In the preseason no one would have been surprised if they heard that Cleveland Browns Nick Chubb and Tennessee Titans Derrick Henry would be the top graded Pro Football Focus running backs through two games (among players with more than 50 offensive snaps).
Chubb and Henry have consistently been top NFL RBs for years.
Henry is the two-time NFL rushing leader for 2019 and 2020.
He is also leading in 2021 with 52 carries for 240 yards and 3 touchdowns.
And Chubb is, well he is Chubb.
Chubb is the stalwart running back Browns fans have grown to love.
He makes something out of nothing and keeps on grinding until he breaks one.
Chubb In 2021
If there has ever been a time that Chubb has been somewhat under the radar in the Browns offense, it has been in these two games.
Both were close and tight games that relied on Mayfield’s heroics.
Chubb has 178 rushing yards on 26 carries and 3 touchdowns.
His rare fumble in the Chiefs game is the only negative item on Chubb’s stat sheet through Week 2.
Chubb has barely gotten into a groove and has dealt with offensive line injuries so the best is definitely yet to come for him.
Henry In 2021
Derrick Henry is always the go-to guy for the Titans offense.
Whereas Chubb shares time and carries with Kareem Hunt, Henry is it.
The arrival of Julio Jones has not changed that yet though Jones does provide another offensive weapon for Ryan Tannehill.
Henry has broken for a big run already; his longest is a 60-yard touchdown run.
Browns Offense Against The Bears
With Jarvis Landry out and Odell Beckham Jr.’s status unknown, it may be time to load the backfield with both Chubb and Hunt to grind away yards at the line of scrimmage.
The Bears’ defense has been better against the run so far this year.
It has given up an average of 71.5 yards per game.
The Browns will need to be creative on offense without their two star wide receivers (or even a limited OBJ) so Sunday could be the time that Chubb really breaks out in 2021.
More must-reads: