5 Cleveland Browns with the most to prove this season
By Randy Gurzi
3. Duke Johnson, Running back
In early April, reports were that Duke Johnson was asking to be traded from the Browns. This came after he once again saw fewer targets than expected in 2018 and after the team added Kareem Hunt in free agency. While Hunt will be suspended for eight games, Johnson saw the writing on the wall and wanted to go somewhere he could get the ball more.
So far, Cleveland has shown no intention of honoring that request. They like what the versatile running back brings to the table and head coach Freddie Kitchens says he’s in their plans for 2019.
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"“Then, it’s our job to get them the ball and to help enable them to help us win in whatever role that is. Duke Johnson is on this football team, Duke Johnson will have a vital role in this football team and Duke Johnson will help us win football games. Am I surprised that he’s still here? No, not one bit. I haven’t wavered and never said anything different other than that.” — Kitchens via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com"
The problem is, this all sounds familiar. Year in and year out, we hear about how talented Johnson is and how the coaching staff is going to get him involved. Then when the season begins, the touches aren’t there and the talk of him being involved more commences throughout the year.
Last season was the least productive as all for Johnson as he finished with just 630 combined yards from scrimmage. His receptions and rushing attempts were both career lows and with the offensive coordinator from the second half of the year now serving as head coach, it’s fair to wonder if anything will change.
It’s going to be up to Johnson to prove that they can. This season will be big for him as he needs to take advantage of every opportunity he gets — especially early in the year.