The Cleveland Browns have issues at the quarterback position as both Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel battle for playing time. With McCown starting after a week of not playing due to a concussion, the quarterback will look to his playmakers to help out. That may or may not include the run game which remains one of the worst in the NFL right now. Head coach Mike Pettine has been critical of the group as Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson continue to battle it out.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Pettine wants a running back by committee approach for the offense. In Week 2, Crowell was the better running back as both put together unimpressive numbers. In the win over the Tennessee Titans, Crowell and Johnson only differed by three carries, but the second-year pro had 72 yards to the rookie's 43 yards. Neither running back was active in the passing game which is where Johnson could make his name on the team. Regardless of who starts in Week 3, both players need to improve.
"Rotating is kind of tough to get into the speed of the game and get your rhythm," Crowell said, via the team website. "But I made it happen. Now I just keep working hard and the job is mine, so I have to go out there and show my teammates, my coach what I can do. Coming in and being undrafted, you always have to work harder. And, you know, that's what I did. I came out here and everything didn't go my way. I just kept my head down and kept moving. I thought this day would come."
With McCown back under center, the run game will be at the forefront of the offense. The veteran quarterback is not a mobile option like Manziel which means Crowell will get a bigger chance to excel in the backfield. The run game could see a boost in a week as Robert Turbin is expected to return from an ankle injury. The Browns are not likely to incorporate him into the offense right away.
McCown will try and work against the Oakland Raiders secondary that has been picked apart with injuries. Travis Benjamin and Brian Hartline could have big games against the lesser experienced players in Oakland. Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel will play big roles as well while the Browns attempt to get Johnson out in space more. If McCown struggles to connect with his playmakers, fans can expect another quarterback controversy in Cleveland.
