Cleveland Browns bye week report cards: Running back

Giving out mid-term grades for the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns enter their bye week with a record of 5-3, and since they’ve played half their season, it’s a good time to give out mid-term report cards for each of the position groups. Next up is the running back position, which lost Nick Chubb to injury in Week 4.

Cleveland’s running game was on an absolute tear early in the season, and while injuries have slowed them down since, they still rank near the top of the NFL in rushing stats. They are second in both attempts and yards, and tied for fifth in yards per carry.

Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb have combined for 34 rushes of 10-plus yards, despite totaling only 172 carries between the two of them.

Nick Chubb – A

Nick Chubb suffered an MCL sprain in the first quarter of Cleveland’s victory over the Dallas Cowboys, but prior to that, Chubb was his usual dominant self. He turned his 57 carries into 335 yards and four touchdowns. His vision is among the best in the NFL, and behind a revamped offensive line, Chubb was on pace for a massive season.

It’s a shame he was hurt, but he also could have been injured much more seriously. An MCL sprain is relatively minor compared to what could have happened when his foot was rolled up on, and while he’ll end up missing at least four games, Chubb should be back this season, ready to help the Browns push for a playoff spot.

Kareem Hunt – B+

Kareem Hunt was a top-five RB in 2017 and 2018, and while he may no longer hold that ranking, he’s still by far the best backup in the league. As the starter in Chubb’s absence, Hunt has carried the ball 115 times for 529 yards and three touchdowns. He’s also added 18 catches for 113 yards and four scores, often lining up as a wide receiver.

His pass protection has been great as usual, and while he had a bad drop against the Las Vegas Raiders, he’s been a dependable target for Baker Mayfield, Hunt’s versatility makes him an incredibly valuable component of the Browns offense, and while there is definitely a downgrade from Chubb to Hunt in terms of vision and hole-hitting, Hunt is still an excellent runner who has made the most of his opportunity to be a bell-cow again.

D’Ernest Johnson – B+

D’Ernest  Johnson has gotten more playing time on offense than he was perhaps expecting, and while there is a steep drop-off from Chubb and Hunt to him, for a third-string runner, he’s played well. He had 95 yards on 13 carries against the Cowboys in Week 4 and then iced the game against the Indianapolis Colts with a 28-yard scamper late in the fourth quarter. He doesn’t have the vision or quickness of Chubb or Hunt, but when there’s a hole, Johnson hits it and falls forward.

He isn’t explosive or flashy, but he’s solid. He was also a core special teamer early in the season, before Chubb was hurt. Johnson may not be a starting-caliber back, but he’s done his job well. For a team built on running the football, having solid depth at the RB position is crucial, and Johnson provides exactly that.

Once the Browns get healthy again (which will hopefully be following the bye week), they should be able to return to their dominant running game which helped them get off to a fast start. Without Odell Beckham Jr. for the remainder of the season, Chubb, Hunt, and co. will be the engine that powers Cleveland’s playoff push.