Browns rookie RB duo: 279 total yards, 3 TDs through 2 weeks

The Cleveland Browns’ two rookie running backs combined for another productive day against the New Orleans Saints.  Terrance West carried the ball 19 times for 68 yards, caught two passes for 22 more yards and scored the first touchdown of his career while Isaiah Crowell had 11 carries for 54 yards.  The two combined to be a driving force in how the Browns offense was able to do just enough to beat the Saints and get the Browns to a 1-1 record, winning their first home opener since 2004.

Since the knee injury to Ben Tate that will sideline him about a month, West has become the first back to get carries for the Browns.  He has an impressive amount of size and strength, but he has great feet and is able to make cuts and see plays that other backs might not.  There are times where he will overdo it and needs to be more downhill, but he can make it difficult for opposing defenders to corral him.

West’s shifty style becomes more distinct when Crowell comes in and he is a no nonsense, one cut runner.  Crowell is far more decisive and when he sees a hole, he goes at it with everything he has.  He can make some moves and cut to get around opponents, but he wants to get North and South as quickly as possible, use his speed and punish opponents with his power.

West showcased some receiving skills as his second reception came on 3rd and 12, where he was able to catch an 11 yard pass in tight coverage that set up 4th-down-and-1 on the Saints’ 5 yard line.  The Browns went right back to West, who was able to convert, which set up the Miles Austin touchdown that gave the Browns a 7-0 lead.

As the 1-1 Browns prepare for the Baltimore Ravens, Terrance West has 35 carries for 168 yards along with 2 receptions for 22 yards, giving him 190 total yards along with a touchdown.  Isaiah Crowell has 16 carries for 86 yards, 1 catch for 3 yards, and 2 touchdowns.  It remains to be seen if these two can keep up with this type of production, but one thing has become clear; opponents have to scheme to stop these two runners.  And the group should only get better when Ben Tate comes back healthy and gives them another option in the backfield.