5 bold predictions for Browns against Lions
By John Buhler
4. D’Ernest Johnson will once again lead the Browns offense in touches
In this rock fight up in Cleveland, you better believe points will be at a premium. This game will be all about ball control and taking advantage of offensive opportunities when the opposing defense occasionally lapses. Once again, the player getting the most touches in the Cleveland offense will be running back D’Ernest Johnson. He had 26 touches in the Browns’ blowout loss to the Patriots.
With Kareem Hunt on IR and Nick Chubb not up to speed, the Browns will have no choice but to lean on Johnson as their featured running back in this one. Given that head coach Kevin Stefanski loves to run the ball in his offense, it should come as no surprise that Johnson will lead the team in touches once again. The question is if that will be a good thing for the Browns to win on Sunday.
As long as Johnson does not turn the football over and averages over 3.5 yards per carry, that could be a recipe for success. He nearly ran for 100 yards last week vs. the Patriots, averaging 5.2 yards per carry on the ground. He also had seven catches for 58 yards out of the backfield to amass 157 all-purpose yards for Cleveland. If the Browns want to win, Johnson must play big.
Look for him to have 23 total touches for around 135 all-purpose yards and a trip to pay dirt.