Rookie running back Nick Chubb turned heads this past weekend by turning three carries into 105 yards and a pair of touchdowns in what was something of a breakout game.
Browns offensive coordinator Todd Haley said he'll give the youngster more opportunities as the team's offense continues coming into form.
"When a guy is averaging 50 yards a carry," he said with a wide smile, "you better keep getting it to him."
Chubb, the former Georgia standout and 35th overall pick in the NFL Draft, demonstrated the kind of physicality and explosiveness this past weekend that made him one of college football's top running backs.
Upon observing Chubb's performance, head coach Hue Jackson said, simply, that Cleveland needed to get the rookie the ball more in addition to veteran starters in Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson.
"There's nothing holding (Chubb) back. We just have to stick him out there. We need to do a better job of making sure that he has a series or two each half and go from there," he said. "Nick Chubb is going to carry the ball. You said it, Carlos Hyde is the starter, and he's going to carry the ball, too."
Haley echoed a similar sentiment, saying the offense will have to strike a balance in giving its backs the appropriate amount of touches going forward. After all, Hyde has been a reliable bell cow of a back thus far, totaling 83 carries for 205 yards and league-high five rushing touchdowns.
It's all a good problem to have, Haley said.
"Carlos has done nothing but get stronger as each game has gone on," Haley said.
"It's not as easy as saying, 'All right, we've got to split these carries' because (Hyde) is our starter, he's our workhorse, but at the same time we got a guy [Chubb] that's making huge plays – difference-making plays – so around here I believe strongly in earning the right to make plays and he has certainly earned the right with a couple of those runs."
Chubb, who met with reporters earlier this week, said he'll do whatever Haley, Jackson and the coaching staff ask of him.
"Always excited just to be featured more," he said. "No matter where it is on the field: special teams, running the ball or catching the ball, I'm up for it and I am happy to do it."
