Cleveland Browns: Carlos Hyde’s performance cements him as starter

Carlos Hyde put together a great showing against the Buffalo Bills on Friday night, and it should leave no doubt that he will be the team’s starting running back.

The Cleveland Browns overhauled their running back room this off-season, wanting to reestablish the run game in their offense.

One of the first moves the Browns made in free agency was adding free agent Carlos Hyde. It seemed like a certainty that he would be the starting running back until the team drafted Nick Chubb with the 35th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

The addition of Chubb created the possibility of a competition during training camp. If Chubb was able to make the transition to the NFL and play well in camp and in the preseason, he could have taken the starting job from Hyde.

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But Hyde has been making it even harder for Chubb, as he has been solid all throughout camp. And he put together a great game in the team’s second preseason game.

Hyde has been the first-team running back all throughout camp, and his performance against the Bills should solidify him as the team’s starting running back when the Browns open the regular season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

On Friday night, Hyde broke multiple big runs, and rushed for 64 yards and one touchdown on nine carries. Hyde was finding holes and making quick decisions, showing a quick burst that got him to the second-level of the defense easily.

Hyde was also punishing defenders with his power, and made a highlight play when he stiff-armed former Cleveland Brown Jordan Poyer straight into the turf.

With such a strong performance, there should be no question that Hyde will be taking the first snaps at running back when the regular season opens.

The Browns run game will certainly be a committee-approach with the amount of talent the Browns have. Chubb will get carries, but Hyde is going to be the focal point of the Browns’ run game. Hyde has has the experience and talent to be a reliable player late in close games.

Having the run game prove to be efficient against the Bills is a great sign after the Browns struggled to establish any rushing attack in their first preseason game. Hyde showed that he can play a big part in creating a strong running game for the Browns.