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Cleveland Browns: Duke Johnson named one of the most ‘Infuriatingly Misused’ players in NFL

By Randy Gurzi

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 14: Duke Johnson #29 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 14: Duke Johnson #29 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns fans understand how poorly the team manages snaps for running back Duke Johnson, and Danny Kelly of The Ringer says he’s ‘Infuriatingly Misused’

With injuries mounting, the Cleveland Browns were stagnant on offense in Week 6. They hope to find a way to address this issues going forward, most notably with the signing of Breshad Perriman — the former Baltimore Ravens first round pick.

Cleveland also brought Da’Mari Scott up from their practice squad to help fill their roster voids. While many wanted them to go for a home run move like trading for a star receiver, the Scott move makes a ton of sense as it gives them a guy who knows the playbook since he has been there since training camp. It also means they won’t have to rush Perriman, who could end up being a contributor this season.

Even with those moves, it seems as though the Browns have other options that they just refuse to consider — like Duke Johnson. The talented running back was their best receiver last season and he’s even asked to play the position more.

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For some reason, the Browns are against it. Sure, they keep saying Duke needs more touches, but he’s used so sporadically that it becomes a constant source of frustration for fans.

According to Danny Kelly of ‘The Ringer‘, that frustration is turning into anger. He’s named Johnson one of the “Most Infuriatingly Misused Players” in the entire league. He’s not sure why the team decides to keep Duke bottled up, especially after committing plenty of money to him in the offseason.

"“After handing versatile running back Duke Johnson a three-year, $15.6 million extension in June, the Browns’ offensive brain trust seems to have forgotten he’s on the roster. The veteran has been an afterthought in new offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s scheme, and after leading all running backs in yards per touch during his first three seasons, he has gotten the ball just 33 times in six games―or 5.5 times per game.” — Kelly, The Ringer"

Kelly goes on to talk about how the team also isn’t using Nick Chubb enough — the rookie back who has shown incredible explosion early on this season. With the offense hurting this much, both players could help, especially Johnson who has more than enough skill to line up at receiver several snaps a game.

The simple fact is this — Duke Johnson creates matchup problems for defenses. For whatever reason, head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley aren’t capitalizing on that and they should.

Next. Genard Avery to get expanded role. dark

Johnson needs to see the field more, and everyone knows this except for the people in charge of getting him on the field.

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