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How the Cleveland Browns could follow the steps of the 49ers

By Clay Goodwin

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 14: Kevin Stefanski talks to the media after being introduced as the Cleveland Browns new head coach on January 14, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 14: Kevin Stefanski talks to the media after being introduced as the Cleveland Browns new head coach on January 14, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 10: Running back Kareem Hunt #27 blocks for running back Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 10: Running back Kareem Hunt #27 blocks for running back Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

5. Great running game

The Niners were built on an excellent running game. They had three talented running backs and they used each differently for their respective talents. Their head coach Kyle Shanahan called plays using a run-first mentality.

The Browns will have a similar situation in 2020. They already have the best duo of running backs in the entire NFL. Nick Chubb is the lead bell-cow, which they rely on heavily. He was second in the rushing title race last season with 1,494 yards.

The Browns second back is Kareem Hunt. Hunt won a rushing title with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017 with 1,327 yards. He is also an excellent pass catcher from the backfield. Both of Cleveland’s running backs have the ability to take over games and have both shown they can lead the league in rushing.

New Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is well-known for his wide zone running scheme he used with the Minnesota Vikings. His play calling helped their running back Dalvin Cook rush for 1,135 yards in only 14 games this past year. Stefanski is certainly a run-first coach, and will give the Browns’ play-making running backs plenty of carries.

Last season, previous head coach Freddie Kitchens failed to get the backs enough carries on several occasions. When you have two players in the backfield as talented as Chubb and Hunt, there is no reason they should not combine for over 25-30 carries a game.

Chubb was second in the league in rushing and only averaged 18.6 carries a game. Stefanski will establish the run early and often in 2020, which will help take the pressure off quarterback Baker Mayfield and the rest of the offense. The offensive numbers should take a huge leap in 2020 for the Browns.

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