Have the Cleveland Browns built a strong foundation?
By Dan Justik
Offensive Play-makers (3): Nick Chubb, Jarvis Landry, Duke Johnson
If there is one area that the Browns could add some more talent, it would be adding more weaponry surrounding Mayfield. There is talent, but they do not have enough game-breakers that scare defenses.
The most obvious offensive play-maker has been running back Nick Chubb, as he has created problems for defenses. After starting the season as the third-string running back, Chubb was creating big plays in limited snaps. For example, just look at his three carries against the Oakland Raiders.
After the Browns traded Carlos Hyde before their Week 7 game, Chubb has been the Browns bell-cow running back. Despite the limited time as a starter, Chubb has the 16th most rushing yards in the NFL.
So far this season, Chubb has rushed for 694 yards, seven touchdowns, and zero fumbles on 131 rushing attempts. He has also caught 12 passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns.
Chubb has provided a spark for the Browns offense and can take some of the offensive pressure off Mayfield. He is showing that he is one of the best young running backs in the league and has the potential to be a top-tier back.
On the outside of the offense, Jarvis Landry provides Mayfield with a sure handed receiver that is not afraid to take a hit over the middle of the field. However, Landry is not known for being a vertical threat since he does not have the speed to create enough separation.
In his first season with the Browns, Landry has caught 66 passes for 733 yards and two touchdowns. His longest catch of the season has gone for 39 yards.
Despite not being a vertical threat, Landry is a play-maker due to his ability to make plays while taking some big hits. Landry has great hands, and can make some highlight-reel catches. Having a player that can make the tough catches like Landry can is extremely valuable to an offense.
The third play-maker on the Browns offense is the backup running back, Duke Johnson. Although he has not received the playing time that a usual play-maker would get, Johnson has provided a big spark to the offense when given the opportunity.
In 2018, Johnson has rushed the ball 28 times for 146 yards. But his real value is in the passing game, where he has caught 36 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns.
The stats for the season do not show it, but Johnson is one of the best play-makers on the roster. His quickness makes it extremely difficult for defenders to cover him out of the backfield, and the mismatches he creates allows some big plays to happen.
With Chubb establishing himself as such a strong running back, it has limited the amount of snaps that Johnson is on the field. But with a creative offensive mind like Freddie Kitchens, Johnson can still be a play-maker in the Browns offense, if given the opportunity.