5 Studs and Duds for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday

Stud No. 3: The Running Backs

The running game was tough sledding to start the game for Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, but as the game went on the big guys up front wore down the strong Eagles defensive line and eventually closed the game behind big runs from Chubb and Hunt.

Philadelphia came into the game determined to not let the Browns running game beat them. That strategy was extremely effective for most of the game, and if it wasn’t for the Browns defense this game could have easily been a loss. That’s the first time all season we have been able to say Cleveland’s defense won them a game, and I’ll take it.

Chubb ended the game with 20 carries for 114 yards while Hunt added 13 carries for 11 yards and one hard-fought touchdown. Hunt had a few big negative plays that will diminish his stat line, and on a few of those plays, he had no chance. A third and five stretch run lost 9 yards in the third quarter, and he was hit by four Eagle defenders seven yards behind the line of scrimmage.

Even when the holes weren’t there the duo continued to grind and grind for every yard possible, before Chubb was able to pop a few big ones in the fourth quarter. Stefanski’s unwillingness to let Mayfield throw the ball will continue to be a hindrance to this group the rest of the season as teams will continue to stack the box on Sunday’s.