Cleveland Browns still sit atop running back tandem ranking
By Nick Swanson
Cleveland Browns running backs room sits atop Pro Football Focus’s yearly rankings…again.
Each and every year before the NFL season starts, Pro Football Focus releases its full NFL rankings of various positions.
Most of that content is trapped behind a paywall but PFF has blessed us with their newest ranking article, “Ranking all 32 NFL running back units ahead of the 2021 season,” for free!
To the dismay of absolutely nobody, the Cleveland Browns running back duo comes in atop the list, grabbing the number one spot for the second year in a row.
Fans in Cleveland knew that the tandem of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt would be a problem for opposing defenses as soon as the two were paired together, and PFF is still agreeing.
"“It’s not a stretch to say that Cleveland has two top-10 running backs on its roster in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, two of the most elusive runners in the league.”"
It’s really no surprise that the duo is considered to be the best of the best. Alone, Chubb, who only played in 12 games, accounted for 190 carries for 1,067 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. Pair that with Hunt’s 198 carries for 841 yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground and an additional 38 receptions for 304 yards and 5 touchdowns, they make quite the 1-2 punch.
With the 2021 season seeing an extra game added, it gives the Cleveland Browns the opportunity to unleash the Dawgs on opposing defenses. Seeing the two back in action again once the season kicks off will be a sight for sore eyes and a sign of hope that this may finally be the Browns’ year.
Throw in the fact that Cleveland has arguably the best offensive line in the game in addition to the nest running back tandem and this could be a very dominant season on the ground (again) for the Browns.