For Terrance West, the Browns traded back up into the third round of the draft to make sure they could select him. For Isaiah Crowell, the Browns just had to make a phone call and he was in camp. Their journeys to Cleveland were vastly different, but they formed one heck of a running back duo this season.
They combined for 1,280 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. They also added another 151 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air. These kids are good.
For West, who led the Browns with 673 yards, the key to his success was his play-breaking ability. He is able to juke and jump as fast as any back in the league. For Crowell, who led the team with eight rushing touchdowns, the key to his success was his bruising running style and “take no prisoners” attitude.
They were so good the Browns were able to part ways with Ben Tate halfway through the season and focus on giving reps to the “baby backs,” as they’re so lovingly called. Running backs do not last long in the NFL, and the Browns now have the luxury of two second-year talents heading into next season.
