this season.

The Browns’ run defense is going to be tested early and often in 2016, as efficient running backs behind talented offensive lines infest the schedule. Besides this top five list, Cleveland faces Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill, two skilled backs with the Cincinnati Bengals, as well as Dallas Cowboys’ rookie Ezekiel Elliot, who could make an immediate impact at the NFL level.

Next: Top 5 opposing WRs in 2016

Without a strong improvement from the defensive line and the linebackers, the Browns’ defense will be in for a long 2016 season. But if they can find ways to at least contain these explosive rushing threats, success may come more quickly than many realize.

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