Cleveland Browns: Time to bench running back Carlos Hyde
Despite seeming like a nice addition in the offseason, Carlos Hyde has done little to help the Browns through two games. The former Ohio State Buckeye is a serviceable back, but there are better options right on the Cleveland Browns’ very roster.
The Cleveland Browns‘ offense is between something of a rock and a hard place. The wide receiver corps is built to run free, deep, and snag some touchdowns. The only problem is, the current starting quarterback is completely averse to throwing downfield unless he absolutely has to.
Starting tight end David Njoku has a case of the drops, Josh Gordon is no longer with the team, and Antonio Callaway is not the most reliable man on the field. And that’s just in the passing game.
Enter the Browns’ troubled rushing attack, and more specifically, Carlos Hyde. Hyde is something of a middle of the road running back. He’s alright, yes, and was even a second-round pick out of Ohio State.
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But…he’s not the best back on the Browns’ roster anymore. Running back by committee is nice in theory, but it’s best to have a bell-cow running back. It’s time to bench Carlos Hyde. So, who’s to take the former 49ers place? Enter stage left, Nick Chubb.
Nick Chubb, anointed by analyst Colin Cowherd as an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate, strutted his stuff early this season. On only five attempts, Chubb has 35 yards and broke off a terrific run against the Steelers.
He’s yet to record a touchdown, but with seven yards a carry so far, it seems like just a matter of time. Even if Chubb gets tired from running the ball right down the opposition’s throat, the newly-paid Duke Johnson Jr. is waiting in the wings.
This awards the Browns a great dual-threat in the running game. Not only do they have a thunder and lightning approach with Chubb and “The Duke,” but they have a truly great receiving back. Being able to confidently set Johnson out wide adds a third dimension to the Browns’ offense that just isn’t present when Duke isn’t on the field.
At the end of the day, Carlos Hyde doesn’t bring anything to the table that Johnson or Chubb can’t do just as good, or better. Even as the veteran, he feels like the third man of this trio.
Week 2 Studs and Duds. dark. Next
This isn’t to say that Hyde was a bad signing, just an unnecessary one. Nick Chubb and Duke Johnson are both younger, and honestly, better than Hyde. The running back triumvirate was a fun idea, but in practice, it just doesn’t work for the Browns right now.