Cleveland Browns: Top 6 Position Battles at Camp
Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back
Isaiah Crowell(34) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Washington Redskins in a preseason NFL football game at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
2. Does Anybody Want To Run The Ball?
Competition: Terrance West, Duke Johnson, Isaiah Crowell, Glenn Winston
This is one of the more troublesome position battles in training camp. Every other day, it seems like one of the backs has a hamstring injury or is unable to practice. Duke Johnson has been the biggest disappointment so far due to the hype he had coming into camp. He was supposed to challenge Crowell and West for the starting spot, but he has been hampered by the injury and might possibly miss all of the preseason.
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Crowell and West were atrocious on Thursday. Hell, the whole running game was terrible. The Browns had 45 yards rushing total compared to Washington’s 153. Crowell only had six yards, while West had 10. They both seemed like they didn’t want any part of the game.
Not only were they lackadaisical against the Redskins, but they have the same nonchalant attitude in training camp! Even running backs coach Will Montgomery has questioned all of the backs hearts and if they really want the position.
They all have three more weeks to prove themselves worthy of the number one starting job. If not, something has to be addressed quickly.
Result: Isaiah Crowell ( Ray Rice? Pierre Thomas? Chris Johnson?)
This one is a toss-up. If the Browns stay with what they have, Crowell will be the starter based on his production last year ( 607 yds, 8 td’s). He has shown the ability to run hard and quickly find the open hole. However, if all of the backs keep struggling, they could sign a back to come in and immediately produce. There have been alleged rumors of Ray Rice potentially coming to the team. The pressure is on.
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