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Daily Dawg Tags: The running game should improve in 2017

By Steven Kubitza

Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) runs the ball for a first down against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) runs the ball for a first down against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns focused on building the offensive line during free agency, meaning the running game should only improve in 2017.

The Cleveland Browns had many needs to address in free agency, with the front office deciding to invest heavily in the offensive line.

New deals to J.C. Tretter and Kevin Zeitler, along with an extension for Joel Bitonio, made it clear that the front office wanted to build the line before investing too much in other positions.

The Browns had the cap space to make these moves, and the new deals should only help the team as a whole, while specifically helping the running backs in 2017.

The Browns didn’t have a terrible year on the ground in 2016. The problem was the offense wasn’t able to focus on the run game due to early deficits and an inability to garner much success through the passing game.

Given the team finds a competent quarterback at some point this year, the new line will not only help protect that individual, but will open up more running room for Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson.

The line was not to blame for the 1-15 record last season, but there were still some problems in need of addressing. Adding Zeitler to the mix, along with a healthy Tretter and Bitonio, should take the focus off the line and place it heavily on the skill positions.

Let’s take a look at this and more in today’s edition of the Daily Dawg Tags.

Cleveland Browns news:

Kevin Zeitler adds new dimension to the running game

"The Cleveland Browns’ pass protection last season was awful."

Butch Davis and the art of revisionist history

"Despite the fact that he last walked the sidelines as head coach of the Cleveland Browns almost 13 years ago, Butch Davis still holds a distinctive place in franchise history."

Should team slow play quarterback search? (NFL Spin Zone)

"The Cleveland Browns have been a struggling franchise ever since returning to the league as an expansion team in 1999."

Report: Browns host free agent S Bradley McDougald (Dawgs by Nature)

"According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Cleveland Browns hosted free agent safety Bradley McDougald for a visit, presumably on Monday."

NFL news:

Gale Sayers is dealing with dementia, possibly caused by football (FanSided)

"Gale Sayers had a brief, but brilliant NFL career with the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1971."

Josh McCown signs one-year, $6 million deal with Jets (NFL.com)

"Josh McCown has found a new home."

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