Hue Jackson is not inspired by big football plays

The Cleveland Browns don’t often have success on offense, but even when they do it doesn’t impress head coach Hue Jackson.

Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson has uttered several head scratching comments since taking over the team in 2016.

From claiming that the “earth moved” during his workout of quarterback Robert Griffin III all the way to explaining that the Browns are “not equipped” to run the most basic of offensive plays, you never know what will come out when Jackson steps in front of a live microphone.

Friday was no different as Jackson talked about why running back Isaiah Crowell only had five carries last Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, including just one after ripping off a 59-yard run during a five-play touchdown drive in the second quarter.

Basically, it comes down to Jackson not being that impressed with Crowell for posting the Browns longest offensive play from scrimmage in 2017, according to clevelandbrowns.com:

"“No, me and you, all five of us could have run through that hole. Inspiring runs, just so we are all on the same page, are when you break tackles. It is the tough runs. It is when everybody is knocking the crap out of you and you find a way to still make four or five yards. That is running in the National Football League. What I’m looking for is more of the grunt, tough-type of runs that I know that you have to have in the National Football League from our runners, period. I think they gave us some. We have to continue to do more and that is where we are.”"

So, to sum it up, Jackson has no time for big plays, the type that help teams score touchdowns and shorten offensive drives. In Jackson’s world, you are only worthy of being part of his offense if you get those tough yards.

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Of course, it is hard to see how Crowell could have picked up those type of yards since he didn’t get a rushing attempt after about halfway through the second quarter.

It has been evident for a while that Jackson would prefer to just throw the ball all game long rather than bother with running it. And this isn’t the first time he has given up on the run during a close game and then come up with some bizarre reason for doing so.

The weird part is, the Browns are actually effective at running the ball when given the opportunity. In 2016, the Browns averaged 4.9 yards per carry, which was good for second best in the NFL and the best mark for the franchise since 1966. This year the Browns are third in the NFL with an average of 4.6 yards per carry.

But those are just numbers, and numbers are not inspiring, apparently.

Next: Sunday might be Browns last chance to win in 2017

Which leaves us to wonder: what about being 1-29 makes Jackson think that anyone should be inspired by his numbers?