Cleveland Browns Nick Chubb accomplishes a feat not done in 12 years

Cleveland Browns Nick Chubb had a successful rookie season, including accomplishing something not done in 12 years in the NFL.

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb emerged as one of the best young running backs in the league after an incredibly successful rookie season.

After starting the season as the third string running back, Chubb was making big plays with limited carries. After six weeks, it became apparent that Chubb was the best running back on the team, so the Browns traded Carlos Hyde to give Chubb more carries.

Not only was Chubb making big plays, but he was able to turn short gains into big ones. Chubb showed a great ability of gaining yards after contact. According to NFL.com’s Graham Barfield, Chubb’s 4.4 yards after contact is the best rate in the NFL in the past 12 years.

Chubb’s explosive running helped turn the Browns offense into an efficient unit. Despite an offensive line that was not the best run blocking unit, Chubb was continually able to break free for big gains.

At 5-foot-11 and 227 pounds, Chubb’s strong lower body helps him run through arm tackles. It often took multiple tacklers or a defender having perfect technique to bring Chubb down. His pwerful running was evident dating back to his days at the University of Georgia, but it was his breakaway speed that surprised Browns fans.

Despite only receiving 16 carries the first six weeks of the season, Chubb rushed for 996 yards and eight touchdowns on 192 carries. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry, and his longest run went for 92 yards, the longest run in franchise history. Chubb finished 10th in the league in rushing yards.

Chubb has become one of the building blocks of the Browns, and has the potential of being one of the best running backs in the league. Despite not getting regular carries until Week 7, Chubb finished third among rookies in rushing yards in 2018.

During the Browns Week 17 game against the Baltimore Ravens, Chubb reached 1,000 yards for the season. However, after multiple negative runs, Chubb fell below the mark and finished the season four yards short of the milestone.

With a full season as the starting running back and having a full off-season with a NFL strength and conditioning staff, Chubb should be able to reach the milestone easily during the 2019 season. After such a good rookie campaign, there will be a lot of expectations for Chubb next season.