The Browns are off to a fast start on the offensive end of the ball and they’ve had several key players step up so far
The Cleveland Browns have a very talented offensive unit this year, one that’s already averaging 26 points per game and has helped the team go 2-1 in the early part of the season. Included in that group of stars are a quarterback, a running back, and a wide receiver and when you have that trio making plays on every series, it’s a hard thing to stop. The momentum that Jacoby Brissett, Nick Chubb, and Amari Cooper have generated so far this season has been excellent, and barring an injury to any of them, they will continue to carry this dynamic part of the team.
It’s definitely been an advantage to the Browns to have all three of these players playing some great football so far. They all played very well in Thursday night’s win where they beat AFC North rival Pittsburgh 29-17. Brissett had 220 yards passing and two touchdowns. Cooper had one of those touchdowns and went over 100 yards receiving for the second straight game, which hadn’t been done since Josh Gordan did that in 2013. Chubb was again brilliant, going for 123 yards and another touchdown.
Let’s discuss these three players a bit more and why what they are doing is so impressive to this point.
Cleveland Browns trio is locked in this season
No. 3: Jacoby Brissett, QB
The hope by most was that Brissett would be able to manage the offense, not turn the ball over, and keep the team above water until Deshaun Watson returned from his suspension. The surprise to some is that Brissett is getting more comfortable in this offense and is looking like a solid choice to be the Browns’ long-term substitute. The season is still in the very early stages and a lot can change from week to week, but if Cleveland can continue to get good quarterback play, then this team will be in a position to win most games.
Brissett has had a lot of playing experience where he’s filled in for some other big-name quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Andrew Luck and while some may believe he’s simply a nice backup quarterback, Brissett probably doesn’t look at this window of time with the Browns as if he’s just the substitute. He’s been around the NFL a lot and he knows how important it is to step up when your number is called and to this point in Cleveland, he’s making the most of this challenge.
After a bit of inaccuracy in Week 1, he’s come back strong in these last two weeks. Overall, Brissett’s completed 61 passes and has a 66.3 completion percentage. More importantly, he’s thrown four touchdown passes to only one interception. He’s also added another layer to his dependable offensive tools which have included his ability to run a bit or punch the ball forward on numerous quarterback sneak plays. His 6-foot-4 frame has given him an advantage of stretching for those precious yards to keep the chains moving.
He’s an imposing figure and he’s taking advantage of that physicality so far this season and has helped the Browns a lot in that department. That part of his game will continue to get stronger too as his confidence in running this unit gets better.
No. 2: Amari Cooper, WR
Many are already saying the Browns got a steal when they traded for Cooper and only gave up a fifth-round pick. He’s been very reliable so far and has just had his second straight100 yards receiving game, which hasn’t been seen in Cleveland for almost a decade when Josh Gordan accomplished it in 2013.
The Browns were betting on this type of production when they made the trade and he’s not disappointed so far. If it weren’t for a few missed opportunities in Week 1, Cooper may have had three 100-yard games already.
Why the Cowboys decided to part ways with Cooper is somewhat baffling considering he’s been a previous All-Pro and in his prime of an eight-year career. He’s also all about the team and working to improve. He doesn’t bring much flare to the position. He just keeps catching the ball and running great routes and making life easier for his quarterback.
With the next series of games coming up having to face off against teams like the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots the Browns will look to a veteran like Cooper to count on in big moments. Cleveland has had a few wide receivers come through town in the past like Odell Beckham Jr. who didn’t live up to expectations, so it’s been a nice change to see the production already from Cooper.
No. 1: Nick Chubb, RB
The fans down at First Energy Stadium have been chanting Chubb’s name a lot these last couple of weeks. They know what a special running back he is and how he’s helped shape what this team is all about.
Cleveland has the best run game in the league and Chubb’s abilities are becoming legendary as he climbs the all-time Browns rushing list. He passed Kevin Mack on that list with his 123 yards this past Thursday. He now is set to pass Greg Pruitt on that list at No. 4 who gained 5,497 career yards. Chubb is only 339 yards from that mark. He currently has 341 yards this season and shows no signs of slowing down.
Chubb’s been so consistent throughout his career and this season he’s off to his best start. His 72 carries, 341 rushing yards and four touchdowns are the best to open the season in his first five years with the Browns. His 5.5 yards per carry average and 118 yards a game average are both above his career averages.
It’s the fact that when Chubb is out on the field most defenses have to be at their very best to stop the constant threat of him breaking one and going in for the touchdown. You add in that the Browns can send out other running back Kareem Hunt to give Chubb a breather is simply a luxury that no other team can claim.
Chubb will be in the hunt for the NFL rushing title for the rest of the season but for him what matters most is his team winning and that’s what they are doing thanks in part to his great start.
With Brissett gaining confidence, Cooper showing his all-pro talents, and Chubb finishing off each run by falling forward and bulldozing his opponents this Browns offense is becoming a fine-oiled machine.
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