A few players on the Cleveland Browns admitted the trade of Carlos just days before the Buccaneers game was “aggravating.”
The Cleveland Browns trade of Carlos Hyde made plenty of sense through the glasses of general manager John Dorsey.
Nick Chubb is an exciting young running back and Dorsey probably wanted to see more of him. Plus, Duke Johnson, who is one of the most elusive threats in the game, needed more snaps.
But from a player’s perspective, the Browns weren’t exactly thrilled with the move, according to The Athletic’s Jason Lloyd.
"But from a player’s perspective, a few acknowledged it’s aggravating to lose a starter two days before kickoff. The whole week of game prep and practice snaps was wasted on a running back no longer here."
In Hyde’s place, Nick Chubb rushed 18 times for 80 yards and a touchdown. Like the rest of the Browns’ offense, it took awhile for the rookie to really get going.
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The Browns seemed really intent on getting Duke Johnson involved at the beginning of the game, but with little production to show for it. Johnson had just one carry, which went for -4 yards.
He caught four balls for 23 yards, but only had long gain of seven yards. Browns coaches didn’t exactly give him the touches that he needed to show off his elusive prowess.
While it’s interesting to hear a few Browns’ players had complaints, does anyone really think the Browns win this one if Carlos Hyde was playing in this one.
Todd Haley mangled the offense to a degree where no one could be productive. It’s why Hue Jackson, who obviously must feel like his job is on the line, is re-inserting himself to offensive game planning altering being booted out in favor of Haley last offseason.
• Another interesting note from Lloyd on the Hyde trade: The Jaguars approached the Browns about the trade, so it’s not like Cleveland was out there shopping their starting running back.
After the two teams talked, the deal got done relatively quickly.
Hyde just wasn’t in the Browns’ plans beyond the 2018 season, according to Lloyd. Combine the fact a team was willing to give something for him, in addition to the potential Chubb brings to the field, and you can see why the Browns thought this was an easy deal to make.
• Unless Chubb absolutely balls out, the Hyde trade could be rare misfire for Dorsey because it shows the Browns may not be totally committed to winning yet. The Browns want to see younger players. That usually doesn’t equate into victories.