Cleveland Browns: 2015 Mid-Preseason Review Part 1 QB’s and RB’s

RUNNING BACK

While the quarterbacks will always steal the spotlight, perhaps the biggest battle and actual competition to watch throughout camp is occurring at the running back position. Last year, the Browns brought in veteran Ben Tate to solidify the running game, then drafted Terrance West in the third round, and signed undrafted rookie Isaiah Crowell to join them in training camp.

Tate managed to start the season well, but got injured, leaving the door open for West and Crowell to steal carries.

The two rookies took up the challenge and carried the Browns offense in his stead. Browns fans thought GM Ray Farmer had drafted the next Kevin Mack and Ernest Byner. However, after the season ending injury to C Alex Mack, and the poor play of QB Brian Hoyer started to creep in, West and Crowell began to look more pedestrian.

Fast forward to 2015, Tate is long gone and the starting job at running back is up for grabs. The Cleveland Browns have gone “all-in” on West and Crowell, with Crowell holding the slight edge over West in the minds of the coaches and the fans.

The wild card thrown in by Farmer? He drafted another running back in University of Miami (FL)’s all-time leading rusher Duke Johnson in the third round. Considering the pedigree of “The U’s” running backs and their success in the NFL, the Browns might have unearthed a gem. So how have the three running backs performed thus far through camp and the first two preseason games?

Next: Feed The Crow?