Browns Jerome Ford Getting Every Opportunity to Supplement Nick Chubb
8 carries, 12 yards. That was Jerome Ford's stat line as a running back for the Cleveland Browns as a rookie. Yet the Browns are showing confidence in Ford, who's greatest contributions came as a kick returner, as the potential second back behind Nick Chubb in 2023.
When the Browns selected Ford in the fifth-round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he projected to fit into the role Kareem Hunt had been playing. But when he didn't see the field much on offense in 2022 despite some pedestrian play from Hunt, it was fair to question if the Browns believed he was ready when they let Hunt walk in free agency.
Some of that will likely be attributed to the difficulty that comes with pass protection for running backs in the NFL, something Ford noted himself when talking to reporters.
The Alabama transfer excelled as a power runner for the Bearcats, but arguably his best attribute was his natural hands and ability to catch passes on the move. Cincinnati had plenty of offensive threats, but they may not have exploited Ford's ability as a receiver as much as they should have.
The Browns held Ford out of the Hall of Fame game and they haven't been active on the free agent running back market. That could change, but Ford's spot isn't really a question. It's a matter of whether or not they feel he's ready to stop in to supplement Chubb or potentially fill in for him should he suffer an injury.
As it currently stands, the Browns have John Kelly Jr., Demetric Felton and Hassan Hall among others competing to see if one is good enough to be their third back. Their collective performance against the New York Jets allows the front office to remain patient.
With the direction of the Browns offense, Ford has an opportunity to thrive. Ford is smaller than Chubb. About 17 pounds smaller, but he's still the second biggest back on the team and if the Browns are able to spread opponents out and force opponents to account for their receiving talent, Ford could find himself in position to catch passes with space to operate. The vision he's displayed as a kick returner could make him dangerous with the ball in his hands on offense.
Likewise, spreading the defense out could leave result in lighter boxes that Ford can exploit as a runner. That becomes increasingly important since taking Chubb out of the game became a tell as Hunt's effectiveness declined. If opponents assume pass when Ford is in the game, he should have an opportunity to gash opponents on the ground, especially running inside.
Between a strong offensive line, a talented group of receiving weapons and now Deshaun Watson running the offense, it's a great environment for a running back to produce. In the event that running back proves to be above average, they could put up terrific numbers.
Ford being successful would also enable the Browns to rely on Chubb less, keeping him fresher not only during games but with an eye towards the postseason. Ford is getting every opportunity to prove he can be a better than the average back, which would give the Browns another weapon and further diversify their offensive attack while attempting to ensure they get the best from Chubb in a pivotal season.
