The Cleveland Browns might be sitting at 1-2 on the season, but by all accounts, so far things have been successful. They have moved past training camp quarterback drama and put together three solid performances. The two losses came from last-minute field goals proving that Mike Pettine and company are perfectly capable of turning the franchise around. Things are only getting better for the Browns as they prepare to get several players back from injuries, but will they be inserted back to the starting role?
The Browns acquired Ben Tate in the offseason with the hopes that he could take hold of the starting running back spot and give the offense the balance it needed. After sitting behind Arian Foster for several years with the Houston Texans, Tate looked ready for a breakout role. However, a sprained knee suffered in the first week derailed those plans and he has been out ever since. When healthy, will he once again regain his starting job?
The Browns are not missing Tate. Cleveland is currently reaping the benefits of a rookie running back tandem putting up big numbers. Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell have combined for a successful two weeks of rushing stats. West has 204 yards on the year with two touchdowns while Crowell has 141 yards on the year with three touchdowns. If they have the hot hands, does Tate take a backseat when healthy?
According to the Akron Beacon Journal, Tate will be inserted back as the starting running back for the Browns once he is healthy. Tate's original timetable was 4-6 weeks for return so the Browns are not expecting him back just yet and they do not need to rush him. Running back coach Wilbert Montgomery stresses that Tate is the leader of the group and the Browns are missing that.
"That's what we brought Tate here for, to be the starter," Montgomery said, via the Akron Beacon Journal. "He's the No. 1 running back in this offense. Right now, you can say we miss him. We miss his experience. We miss his leadership with the group. Speaking from that standpoint, we'll be open arms and welcome to have Ben back into the fold."
Crowell and West are splitting the carries evenly over the past two games and that is expected to continue. The Browns are being bailed out by their run game as their wide receivers continue to struggle. Andrew Hawkins is the only one putting up consistent numbers each week. Jordan Cameron has struggled which could hurt his contract status. Miles Austin is healthy, but ineffective at best. West and Crowell are the best thing Cleveland has going for them in the offense.
