It will be crucial for the Cleveland Browns to make sure that Nick Chubb gets going against the New England Patriots Sunday.
This is much easier said than done. Nick Chubb needs to have a big game against the Patriots on Sunday.
The obstacle that the Cleveland Browns face is that the New England Patriots have allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game this season (74.7). Something that lends itself to that number being so impressive is that the Patriots have faced the fewest number of rushing attempts this season (126). New England is playing from ahead so often that rushing the ball is not the best strategy. Opponents frequently have to play catch up and that lends to more passing attempts than rushing attempts. It also makes the 4.2 yard per carry that New England allows a little less significant.
New England’s 4.2 yards per carry allowed is right in the middle of the pack of NFL rushing defenses. If Cleveland can stay in the game long enough they could find themselves in a situation where Nick Chubb could get plenty of carries. Chubb is averaging over a yard more per carry than New England has allowed this season.
Nick Chubb was the second leading rusher in the NFL after Week 6. Now that the Browns had a bye, Chubb is now fourth with 607 yards. Chubb is 42 carries behind Dalvin Cook, 30 behind Leonard Fournette and 13 behind Christian McCaffrey. The three running backs currently ahead of Chubb in rushing yards.
Nick Chubb could find his way and carry the Browns offense in New England on Sunday afternoon. New England’s rushing defense is not weak by any means, but running the ball against the Patriots seems to be much better idea than passing against a dominant secondary.
