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Cleveland Browns Week 7 Studs and Duds: D’Ernest Johnson breaks out

By Matthew McFatridge

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 21: Running back D'Ernest Johnson #30 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates with wide receiver Rashard Higgins #82 after rushing for a first quarter touchdown against the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 21, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 21: Running back D'Ernest Johnson #30 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates with wide receiver Rashard Higgins #82 after rushing for a first quarter touchdown against the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 21, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 21: Running back D’Ernest Johnson #30 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball after making a first quarter pass against the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 21, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Browns Stud: D’ernest Johnson

Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt who? D’ernest Johnson made everyone forget all about the top two running backs on the roster, even if only for one night, as he took over the Cleveland Browns starting running back spot due to injuries to the Browns top two rushers.

What did the 2018 undrafted free agent do in his first career start? Nothing besides rush for 146 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries, an average of 6.6 yards per carry.

Some credit surely must go to the offensive line, as well as head coach Kevin Stefanski for calling a great game. However, Johnson showed explosiveness and a great ability to change direction, time and again finding a way to avoid tacklers and gain positive yards.

Johnson started his breakout performance early, with runs of 20 and 10 yards on the first drive of the game, followed by a four-yard plunge into the endzone to cap off a quick, five-play scoring drive for the Cleveland Browns. From there, it was just continued domination over and over for the running back out of the University of South Florida.

Next. Week 7 instant reactions. dark

When the game ball is given out in the locker room on Thursday night, you can bet that Stefanski handed it to his workhorse, D’ernest Johnson, who showed that even without big-name running backs in the backfield, the Cleveland Browns are still among the best rushing football teams in the NFL.

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