The Cleveland Browns' running game is broken right now. The offensive line is a work in progress, and while they continue to improve every week, spending almost every snap in shotgun almost never leads to a consistent ground attack.
The Browns also lost multiple running backs to injuries. Dylan Sampson has missed most of the season. Raheim Sanders is also out. Quinshon Judkins just missed his first game of the season with an ankle injury.
But as poor as the Browns' running game has been for the most part, Jaleel McLaughlin has looked quite comfortable out of the backfield.
Regardless of who's available, he has earned an extended role in Todd Monken's offense.
Browns have seen enough to know Jaleel McLaughlin deserves more carries
Almost every Browns ballcarrier has looked better and more elusive than the usually explosive Judkins this season. To be fair, this isn't entirely on him, but maybe adding another body to the mix and throwing defenses different looks will be just what he needs to break out of his slump.
McLaughlin's 54.5 percent success rate leads all Browns running backs with more than one game played this season. He's also first in yards per carry (6.5), and while the bulk of that came on a 28-yard touchdown run, he's shown the lateral quickness and quick twitch this team has lacked this season.
Sampson is about to return, and he's the most explosive running back on the roster. That said, he's not a true workhorse, and he's never been particularly efficient out of the backfield. He's a passing-game specialist who should be out there on third down.
With or without Judkins, McLaughlin would be a perfect complement to the running game. Judkins can be the bruiser, wearing down defenses with his physicality, while McLaughlin and Sampson can make the most of those tired legs with their shiftiness.
The Browns' offense hasn't been good, but it appears to be getting better. They have the right weapons for the most part, and a good running game is a quarterback's best friend. Maybe McLaughlin can help this team not have to depend on another unlikely Deshaun Watson game-winning drive.
As for Judkins, his numbers have been disappointing since late last season. Perhaps ceding some carries to McLaughlin would be just what he needs to get back on track.
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