Why Nick Chubb will be even better for Cleveland Browns in 2020
Cleveland Browns’ Nick Chubb was one of the best backs in the NFL in 2019 but this season will prove even better.
Last season was turbulent for the Cleveland Browns, from not living up to expectations and a coaching staff that was clearly in over their head. There were only a few bright spots and Nick Chubb was one of them.
Chubb was second in the NFL in rushing yards with 1,494 yards, behind only Derrick Henry. He was the driving force behind the Browns offense all season and was underutilized most of the time.
That had to do with former head coach Freddie Kitchens and his game plan, which seemed to force the ball to players who may cause a problem if they don’t get the ball. However, that’s not Chubb’s personality.
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He is going to consistently show up, perform at a high level and not make very much noise in the process. Chubb is the spitting image of lead by example, which can’t be said about some of the other best players on the team.
Leadership was a problem for the Browns in 2019, so they replaced Kitchens with former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski, and he is the key to Chubb having an even bigger year.
Stefanski is known for his zone running scheme, which best suits a one-cut running back who has the strength to break tackles and speed to break off a long run. The Minnesota offense excelled in 2019 as the system worked great with Dalvin Cook last season.
Cook and Chubb are similar and there isn’t much they can’t do. This fits Stefanski’s scheme perfect because they will have to run the ball, as well as being a threat catching screen passes out of the backfield.
The Vikings offense last season did a great job of mixing the run with the pass and keeping the defense off-balance. That makes it harder for the defense to stop the run. Chubb didn’t have that advantage last season and he was one of the most productive backs in the league.
His stats may not be as glamorous because of Kareem Hunt playing a full season, but he will be more effective in 2020. He fits this scheme better and Cleveland will likely run the ball more than they did a season ago.
The Vikings ran the football more than anybody else in 2019 and were one of just three teams to run the ball more than they passed. Chubb might share carries with Hunt, but there will be plenty of carries to go around and it gives them a better chance at staying healthy.
Teams will not be able to stack the box to stop the run either with Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry and Austin Hooper catching passes. Stefanski will also keep them off-balance with his play-calling.
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Teams couldn’t stop Chubb when they knew he was getting the ball, so it’s hard to imagine him slowing down when they don’t know he’s getting the ball, which should have the entire NFL shaking in the cleats.