Through four games, the Cleveland Browns' rushing attack has been fairly disappointing. Given his success in Baltimore and Quinshon Judkins' upside, most expected Todd Monken's offense to rely heavily on the ground game early and often this season.
While they've improved each week, Judkins and the running game just haven't taken off yet. Losing an explosive pass-catching back in Dylan Sampson to injury took a toll on that unit, though the Browns seem to have two suitable replacements in Raheim Sanders and Jaleel McLaughlin.
That's especially true of the latter. McLaughlin has already made an impact in a limited role, and his 28-yard touchdown run against the Pittsburgh Steelers should earn him more opportunities going forward.
Jaleel McLaughlin brings an explosive element the Browns' struggling run game desperately needs
McLaughlin broke loose to make the most of his only touch — and snap — against the Steelers, going off to the races after a couple of strong blocks by KC Concepcion to find pay dirt. It's a small sample size, but it was a perfect example of what McLaughlin can bring to the table.
McLaughlin was a late addition. He joined the Browns' practice squad on Sept. 1 and probably would still be there had Sampson not landed on injured reserve. However, this can turn out to be a blessing in disguise for this team.
McLaughlin is elusive and fast, and with Judkins relying more on his strength and power as a downhill runner, the Browns need someone who can change directions and make defenders miss. Sanders has been solid as the pass-catching back, but McLaughlin might be better suited for that change-of-pace role.
The Browns used Sampson because of his short-area quickness and explosiveness. He's the type of player who can turn a broken play with a screen pass into a 30-plus-yard gain. McLaughlin has some similar traits.
This team is averaging just 93.8 rushing yards per game, ranking 25th in the league. Judkins is sitting at a mediocre 44.3 yards per game and just 3.0 yards per carry. That's not entirely on the second-year pro, and the offensive line will gradually improve, but that's just not good enough
Standing at 5-foot-7 and 187 pounds, McLaughlin isn't suited to handle a primary role. But a couple of touches here and there could help keep the defense on its toes.
Deshaun Watson is playing his best football since he arrived in Cleveland, but one can only wonder how sustainable that might be. As such, the quicker this team establishes the run, the better.
The answer to that problem may already be in the locker room.
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