Cleveland Browns Have BY FAR the Best Rushing Attack in the NFL

The Cleveland Browns have long been one of the laughingstocks of the NFL. After enduring an 0-16 season in 2017 and an 18-year absence from the playoffs, they finally broke through in 2020, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round thanks to an explosive 48-point performance by the offense, largely fueled by an unstoppable rushing attack.

Former first overall pick Baker Mayfield is certainly a key part of this turnaround, but a dominant offensive line and the best running back tandem in the league is what has bolstered the franchise back into prominence. Nick Chubb (5.8 YPC) and Kareem Hunt (5.4 YPC) rank second and fifth respectively in yards per carry in the NFL among qualifying running backs and have led the Browns to a 3-2 start to the season as they collectively top the charts in many major categories.

Cleveland #Browns lead the NFL during 2021 in:
- RUSH YPG (187.6)
- RUSH TD (12)
- RUSH YPA (5.4) pic.twitter.com/q7KekEdCVe
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) October 13, 2021

INTERESTING FACTS

Cleveland Browns lead the NFL during 2021 in RUSH YPG (187.6), RUSH TD (12) and RUSH YPA (5.4)
Nick Chubb (5.8 YPC) and Kareem Hunt (5.4 YPC) rank 2nd & 5th respectively in YPC among NFL RBs in 2021
Cleveland Browns have the No.2 ranked Offensive Line, according to Pro Football Focus

MAIN TAKEAWAY

CLEVELAND BROWNS HAVE BY FAR THE BEST RUSHING ATTACK IN THE NFL

COLORS KEY | FULL BROWNS OUTLOOK

Entering Week 5 of the NFL season, the Browns have the second-ranked offensive line in the league per Pro Football Focus. Headlined by stellar OGs Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller, Cleveland has the most expensive offensive line in the league, and this investment is paying off. It is Hunt and Chubb, however, who grab most of the headlines for their ability to find the holes their lineman open up for them.

Hunt fell into the Browns’ lap after his character concerns caused his release from the Chiefs, and has settled into to being the best backup RB in the game (maybe ever). Running backs are known to have a short shelf life, so having a talented runner like Hunt to take some of the load off of Chubb is invaluable to the Browns.

Cleveland is able to gash teams on the ground with a two-headed monster that’s more effective than any running back duo in recent history. The NFL has become a pass-heavy league over the last decade or two, but the Browns are out to prove that teams can still win games by controlling the ball and playing smash mouth football, even in this era.