Browns Destroyed by Fans After Brutal Performance in Loss To Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
Nov 13, 2022
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Trent Sherfield (14) catches a touchdown pass as Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) is late with the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Cleveland Browns struggled in all aspects during Sunday's 39-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa torched the Browns defense, which also struggled to stop the run with Jeff Wilson Jr. and Raheem Mostert having big days.
Fans were quick to criticize head coach Kevin Stefanski for the all-around performance:
Kevin Stefanski is an awful head coach. That's all.
Kevin Stefanski came out with the wrong script against the Fins. Had a feeling this would be a loss for Cleveland when they failed to involve Nick Chubb early. Too little, too late.
Joe Woods STINKS. Get rid of this guy already. Completely gashed week after week. Second half has been a disaster all season. The Bengals game was smoke and mirrors. Defense is trash. #Browns
The Browns wasted another year of our lives. Im just tired of it. The excuses, process, talking points, softness, all of it. As far as I’m concerned Stefanski is just a above average coordinator trying to play the part of Head Coach. I’d fire Woods after the game.#Browns
The roster building on the D-Line by Andrew Barry is unacceptable. It’s malpractice and negligence. Bad rushing teams consistently put up season highs against our front. Barry Didn’t even attempt to address the DT position at the trade deadline or free agency. #Browns
It resulted in the Browns falling to 3-6, with just one win since Week 3.
A blowout 32-13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8 had some expecting a big second half of the year after the Week 9 bye, but the squad came out flat against the Dolphins.
If the Browns can't wake up in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills, there might not be enough time to save the season.
Browns RBs Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt's Fantasy Trade Advice Before the Deadline
Nov 10, 2022
Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) runs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
The fantasy football trade deadlines are rapidly approaching. Regardless of whether you're fighting for a bye, a playoff spot or to fend off a last-place punishment, you should consider all avenues to improve your team. You should also assess your current roster and decide whether the collection of talent will get you over the top when push comes to shove.
With that in mind, here's a look at a pair of Cleveland Browns running backs, Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, and some thoughts on them moving forward.
Chubb has been nothing short of sensational for the Browns, who selected the ex-Georgia star with the No. 35 overall selection in the 2018 NFL draft.
The fourth-year pro rushed 228 times for 1,259 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021 alongside 20 receptions, 174 receiving yards and one more score.
He's followed that up with 149 carries for 841 yards and 10 scores (5.6 YPC) in 2022 alongside 10 catches and 70 receiving yards. Chubb has amassed over 1,100 total yards in each of his first four seasons and is well on his way to doing that again in year number five.
If you have Chubb, you're keeping him for the end of the season and into the playoffs, plain and simple. He's one of the top 10 most valuable fantasy players and a rock-solid asset going forward. If a fantasy team is looking to offload Chubb for whatever reason (which they shouldn't, but you never know), it's worth making a Godfather offer to land him. He's simply one of the most consistent and best running backs in real and fantasy football.
The better question is regarding second-string running back Kareem Hunt, who is productive in his own right (422 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on 96 touches over eight games).
Ultimately, he's been capped at 12 touches per game, so he doesn't have a great ceiling.
But that could change if the Browns take a big step forward when quarterback Deshaun Watson makes his season debut in Week 13 versus the Houston Texans. Perhaps adding the three-time Pro Bowler gives the Browns more scoring opportunities and therefore more chances for Hunt to make his mark.
However, that's a speculative notion at best. Hunt's best opportunity would be him becoming the unquestioned RB1 if Chubb is ever forced to sit, but in the meantime, trading for him is a gamble. He's a solid bench option at running back at best.
At the same time, he provides good depth in case you run into a bind at the position, so it's best to hang onto him unless someone else is offering you a good deal for him.
Deshaun Watson Expected to Start for Browns vs. Texans in 1st Game After Suspension
Nov 2, 2022
CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 27: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to a preseason game against the Chicago Bears at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Browns are planning to activate quarterback Deshaun Watson when he's eligible to return from his 11-game suspension in Week 13 against the Houston Texans.
General manager Andrew Berry confirmed the team's intentions Wednesday and said Watson has "done everything and more that's been asked of him."
In August, Watson and the NFL agreed to a settlement on his punishment, one many thought was light given the breadth of the allegations against him. Twenty-five women filed lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct or sexual assault they experienced during massage appointments with the three-time Pro Bowler.
By Aug. 1, he had settled 23 of the lawsuits that had been filed against him.
However, another woman filed suit against him on Oct. 13. The woman said Watson pressured her to massage "his private area" and removed his towel during the session. The plaintiff claims he pressured her into performing oral sex.
NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said the NFL was following the situation but that the new lawsuit didn't impact Watson's suspension.
"Watson's status remains unchanged," McCarthy said. "We will monitor developments in the newly-filed litigation; and any conduct that warrants further investigation or possible additional sanctions would be addressed within the Personal Conduct Policy."
The Browns acquired Watson with civil litigation ongoing and signed him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million extension. Though he's still ineligible to play, he was allowed to return to the Browns' facility on Oct. 10. He can begin practicing as early as Nov. 14.
Jacoby Brissett has started at quarterback for the Browns, who are 3-5, with Watson unavailable. He has thrown for 1,862 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions.
"Jacoby has been everything we hoped for when we signed him," Berry told reporters. "He's given us the opportunity to win."
NFL's Best RB Nick Chubb, Browns Doing Just Enough to Keep Playoff Hopes in Reach
Nov 1, 2022
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) carries the ball with Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (22) and linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) defending during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
George Romero might have filmed his seminal work "Night of the Living Dead" in western Pennsylvania, but northern Ohio saw the dying dreams of an NFL franchise rise from the grave on Halloween night.
In doing their best impression of the Undertaker, the Cleveland Browns sat up during their 32-13 Monday Night Football victory against the Cincinnati Bengals and put future opponents on notice.
As the franchise awaits the official arrival of quarterback Deshaun Watson as its starting quarterback, Nick Chubb staked his claim as the league's best running back, the deserved focal point of Cleveland's offense and the Browns' true franchise player.
Knowing full well the task it faced entering the season, Cleveland felt it could rely on its running game, a stout offensive line and talented defense to stay afloat until Watson made his debut in Week 13.
Even upon Watson's eventual arrival, the Browns' reemergence on Monday should serve as the blueprint through the next nine contests after enjoying their latest victory going into a bye week.
Previously, the Browns lost four straight contests. Kevin Stefanski's squad had been plagued by schematic breakdowns, poor decisions, inconsistent play-calling and roster deficiencies. The mob wanted defensive coordinator Joe Woods fired. Stefanski found himself on the hot seat, via the court of public opinion. Chubb didn't get enough run in the minds of many.
The final point has been a major sticking point, even though the Browns' lead back is counted among the league leaders in carries. The bigger issue revolved around his overall usage—when he was and wasn't on the field.
Cleveland has never used Chubb in the same manner as Derrick Henry with the Tennessee Titans. The league's deepest backfield also features Kareem Hunt, D'Ernest Johnson, Demetric Felton Jr. and fifth-round rookie Jerome Ford.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 30: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball as he gets a block from Aaron Brewer #55 against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Houston, Texas. The Tennessee Titans defeated the Houston Texans 17-10. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
While Henry consistently gets mentioned as the game's best back, Chubb has been the better pure runner for years. The latter's patience, vision, lateral agility, power and explosivity are equal to or better than any other runner.
"He was born to run the football," an NFC executive told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler this summer.
Chubb's usage rate is simply different when compared to the two-time rushing leader. In the same week Henry ran for 219 yards on 32 carries, Chubb continued to show he's only getting stronger as the game's best featured back.
To the earlier point about usage, Henry has 10 career games (including the postseason) with 30 or more carries, including Tennessee's last two. Chubb has zero.
It's not like the 26-year-old ball-carrier can't take on a bigger workload. He most certainly can. The Browns choose to use him differently as a part of a rotation. Yet he's as effective, if not more so, when properly utilized.
His 23 carries for 101 yards and two scores are a microcosm of his overall effectiveness. The number of carries tied for the most in a game with Stefanski as the head coach/offensive play-caller, according to The Athletic's Jason Lloyd.
As Pro Football Focus noted, Chubb ranked first in missed tackles forced (181) and runs of 10 or more yards (114) since the start of the 2019 campaign. He was second with 2,860 yards after contact.
The three-time Pro Bowler entered this weekend's action ranked first in rushing yardage, yards after contact, missed tackles forced, explosive runs and rushing touchdowns, per PFF.
In fact, Chubb is only the fifth running back in NFL history to record at least eight rushing touchdowns in each of his first five seasons, per NFL Stats. He's in pretty good company, too. He joined Jim Brown, Emmitt Smith, LaDainian Tomlinson and Adrian Peterson this season.
The biggest gripe is not having Chubb on the field during pivotal moments. Hunt is a fine back, but he's reportedly on the trade block.
Splitting carries isn't necessary. Chubb can contribute on third down. He should be on the field during critical drives and down-and-distance situations. A strict adherence to an in-game rotation can be detrimental for the entire offense.
The Browns must also know that Watson's arrival won't cure some of the issues found within the roster. Expectations should even be tempered to a degree since the 27-year-old quarterback hasn't played a meaningful game since January of 2021 and will likely be rusty.
In his absence, Jacoby Brissett has played better than expected. Granted, the backup-turned-starter has made some very poor decisions with his throws, but overall, he hasn't been the primary issue in Cleveland's 3-5 start.
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 31: Cleveland Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) warms up prior to the first quarter of the National Football League game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 31, 2022, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
An inability to execute on the backend of the defense has been the primary culprit to Cleveland's early-season misfortunes. Breakdowns lead to big plays and easy scores.
To compound those issues, the Browns tend to struggle at the point of attack because they lack starting-caliber defensive tackles.
Complementary football is necessary for the team to dig itself out of the hole it created.
Different offensive personnel packages, ranging from heavy looks to five-wide sets, create uncertainty for opponents. But each look must remain true to the team's identity, which is defined by Chubb running the football. Brissett, followed soon by Watson, can benefit from the back's impressive effectiveness.
Cleveland's defensive front pinned its ears back with five sacks Monday, while the secondary played soft shell coverage most of the night after it established a lead. These things feed off one another.
A strong early offensive showing with Chubb leading the way allows the defense to play the way it's supposed to, based on current personnel. In turn, a defense flying to the football and creating sacks and turnovers allows the offense's potent rushing attack to take over games late in the contest.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) kneels over Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) after sacking hime during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. The Browns won 32-13. (AP Photo/David Richard)
It's a simple formula. Even so, it's not one many other squads can recreate. Chubb is the table-setter.
With improved health along the offensive line, a defense starting to play to its potential and the eventual inclusion of Watson, the Browns can still avoid a lost season, make the postseason and see what happens against the AFC's best.
No one is running away with the AFC North. Cleveland is currently two games behind the Baltimore Ravens. The Browns face each of their division rivals once after the bye. Tough opponents in the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo lie ahead directly after the week off.
But then, the team also has favorable matchups against the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints and Washington Commanders.
Chubb going old school on the rest of the league is what will define whatever success Cleveland experiences after being buried for their previous actions.
Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @brentsobleski.
Nick Chubb Hyped by Twitter as NFL's Best RB as Browns Steamroll Bengals on MNF
Nov 1, 2022
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) carries the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cleveland, Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
The Cleveland Browns have had a disappointing start to the 2022 season, but the team's bright spot has been star running back Nick Chubb. The 26-year-old shined once again to lead the Browns to a 32-13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football.
Chubb dominated with the ball in his hands, finishing with 101 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries to help Cleveland snap a four-game losing streak and improve to 3-5. Chubb now leads the NFL with 841 yards through the first eight weeks of the season.
Thanks to Chubb's success on the ground, the Browns had an impressively balanced offense on Monday night. Cleveland quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 17 of his 22 passes for 278 yards and a touchdown to star receiver Amari Cooper, who finished with five catches for 131 yards.
Brissett also added a rushing touchdown as the Browns totaled 172 rushing yards, with backup running back Kareem Hunt adding 42 yards on 11 carries.
Fans on social media couldn't help but praise Chubb for his workhorse performance against Cincinnati, with many touting him as the best player at his position:
Nick Chubb has been the best RB in the league for while now
The fourth-year running back out of Georgia has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons. He's also well on his way to a fourth consecutive 1,000-yard campaign. If he continues playing like he did on Monday, 2022 could go down as the best year of his young career.
The Browns would be wise to continue feeding Chubb as they turn the page to the second half of the season. Cleveland will be on a bye next week before returning to action on Nov. 13 against the Miami Dolphins.
Browns Rumors: Kareem Hunt Trade 'Appears Unlikely' Ahead of Deadline
Oct 29, 2022
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 23: Running back Kareem Hunt #27 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Kareem Hunt will likely remain with the Cleveland Browns for the remainder of the 2022 campaign as he is "unlikely" to be traded ahead of Tuesday's deadline, per Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.
Hunt requested a trade from the Browns over the summer, but he has not renewed that request, he told reporters Saturday.
"I haven’t said anything to them," Hunt said. "I just come in and work. That’s all I ever do."
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano reported earlier this week that Hunt is available for a fourth-round draft pick. However, it's unclear which teams might be interested in the veteran running back.
Hunt has been a reliable running back over his six-year NFL career. However, he has become an afterthought in a Cleveland backfield that is led by three-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb and also includes D'Ernest Johnson.
The 27-year-old has rushed for 263 yards and three touchdowns on 66 carries in seven games this season, in addition to catching 15 passes for 87 yards and one score. However, his workload has declined significantly over the last two weeks.
In a Week 6 loss to the New England Patriots, Hunt had just four carries for 12 yards. In a Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, he had five carries for four yards and one touchdown.
Hunt has spent the last four seasons of his career in Cleveland after being selected by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft out of Toledo and spending the first two years of his career in Kansas City.
Hunt's best season with the Browns came in 2020 when he rushed for 841 yards and six touchdowns on 198 carries in 16 games, in addition to catching 38 passes for 304 yards and five scores.
The 2017 Pro Bowler is in the final year of a two-year, $12 million pact with the Browns, his hometown team. However, Cleveland has yet to make him an extension offer, and he admitted Saturday it's been tough knowing he'll likely be playing elsewhere in 2023.
"I mean, it ain’t easy but I’m a person who can put his pride to the side and just continue to go out there and do my job," Hunt said, per Cabot. "I love the game of football, and I enjoy it every time I touch the field."
Cleveland enters Monday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a 2-5 record, and that could be Hunt's final game with the Browns.
NFL Rumors: Browns' Greedy Williams Subject of 'Multiple' Trade Calls Before Deadline
Oct 26, 2022
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 20: Cleveland Browns cornerback Greedy Williams (26) returns an interception during the fourth quarter of the National Football League game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns on December 20, 2021, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Cleveland Browns have "received multiple calls" regarding cornerback Greedy Williams, but "nothing is imminent" as far as a deal goes before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano.
Williams, a former LSU star, began this year on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. He made his season debut on Oct. 16 versus the New England Patriots.
For the year, Williams has played 51 defensive snaps over two games and registered four tackles
The third-year pro was a second-round pick in 2019.
Willams started all 12 games he played during his rookie season in 2019, compiling 47 tackles and two pass breakups along the way. A hamstring injury cost him the remaining four games.
Unfortunately, a nerve issue in his shoulder cost Williams the entire 2020 campaign. He returned in 2021, played 16 games (eight starts) and amassed 10 pass breakups, two interceptions and 41 tackles.
At this juncture, Williams is a backup behind starters Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II, perhaps making him more likely to be dealt. Brad Stainbrook of the Orange and Brown Report noted Monday that the team is listening to offers on Williams and also running back Kareem Hunt.
Williams' season unfortunately has been marred with injuries, but he still has tremendous potential. He was a First-Team All-American in 2018 and a Thorpe Award finalist as well. The 6'3" cornerback offers the size needs to cover bigger wide receivers too.
For now, Williams remains a Brown as the 2-5 team looks to get back on the winning track on Monday evening against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Why Browns Should Look to Deal Kareem Hunt amid Latest NFL Trade Rumors
Oct 26, 2022
Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) celebrates his second half touchdown with wide receiver David Bell during a NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
The Cleveland Browns have some weak spots on their roster this season, which is partly why they're off to a 2-5 start. However, running back is not one of those areas.
Nick Chubb has been one of the best RBs in the league this season, having rushed for an NFL-high 740 yards. Cleveland also has plenty of depth in its backfield, with Kareem Hunt, D'Ernest Johnson and Demetric Felton Jr. available to be rotated in.
In past years, Hunt was part of a two-headed rushing attack with Chubb. That's been less the case this season, though, especially of late. After touching the ball at least 12 times in each of the Browns' first five games, Hunt had only four and six touches over the past two weeks, respectively.
According to Brad Stainbrook of 247Sports, the Browns are "listening to offers" for Hunt. The NFL trade deadline is set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post recently reported other teams have "ruminated on the potential" of a Hunt deal. La Canfora believes Cleveland could get a future draft pick and a veteran player at a position of need (such as defensive tackle) in exchange for the 27-year-old.
And it seems teams would be interested.
“Hunt would be the best back on the market, and it’s not even close,” an NFL GM told La Canfora. “Don’t they have like four backs on their roster, anyway? That defense needs help.”
Hunt has 263 rushing yards and 87 receiving yards in seven games, but he's still scored four touchdowns (three rushing and one receiving).
Hunt has notched two of those TDs in the past three weeks, including a two-yard rushing score in the Browns' Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Chubb has been successful in a workhorse role, so there's the potential for Cleveland to improve another area of its roster in parting with Hunt. He has proved he can put up strong numbers in the past when healthy, and he hasn't dealt with any injuries this year.
Two trades featuring top RBs have already taken place. The Carolina Panthers sent Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers, while the Jacksonville Jaguars dealt James Robinson to the New York Jets.
Will Hunt be the next running back on the move? He should be, as it would likely work out well for both him and the Browns.
The Cleveland Browns could be the most fascinating team at the 2022 NFL trade deadline. The AFC North side could also end up as the most active franchise...
Kareem Hunt Trade Rumors: Browns RB Available for 4th-Round Draft Pick at Deadline
Oct 26, 2022
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 09: Kareem Hunt #27 of the Cleveland Browns plays against the Los Angeles Chargers at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt is reportedly available at a reasonable price ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 1.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, other NFL teams are saying Hunt can be had for a fourth-round draft pick.
Hunt, 27, has been productive for much of his six-year NFL career, but with Nick Chubb leading Cleveland's backfield, he has undoubtedly become expendable.
As the No. 2 back behind Chubb, Hunt has rushed 66 times for 263 times and three touchdowns this season. He also caught 15 passes for 87 yards and a score.
While the numbers aren't bad considering his situation, his 4.0 yards per carry would be the lowest average of his career, as would his 5.8 yards per catch.
Hunt was on a far better pace last season before getting injured, with 60 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns in eight games, and that came on the heels of him racking up 1,145 total yards and 11 touchdowns the year before.
The former Toledo standout has spent the past four years in Cleveland after playing for the Kansas City Chiefs in his first two seasons.
It was in KC that the 2017 third-round draft pick played his best football, registering 1,782 total yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie and then 1,202 total yards and 14 scores in 11 games the following season.
Hunt's tenure with the Chiefs came to an end in 2018 after video of him kicking a woman at a hotel surfaced, leading Kansas City to release him.
He subsequently signed with Cleveland prior to the 2019 season and has been a quality complement to Chubb ever since, but he may now be expendable given his contract and the Browns' running back situation.
Hunt is a free agent at the end of the year. Assuming he wants the opportunity to be a No. 1 back, it seems unlikely that he would re-sign with the Browns, making him a prime trade candidate.
Fowler and Graziano noted that while interested teams may like his $1.35 million base salary this season, his roster bonus of $200,000 per game could be an issue. One possible solution would be for the Browns to restructure the bonuses into a signing bonus to make the deal more palatable.
At 2-5, the Browns are in danger of falling well out of playoff contention, although they are biding their time until quarterback Deshaun Watson returns from suspension.
Trading Hunt is a move that could be construed as giving up on this season, but since D'Ernest Johnson has shown the ability to be highly productive when given a chance to play, the Browns may not miss much by sliding him into Hunt's role.
If that is the case, the Browns would be wise to pick up a future asset or two for a player who isn't likely to be in the fold beyond this season.
