3 Cleveland Browns who need to play well against Indianapolis Colts
By Dan Justik
Running back Dontrell Hilliard
There were a lot of expectations for Dontrell Hilliard entering the preseason opener after having a strong offseason and start to training camp. Especially with Duke Johnson being traded the same day as the opener, it was obvious the Browns were confident in what Hilliard could bring to the offense.
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But Hilliard did not have the performance that many were hoping to see, as he did not accomplish much with his nine rushing attempts. Hilliard rushed for only 19 yards and lost a fumble at the goal line. He did make plays in the passing game, catching three passes for 34 yards.
However, with Hilliard expected to be the No. 2 running back during the first half of the regular season during Kareem Hunt’s eight-game suspension, Hilliard needs to make plays on the ground. The Browns are going to need to take someone who can spell Nick Chubb and take some carries, and Hilliard appears to be the guy.
Although Hilliard showed that he can make plays catching the ball out of the backfield, Cleveland is going to need someone to take some carries off Chubb. Chubb is a dynamic runner, but they can not overuse him during the start of the regular season so he can save his legs for the stretch run of the season.
So Hilliard needs to instill some confidence in the Browns coaching staff and make some plays with his carries against the Colts. If not, it could the Browns in a predicament before the start of the regular season as they try to find a running back who can be an effective runner.