The Cleveland Browns offense found the winning formula after struggling early against the Chicago Bears defensive line.
While this was largely a defensive domination with Myles Garrett breaking the franchise record with 4.5 sacks of Bears quarterback Justin Fields, the offense did get back to basics after a shaky start.
How did they do it?
By doing what has worked well in the past: running the ball.
The running game had been okay through the first two games.
The Browns’ typically iron-clad offensive line has been porous at times especially with a hobbling left tackle in Jedrick Wills trying to play through an ankle injury.
In spite of that, Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb stepped up to the plate against the Bears.
Kareem Hunt
One of the beautiful things about having two top notch running backs is that the Browns can run the one who is hot.
That’s what happened Sunday with Hunt.
It was definitely his day helping the Browns offense move the ball on the ground and through the air.
At his best, he is practically impossible to bring down.
There might not be 5 running backs in the NFL better than Kareem Hunt.
— Andrew Hawkins (@Hawk) September 26, 2021
Every time Kareem Hunt runs, he acts like it’s the last time he’s ever going to be able to run again.
— I’m Mr. Brightside (@_blue42) September 26, 2021
Hunt’s Stats Against The Bears
Hunt had 10 rushes for 81 yards, averaging 8.1 yards per carry, and he scored a rushing touchdown.
He also broke one for a 29-yard burst.
Hunt also had six catches for 74 yards.
Because he is a dual threat, he is even more elusive for opposing defenses.
Kareem Hunt provided a nice spark for the Browns offense against the Bears
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 26, 2021
Chubb’s Stats Against The Bears
On a day where Nick Chubb can’t find his groove…. You have another top 10 RB waiting to step in and take over 😤#Browns
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) September 26, 2021
Chubb was grinding for every yard he could get in the early stages of the Bears game.
He finished with 22 carries and 84 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry.
His longest run on the day was for 14 yards.
Collectively Hunt and Chubb rushed for 165 yards over the Bears.
This Was The 2020 Formula
Ask anyone what carried the Browns to their 2020 success including a playoff win, and he or she would tell you it was the running game.
This is not to take away anything from Baker Mayfield.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense is built around a powerful offensive line and dominating run game which opens up the passing game.
The Kansas City Chiefs game in Week 1 was not the trademark Browns offense.
Last week against the Houston Texans, Chubb played a larger role, running for an average of 8.65 yards per carry.
Bottom Line: The 2020 Formula Does Not Always Work
What the Browns are finding is that the 2020 formula is not always going to work.
Teams have studied the Browns success last year and know that shutting down or at least limiting the run is key to their potential success.
The Browns are a good team in all facets of the game, and it looks like 2021 will be the year that they need to find creative ways to win each game with different superstars leading the charge each week.
Winning with the running game is always good news for the Browns, but in the end, any way they can get a win is just fine also.
Next up for the 2-1 Browns is their head coach’s former team; the Browns travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings on Sunday, October 3.
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