National Football League

Browns validate coaches' commitment to running game

Published Sep. 15, 2014 5:45 p.m. ET

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BEREA, Ohio -- Mike Pettine said from the time he was hired as Browns head coach that he wanted a team that could run the ball and play good defense.

That mantra has been declared before by former Browns coaches, but with little or no success in recent history.

In 2013, the Browns averaged just 86.4 yards per game running the ball, which was near the bottom of the NFL.

Through the first two games, the Browns are ranked third in the AFC in rushing and seventh, overall in the NFL in that category.

"Sometimes, you change things and the results are the same," Pettine said. "Winning validates what you're doing."

Pettine said he believes in the system that offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is running with the Browns.

"I think everything will feed off (the rushing game)," Pettine said. "You see a lot of our pass game is play action. You prefer to not be in a situation to drop back. We're not a drop back team on early downs. We do it on third downs when we have to.

"Looking at it from a defensive perspective, it does get a lot harder to defend the pass when the run action marries up with the pass action and if you're not running it well, it makes the play action part of it tough," he said. "When you're not running the ball well it makes the play action less effective. That's always been a big part of Kyle's system and his success and we're we're off to a good start, but we're hopeful that will continue here."

So far, with Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme, the results have been positive.

The Browns rushed for 183 yards in the season opening loss to the Steelers and then followed that up with 122 yards in the win over the Saints.

It's only a small sample with two games, but the Browns are averaging 152.5 yards a game on the ground, for an average of 5.1 yards per carry.

The Browns have three rushing touchdowns through two games, while they had just four for the entire 2013 season. Granted the bar was very low in 2013, the Browns are accomplishing the feat with two rookie running backs.

Terrance West has 168 yards on 35 carries for a 4.8 average with a touchdown. Isaiah Crowell has 86 yards on 16 carries for a 5.4 average with two touchdowns.

Rookie left guard Joel Bitonio said the offense is getting a lot of positive reinforcement when they achieve success running the ball in games.

"You could see what Coach (Shanahan) was saying was working," Bitonio said. "It helps reinforce what the coaches are saying. The offensive line did good and the running backs did well."

Ben Tate started the season as the top back, but was sidelined with a sprained knee in the second quarter of the season opener. He averaged over six yards a carry before he left the game.

However, Tate was replaced by West and Crowell and they did not disappoint. The duo combined for 123 yards in the second half of the loss to the Steelers.

With Tate unable to play against the Saints, West and Crowell combined for 122 yards in the win. West had 68 yards on 19 carries (3.6 avg.), including his first NFL touchdown. Crowell had 11 carries for 54 yards (4.9 avg.).

"It was just some great blocking up front," West said on his nine-yard touchdown run. "Just to get my first touchdown with many more to come. It was amazing."

Bitonio has been impressed with the rookie running backs.

"I think West and Isaiah running, you can tell they know how to run the ball and find the holes," he said. "They're doing a great job."

Tate said he is not surprised by the success of his replacements.

"Not at all," Tate said. "That's why you need good depth at running back."

He also said he is very motivated to get back in the lineup.

"I'm very excited for those guys," he said. "We've been working hard and to get a win and being 1-1. I'm ready to get back."

West said he and Crowell have been pushing each other to excel.

"We just look at it like we have to be prepared," he said. "It's about the next man up and me and Crowell are just trying to lead the team to wins.

"We always try to motivate each other and say who's going to bust the next long run," West said.  "We wear defenses down and make them run sideline to sideline. When (Crowell) comes in, he's fresh hand when I come in, I'm fresh."

EXTRA POINTS

The Big Drive: QB Brian Hoyer was 8-of-11 for 78 yards on the final drive and Pettine praised Hoyer for his poise."

"He's shown to have that ability," Pettine said. "He didn't play a perfect game but made enough plays to win the game an that's what the league is about."

One of the key plays was a laser to TE Gary Barnidge on fouth-and-6 to keep the drive alive.

Hoyer was asked if that was his best throw in his career to date. He stopped short of thinking it was his best.

"That was one of my better plays," Hoyer said. "It was definitely important."

Game Balls: Pettine said he awarded the entire coaching staff a game ball for their first win as a staff. Individually, QB Brian Hoyer and TE Gary Barnidge  were given game balls on offense, while LB Karlos Dansby, LB Paul Kruger and DB Tashaun Gipson on defense. K Billy Cundiff received a game ball on special teams.

Pettine Praises Fans: Pettine credited the fans for their part in the win over the Saints.

"You could feel the ground moving" Pettine said. "The place was rocking and it really helped us."

Gilbert Play: After playing 64 snaps in the opener, Pettine said he was hoping to reduce the number of plays that CB Justin Gilbert played.

"He ended up with 46 snaps," Pettine said. "It was a good performance. It wasn't great, but he's getting better. He needs to play. He knows he has to play well in order for us to play well. He responded to the challenge yesterday."

Gilbert had seven tackles and one pass broken up.

Worth Quoting: Pettine was asked about the way QB Brian Hoyer responded after QB Johnny Manziel played a couple of plays.

"The way he responded we should play Johnny on the first play."

Hoyer returned to the game with the Browns at their own 28 and drove them the length of the field to a touchdown as RB Terrance West scored a nine-yard touchdown.

Nothing New on Gordon: Pettine said the Browns have not received any new information on a possible reduced suspension of WR Josh Gordon. He was asked what it would mean to the team if he can come back and play this season.

"It's still tough to talk about," he said. "It's put out there it's 8 10 we've had no communication with the league and were' insulated from it. We have our own issues trying to get ready for games."

Cameron, Mingo Update: Pettine was asked if he had any update on TE Jordan Cameron (shoulder) and LB Barkevious Mingo (shoulder).

"I know they made progress through the weekend and won't know until Wednesday," Pettine said.

He did say that it is unlikely that RB Ben Tate will play against the Ravens. With the bye the following week, it is possible all three players could be held out this week.

"Ben's made progress, but probably won't be available."

Baby Backs: WR Andrew Hawkins called the duo of RB Terrance West and RB Isaiah Crowell "The Baby Backs" after the game.

West was asked what he thought of the moniker.

"That's my first time hearing it," he said. "The baby backs, I guess. Whoever came up with that?"

When informed that it was Hawkins.

"Hawk. He's a baby, too."

Dad's Words: Petttine said he was able to enjoy his first victory as an NFL head coach with his father, but his Dad had trouble not trying to give his opinions.

"I told him there was a word for almost losing, 'Winning'," Pettine said. "I asked him if he could just enjoy (the win) for at least an hour."

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