Cleveland Browns running game primed for a big season

The Cleveland Browns had a solid year running the ball in 2016 and they could be even better this fall if they can stay committed to the run.

The Cleveland Browns struggled in several areas in 2016, but one portion of the team that stood out was the running game.

It may not be apparent to casual fans, but when the Browns ran the ball they were successful, finishing second in the NFL with an average of 4.9 yards per carry – the team’s highest total in 50 years.

The only problem was that because of former defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s porous defense, head coach Hue Jackson was unable to commit to the run on a regular basis, instead having to rely on the rocky quarterback play of Robert Griffin III, Josh McCown and Cody Kessler, among others, to carry the day.

Despite all that, running back Isaiah Crowell had the best season of his three-year NFL career, rushing for 952 yards and seven touchdowns. Crowell combined with second-year running back Duke Johnson to give the Browns 2,143 yards of total offense and eight touchdowns.

Related: Isaiah Crowell is feeling good about the Browns

It should be noted that they did that while playing with one of the league’s worst quarterback situations, and running behind an offensive line that lost starting guards Joel Bitonio and John Greco to injury and had Cameron Erving at center for 15 games.

The quarterback situation is still shaky, but the Browns invested heavily in the offensive line by signing J.C. Tretter and Kevin Zeitler in free agency, and Bitonio is reportedly progressing along with his recovery.

Add it all up and the running game could be primed for a big season, as running backs coach Kirby Wilson told clevelandbrowns.com:

"“(Isaiah) is not even in his prime yet. He has to continue to work hard. He saw what happens from last year. When you work extremely hard, good things happen for you. I think he enjoyed that limited success, and he is hungry, eager and looking for even more this season."

"“It all starts up front. When you have five quality men and make the addition of (Tretter and Zeitler), they are perennial upper-echelon at their position. It can’t do anything but get better. We think those two guys have significantly upgraded us."

"“(Duke) is hungry, he is very knowledgeable, he is a great worker and he is committed to being the best that he can be. He is one of our better leaders and one of our better playmakers. We expect big things from him starting in training camp.”"

Crowell also has the extra incentive of potentially being an unrestricted free agent after the upcoming season. The Browns and Crowell have reportedly been working on a new contract, but as of right now he is scheduled to play this season on a one-year tender offer. If things go according to plan and the running has another productive season, Crowell could be in for a nice payday.

Next: Is Cameron Erving leading the right tackle battle?

The Browns proved last season that they can run the ball effectively when given the chance.

Now all they have to do is make sure the opportunities are there this fall and make it as easy as possible for Jackson to keep calling a running play.