Due to all the limitations in 2020, the Cleveland Browns offense was not able to show as many wrinkles as they may have wanted. For example, Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt were rarely on the field together for the new-look Browns under Kevin Stefanski and Alex Van Pelt.
Instead, the Browns used each back in ways to keep them both fresh as often as possible. With Chubb missing four games, the Browns were glad to have Hunt to lean on during that time.
With many of the restrictions, but not all, of 2020 going away, Stefanski and Van Pelt have a better chance of putting new details into the offense. With a year together to get a feel for their players, the Cleveland coaching staff has a chance to really build on last year, instead of the normal tear down/rebuild process the Browns are used to.
Van Pelt, the team’s offensive coordinator, noted the option of the team’s two back together. “However, you want to put your most-talented players on the field, and Kareem is definitely deserving of getting playing time, along with Nick in certain packages,” Van Pelt said. “Those are things we have looked at in the offseason and will continue to grow.”
Growing different packages of players could be vital for the Browns this season. The team has a lot of talent at wide receiver and tight end, to go along with their two talented backs. Last year, the Browns focused on keeping their top backs fresh. This year, the Browns have a chance to put defenses in difficult situations with the amount of talent they have surrounding Baker Mayfield on offense.
It will be interesting to see how each back is used. Two years ago, Hunt played some fullback in the team’s two-back lineups but also is talented when lined up outside at receiver. While Chubb is the team’s lead back, Hunt has shown his great versatility. In 2021, it will be exciting to see the two of them on the field together more often.