Cleveland Browns: Big expectations for Isaiah Crowell this fall?
By Ryan Rosko

For the Cleveland Browns to succeed on offense, they will need to see running back Isaiah Crowell step up his game.
Not doing too much at the running back position this past offseason shows that the Cleveland Browns are putting Isaiah Crowell in a position to succeed. They greatly improved their offensive line, but it will be up to “The Crow” to prove that he can be an established, reliable runner.
In short yardage and goal-line situations Crowell is one of the best in the NFL. If he can improve his overall game, then maybe Cleveland would extend his contract. Not by much perhaps since the running back position is a dime a dozen nowadays unless a team can draft an elite back.
Still, if Crowell can take his game past the platoon-type of role he has in the past, there is not a reason he should not have a pro bowl season. Until then, I remain hopeful but skeptical.
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According to pro-football-reference.com, in three seasons, Crowell has had the following number of carries: 148 in 2014, 185 in 2015, and 198 in 2016. Those numbers are lower than ideal, especially with no other legitimate option at the moment on the roster.
Still, other factors are reasons why such numbers are lower than preferred. Some include the fact that opposing defenses were not concerned with Cleveland’s passing game. In addition, the Browns had to pass more often than they wanted too because of how often they were trailing in games.
Optimism is high that Corwell will take his game to the next level. To do that though, his carries will need to get closer to 250 by the time the season is over. One believer in him is Browns’ running back coach Kirby Wilson. Wilson said the following regarding Crowell via Akron Beacon Journal‘s Browns beat writer Nate Ulrich:
"That’s very accurate that he [only] scratched the surface,” Wilson said. “He’s not even in his prime yet."
As great as he should be in fantasy football, what matters most for Browns fans is his impact in real life when it comes to their win-loss record. The resources and tools are there for Crowell to take advantage of his opportunities this fall.
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If all well with that, he will see a long-term contract somewhere. Until then, removing the platoon type of role must be priority number one. From there, Crowell can work himself into the discussion of being one of the better backs in the NFL.