Instant reactions from Cleveland Browns Week 9 loss to the Broncos

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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 3: Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball up the middle during the first half of a game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Kitchens continues his questionable use of Nick Chubb

Nick Chubb has easily been Cleveland’s best offensive player this season and has been their most consistent weapon. But several times throughout the season, Kitchens seems to either abandon Chubb or take him off the field at bad times.

On two different occurrences in the red zone, the Browns were facing 3rd and short situations. Instead of running Chubb to get the first down, or at least having him on the field as a decoy, Kitchens chose to run shotgun runs with Dontrell Hilliard. Both times the Browns were stopped. Kitchens also kept Chubb off the field on a 4th and 1, and the Browns failed to convert.

Chubb has consistently shown he can get the tough yards and covert for the Browns. Kitchens is not even giving him the chance to make plays at critical points by taking him off the field.

Kitchens has been criticized for being too cute with his play-calling, and that was clear when he decided to rush Hilliard instead of Chubb. With Chubb on the field, defenses are much more weary of what play design the Browns will call.

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Kitchens not using Chubb is a huge indictment of his play-calling. The Browns offense should run off the legs of Chubb, and taking him out during critical points only hurts the offense. Kitchens deserves plenty of criticism for how he uses his running back.

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