The Cleveland Browns showed progress in Week 4 despite getting the loss against the San Diego Chargers. Josh McCown rewarded the Browns' faith in him while the running backs finally got some momentum going thanks to a breakout game from Duke Johnson. Could this be the start of something positive for the Browns? With Robert Turbin entering the mix in the ground game, Cleveland has higher expectations for the offense.
Heading into Week 5, Johnson is at the top of the list in terms of the fantasy football waiver wire. Against the Chargers, Johnson had 31 yards rushing along with 85 yards receiving which led the team. He tied with Travis Benjamin for the most targets at 10 apiece which shows just how the Browns intend to use the rookie. Looking like a Darren Sproles in the making, Johnson could be the new favored playmaker moving forward.
"He certainly will be a big part of our plans moving forward," head coach Mike Pettine said, via the team's official website. "That's a pretty good glimpse of how we'll be using him. Anytime you have a back that can be a first- or second-down back between the tackles, and a guy that you can also split out your No. 1 wideout and hit him on a vertical route. That puts a lot of stress on a defense."
The Browns are getting production from unexpected players through four games this season. They signed Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline to big contracts in the offseason, but instead it is Benjamin and Taylor Gabriel making their names on the field. Isaiah Crowell is quickly making a name for himself after a slow start to the season and the return of Turbin could help add another element to the offense. Turbin comes to Cleveland and could end up being the better downfield rusher for the team. Dealing with an ankle injury, the Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting he could be back in the mix this week.
McCown might be proving to be the biggest x-factor of the unit. The quarterback is averaging 23.5 points per game since returning from his concussion. He is proving the Browns were right to keep their faith in him and not turn to Johnny Manziel because of one injury. The question becomes whether or not he can sustain the momentum and turn it into wins.