Until recently, the Cleveland Browns did not have much luck with their running backs. 2020 was nonetheless a great year for them. The run game was impressive and productive, although it often ceded priority to the passing game. 2021 should prove a year in which Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt continue to provide Cleveland with a formidable duo of running backs. PFF recently named them the top running back unit heading into the 2021 season.
Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt Primed for Cleveland Browns 2021 Season
Nick Chubb: One of the Best
Chubb has been a dream for Cleveland. Rushing over 3,557 yards and 28 touchdowns in three seasons with the Browns makes him one of the best in franchise history. He also remains one of the toughest men to tackle in the entire league, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and 80.8 yards per game throughout his career. As such, he is understandably one of the best in the league as well.
Heading into the 2021 season, Pro Football Focus has him slated as the 4th-ranked running back, behind only Derrick Henry, Dalvin Cook, and Christian McCaffrey.
Most rushing yards since 2018
(with YPG)Derrick Henry – 4,626 (98.4)
Ezekiel Elliott – 3,770 (82.0)
Nick Chubb – 3,557 (80.8)
Dalvin Cook – 3,307 (84.8)
Chris Carson – 3,062 (74.7)— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) May 17, 2021
The question remains whether or not the Browns will extend his contract at a position history says you shouldn’t give a big second contract to. Opinions on players like Baker Mayfield have propped Baker up as a polarizing figure, but there has been nothing but resounding admiration for Chubb since day one. He remains one of only three Browns running backs to have double-digit touchdown seasons and last year he rushed for 12 touchdowns even though he missed four games. Although the team and Chubb are tight-lipped regarding his extension, it’s clearly a wise move to keep Chubb in Cleveland.
Kareem Hunt: A Receiving Back
Hunt is primed for a true breakout year in 2021. He runs hard and never gives up on plays, providing a steady presence (and force) in big situations. The reason he is the other half of Cleveland’s one-two punch is that he is good at receiving passes out of the backfield (or even when lining up out wide). This versatility alone makes him stand out and be of value to the team.
The Browns already knew this when they signed him on a deal keeping him in Cleveland until 2022. It would be ideal for Cleveland to extend Chubb so they can continue deploying this two-headed monster. Relentless against the opposition, they break tackles and break away for big plays together. Their dynamic combination in the backfield is remarkable.
The Browns backfield doesn't get talked about enough.
Nick Chubb had 12 TDs in only 12 games. 4th most in the NFL.
Kareem Hunt had 5 rec TDs The most for a RB in the NFL.
All while splitting the backfield. pic.twitter.com/blanIpgm5Q
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) May 16, 2021
Head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt aim to lift the offense to never-before-seen levels. They are fully aware of the weapons they have to work with. It would not be a surprise to see Hunt in a bigger role, sharing more of the load with Chubb than he has before.
Between Demetric Felton and D’Ernest Johnson?
Sixth-round pick Demetric Felton thrives in a pass-catching role, much like Hunt. That could be the one thing that sets him above D’Ernest Johnson. He also runs between tackles and has a decent overall skillset. Meanwhile, Johnson has played limited snaps for Cleveland— but performed solidly when given the chance. If the team wants familiarity, he is ideal. However, if the team places a higher premium on Felton’s ability as a receiver, he would prove the better option.
The Browns have all of the pieces in place for a successful run game. Cleveland is in good stead for the 2021 season with their main tandem of Chubb and Hunt serving as a consistent threat to opponents and the availability of a similarly-skilled third running back on their depth chart.
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