Cleveland Browns: 5 Players to watch vs. Jets in Week 3
By Backwoods
RB, Carlos Hyde
Some folks are already calling for Carlos Hyde to be shunned from the starting lineup due to poor stats over the first two weeks. While I concur the the average of 2.8 yards per carry is dismal, I find it hard to credit that to a running back that has sustained an average of 4.1 throughout his career elsewhere.
Considering the amount of runs outside he has attempted and his bread-and-butter bring up the gut, I would conclude that the questionable play calling is the largest part of the issue. I must also factor in a newly reformed offensive line that is now looking at only its third week playing together as a unit.
As Browns fans, we have learned to shed painful memories in quick fashion, but have we forgotten the seemingly endless struggles to score a rushing touchdown just a few short years ago? Okay, those years were anything but short, but Hyde has two rushing touchdowns on the season. One in each game thus far.
While rookie running back Nick Chubb has looked good running the ball, he has struggled on some blocking assignments and is still a work in progress. I look for Hyde to soon have a breakout performance and I will also be watching for adjustments in how he is utilized.