The Cleveland Browns have their franchise quarterback in Baker Mayfield and it appears they have their franchise running back in Nick Chubb
When a team can pair a franchise running back with their franchise quarterback good things happen. When both are brought onto the team as rookies it can create an offensive tandem for years to come. That is just what the Cleveland Browns have done with Baker Mayfield and Nick Chubb. Mayfield is their franchise quarterback while Chubb is their franchise running back. Chubb nearly hit the 1,000 yard mark carrying the ball, falling just four yards short. There are several things to consider when evaluating Chubb’s rookie campaign.
Nick Chubb did not start until Week 7
Nick Chubb was buried on the depth chart under Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson Jr. After the Browns sent Hyde to Jacksonville, Chubb got his chance to start, rushing for 80 yards and one touchdown on 18 carries in a loss to Tampa Bay.
Before Week 7 Chubb has 16 carries on the season. In just one game Chubb carried the ball more than the previous six games combined. It became very apparent that Chubb should have been given his fair chance from the onset rather than John Dorsey trading away Carlos Hyde to force the coaching staff’s hand.
Nick Chubb topped 100 yards rushing four times
Yes, one of these occurrences came during Nick Chubb’s three carry 105 yards and two touchdown performance against Oakland. That alone should have been a sign that the Browns should have given him more playing time, but that is besides the point. Chubb was able to crack the 100-yard mark three more times over the course of the season. All three occurrences of Chubb breaking the 100-yard barrier all coincided with Cleveland Browns victories.
Averaging over 5 yards per carry as a rookie is quite impressive
Nick Chubb averaged 5.2 yards per carry as rookie. Chubb rushed for five yards per carry or more in four of his nine starts. In a similar manner to the 100-yard mark, these four instances also resulted in Browns wins. Chubb’s 5.2 yards per carry rank fifth among all NFL running backs and third among rookies. Only Phillip Lindsay and Kerryon Johnson (5.4 yards per carry) averaged more than Chubb.
Pro Football Focus believes in Nick Chubb
Pro Football Focus is a respected resource when grading the performances of NFL players. PFF ranks Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb as the NFL’s number one running back in 2018. Chubb already passed the eye test and now he passes the analytical test. It is safe to say that the Cleveland Browns nailed this draft pick and have an integral building block for the future.
The pairing of their franchise quarterback Baker Mayfield with their franchise running back Nick Chubb should signal that good things are ahead for the Cleveland Browns.
