Duke Johnson RB Dolphins (3 Viewers)

[Shutout]

Sounds like coachspeak to try and play w the Jets' head a little.

Guy hasnt sniffed the field in how long now, is a rookie, and he's gonna full steam? Doubtful

apparently ran the same offense in Miami

not the point. guy JUST cleared protocol today, meaning he hasnt seen the field since he got hurt... and he's a rookie.

you don't throw him in for 20 touches at this point, when you have a healthy and very capable Crowell on the team.

I say this as a Browns fan. Im not even starting Crowell, so it's not that.

I can see 20 or so touches for Crow in a game where both passing offenses will mostly stink... and maybe Duke gets 5-10

CLE should be pretty run heavy.. plus whatever catches the 2 guys get

I think the Browns would intend to run a lot this year, as a whole, and that should be Crowell I would think, being the main recipient.

 

[We Tigers]

I don't think I can convince myself to start him this week, even in a league where I've got Bell and Spiller out this week. Decent potential, but I would go with the likes of Woodhead/Mathews/Vereen before trying out Duke. Now, week 2? I'm intrigued.

 

[jurb26]

Sounds like coachspeak to try and play w the Jets' head a little.

Guy hasnt sniffed the field in how long now, is a rookie, and he's gonna full steam? Doubtful

apparently ran the same offense in Miami

not the point. guy JUST cleared protocol today, meaning he hasnt seen the field since he got hurt... and he's a rookie.

you don't throw him in for 20 touches at this point, when you have a healthy and very capable Crowell on the team.

I say this as a Browns fan. Im not even starting Crowell, so it's not that.

I can see 20 or so touches for Crow in a game where both passing offenses will mostly stink... and maybe Duke gets 5-10

CLE should be pretty run heavy.. plus whatever catches the 2 guys get

Duke doesn't need 20 touches to make things a mess for FFers this week. 10 to 15 would do the trick. A lot of the appeal for the Clev backfield was that with Duke down, Crow would likely get a lions share workload. This just makes it more likely that it will be the same shenanigans as last year.

 

[Nash]

Imo, Crowell's reputation doesn't jive with his tape. I didn't see him flash a single plus attribute last year or this preseason. Therefore, I just don't see how he keeps the more explosive, more agile, more versatile Duke Johnson off the field.

 

[rickyg]

Let's not

Imo, Crowell's reputation doesn't jive with his tape. I didn't see him flash a single plus attribute last year or this preseason. Therefore, I just don't see how he keeps the more explosive, more agile, more versatile Duke Johnson off the field.

Let's not forget that Duke hasn't done a damn thing yet in the NFL. Not even in preseason. He has shown us that he is all-pro in ability to get injured. Not a good showing yet. So his resume at the NFL level is all hype so far. It's VERY risky to play him this week. I might do it, but that's just bc my other options are lackluster or just as risky. I won't be doing it confidently. Crowell is a talented back. I don't know why everyone seems so down on him. This guy came in as an UDFA and seized the starting job. Not an easy task. I wouldn't be surprised to see Duke get 5-10 touches. That might just be enough for him to get 50-60 yards and maybe take one to the house. But he's just as likely to get re-injured. Who knows..none of us do. It will be fun finding out though!

 

[Soulfly3]

Coach Pettine on Crow (today): “We are confident that he can be a lead back, but also know it is very difficult and there are very few backs that are ‘that guy’ that is going to touch it 20-plus times in a game,” he said. “We feel good about where Crow is.”

..........

“A lot of the little things,” Pettine said. “He is very much improved in protection. I think that is probably the biggest thing and then also his route running and his ability as a receiver. When you throw the ball to him, sometimes you cringe because he doesn’t look like the most natural hands-catcher, but he doesn’t drop the ball. We are in a ‘get it done’ business. He finds a way to catch it. I think those are probably the two biggest areas that he has made strides in. We feel much more comfortable throwing him the ball this year and much more trusting of him in pass protection.”

 

[Banger]

Coach Pettine on Crow (today): “We are confident that he can be a lead back, but also know it is very difficult and there are very few backs that are ‘that guy’ that is going to touch it 20-plus times in a game,” he said. “We feel good about where Crow is.”

..........

“A lot of the little things,” Pettine said. “He is very much improved in protection. I think that is probably the biggest thing and then also his route running and his ability as a receiver. When you throw the ball to him, sometimes you cringe because he doesn’t look like the most natural hands-catcher, but he doesn’t drop the ball. We are in a ‘get it done’ business. He finds a way to catch it. I think those are probably the two biggest areas that he has made strides in. We feel much more comfortable throwing him the ball this year and much more trusting of him in pass protection.”

is this also coach speak?

 

[Soulfly3]

Coach Pettine on Crow (today): “We are confident that he can be a lead back, but also know it is very difficult and there are very few backs that are ‘that guy’ that is going to touch it 20-plus times in a game,” he said. “We feel good about where Crow is.”

..........

“A lot of the little things,” Pettine said. “He is very much improved in protection. I think that is probably the biggest thing and then also his route running and his ability as a receiver. When you throw the ball to him, sometimes you cringe because he doesn’t look like the most natural hands-catcher, but he doesn’t drop the ball. We are in a ‘get it done’ business. He finds a way to catch it. I think those are probably the two biggest areas that he has made strides in. We feel much more comfortable throwing him the ball this year and much more trusting of him in pass protection.”

is this also coach speak?

Maybe.

But at least Crow hasn't been sitting in a dark concussion room for the last how many weeks, and his been on the field w the team.

 

[jurb26]

Coach Pettine on Crow (today): “We are confident that he can be a lead back, but also know it is very difficult and there are very few backs that are ‘that guy’ that is going to touch it 20-plus times in a game,” he said. “We feel good about where Crow is.”

..........

“A lot of the little things,” Pettine said. “He is very much improved in protection. I think that is probably the biggest thing and then also his route running and his ability as a receiver. When you throw the ball to him, sometimes you cringe because he doesn’t look like the most natural hands-catcher, but he doesn’t drop the ball. We are in a ‘get it done’ business. He finds a way to catch it. I think those are probably the two biggest areas that he has made strides in. We feel much more comfortable throwing him the ball this year and much more trusting of him in pass protection.”

is this also coach speak?

Maybe.

But at least Crow hasn't been sitting in a dark concussion room for the last how many weeks, and his been on the field w the team.

So what does it say about Crow if he couldn't take the job from West, who many love to call terrible. Then, he splits time with Duke who is a rookie, missed nearly all camp and just come back from a concussion?

 

[Soulfly3]

Coach Pettine on Crow (today): “We are confident that he can be a lead back, but also know it is very difficult and there are very few backs that are ‘that guy’ that is going to touch it 20-plus times in a game,” he said. “We feel good about where Crow is.”

..........

“A lot of the little things,” Pettine said. “He is very much improved in protection. I think that is probably the biggest thing and then also his route running and his ability as a receiver. When you throw the ball to him, sometimes you cringe because he doesn’t look like the most natural hands-catcher, but he doesn’t drop the ball. We are in a ‘get it done’ business. He finds a way to catch it. I think those are probably the two biggest areas that he has made strides in. We feel much more comfortable throwing him the ball this year and much more trusting of him in pass protection.”

is this also coach speak?

Maybe.

But at least Crow hasn't been sitting in a dark concussion room for the last how many weeks, and his been on the field w the team.

So what does it say about Crow if he couldn't take the job from West, who many love to call terrible. Then, he splits time with Duke who is a rookie, missed nearly all camp and just come back from a concussion?

What does it say?

We'll know after week 1, when we see the splits.

 

[Banger]

Coach Pettine on Crow (today): “We are confident that he can be a lead back, but also know it is very difficult and there are very few backs that are ‘that guy’ that is going to touch it 20-plus times in a game,” he said. “We feel good about where Crow is.”

..........

“A lot of the little things,” Pettine said. “He is very much improved in protection. I think that is probably the biggest thing and then also his route running and his ability as a receiver. When you throw the ball to him, sometimes you cringe because he doesn’t look like the most natural hands-catcher, but he doesn’t drop the ball. We are in a ‘get it done’ business. He finds a way to catch it. I think those are probably the two biggest areas that he has made strides in. We feel much more comfortable throwing him the ball this year and much more trusting of him in pass protection.”

is this also coach speak?

Maybe.

But at least Crow hasn't been sitting in a dark concussion room for the last how many weeks, and his been on the field w the team.

as I said before...it's a marathon, not a sprint. Crowell wasn't even an after thought going into last year behind Tate and West...the season happens and all hell breaks loose...guys get injured, make plays, fumble, show up late for practice. All I hope is that he stays healthy, gets a few carries and hopefully breaks a few nice plays.

 

[Soulfly3]

Crowell wasn't even an after thought going into last year behind Tate and West..

According to who? I drafted him. Many did.

Like Ive said multiple times... There were more than a few analysts and FBG staffers who said he was the BEST runner in the draft last season... But in a season of damage control, no one took their shot at him in the draft due to character concerns.

 

[ourmanflint]

This is a winnable game for the Browns. Their defense should be able to keep them in it.

However, the Browns offense looks awful. The Jets are one of the best DS/T plays of the week. They have no QB. No receivers. Their only real assets are the offensive line and 2 good backs. One of those backs is, by far, the most explosive player they have. Is Pettine's job safe? What about Farmer? What would you do?

Bring on the Duke.

 

[Nash]

Let's not

Imo, Crowell's reputation doesn't jive with his tape. I didn't see him flash a single plus attribute last year or this preseason. Therefore, I just don't see how he keeps the more explosive, more agile, more versatile Duke Johnson off the field.

Let's not forget that Duke hasn't done a damn thing yet in the NFL. Not even in preseason. He has shown us that he is all-pro in ability to get injured. Not a good showing yet. So his resume at the NFL level is all hype so far. It's VERY risky to play him this week. I might do it, but that's just bc my other options are lackluster or just as risky. I won't be doing it confidently. Crowell is has a reputation for being a talented back. I don't know why everyone seems so down on him. This guy came in as an UDFA and seized the starting job. Not an easy task. I wouldn't be surprised to see Duke get 5-10 touches. That might just be enough for him to get 50-60 yards and maybe take one to the house. But he's just as likely to get re-injured. Who knows..none of us do. It will be fun finding out though!

Beyond his freshman film (from 4 years ago!), Crowell hasn't flashed a damn thing, Imo. Duke, on the other hand, not only has impressive tape, but also generated a lot of buzz during camp via Browns insiders, coaches, etc.

Look, I'm not stating that Crowell is gonna go away, as I do think it's likely that he will get a lot of the early down work, especially early on in the season. Instead, I'm stating that he's not likely to keep Duke off the field enough to meet the projections/ hype being thrown around by Soulfly and others. That is, Duke will get his too, if healthy.

 

[Insein]

Sounds like coachspeak to try and play w the Jets' head a little.

Guy hasnt sniffed the field in how long now, is a rookie, and he's gonna full steam? Doubtful

I own both, but Crow is getting the full work load this week.

 

[Chaka]

Mary Kay Cabot ‏@MaryKayCabot 2m2 minutes ago

#Browns Pettine said no reason to think Duke Johnson won't have a significant role in the game

Sufficiently kept under wraps for the entire preseason... time to explode.

Here is the full quote for those thinking about starting him week 1, on the road, vs a formidable defensive line and having missed virtually all of training camp.

“We’re not in pads. He’s not going to get hit today but he needs the work, the actual reps of playing.”

"“If (Johnson) had taken every rep we’d be a lot more confident about putting him out there for extended snaps,”

“If he puts a solid couple days together here, there’s no reason to think he won’t play a significant role in the game.”

But if people only want to focus on the bolded then more power to you.

 

[Chaka]

So what does it say about Crow if he couldn't take the job from West, who many love to call terrible.

Well they traded West so that suggests that Crow took the job.

Then, he splits time with Duke who is a rookie, missed nearly all camp and just come back from a concussion?

Perhaps we should wait for Duke to actually split time before saying it actually happened.

 

[Soulfly3]

Wow

So many ppl did not get pizza lunchables as kids

 

[jurb26]

So what does it say about Crow if he couldn't take the job from West, who many love to call terrible.

Well they traded West so that suggests that Crow took the job.

Then, he splits time with Duke who is a rookie, missed nearly all camp and just come back from a concussion?

Perhaps we should wait for Duke to actually split time before saying it actually happened.

Trading West doesn't suggest he took the job. Not nessesarily. It more likely suggest they feel Duke is just better than West and thus, he was expendable. I didn't say it happened. I asked what the thought would be if it did happen. Many people keep talking about Crow being an elite talent. Well, he wasnt drafted like an elite talent. He didn't play like an elite talent last year. He was out used by a guy many see as a mediocre (at best) talent last year. Clev has also indicated they are likely to use a RBBC again this year. So if he also fails to separate from Duke, when does this perception of elite talent finally wear off?

 

[Chaka]

So what does it say about Crow if he couldn't take the job from West, who many love to call terrible.

Well they traded West so that suggests that Crow took the job.

Then, he splits time with Duke who is a rookie, missed nearly all camp and just come back from a concussion?

Perhaps we should wait for Duke to actually split time before saying it actually happened.

Trading West doesn't suggest he took the job. Not nessesarily. It more likely suggest they feel Duke is just better than West and thus, he was expendable.I didn't say it happened. I asked what the thought would be if it did happen. Many people keep talking about Crow being an elite talent. Well, he wasnt drafted like an elite talent. He didn't play like an elite talent last year. He was out used by a guy many see as a mediocre (at best) talent last year. Clev has also indicated they are likely to use a RBBC again this year. So if he also fails to separate from Duke, when does this perception of elite talent finally wear off?

To be clear I believe that Duke could take the starting job at some point this season. All his missed PT suggests to me that it will likely not be until week 4 at the earliest (and more likely not until midway into the season) but I guess it could happen earlier. But even if he does he isn't going to be a 20+ touch guy when they have another capable back on the roster like Crowell.

Regardless of any of that there is no way to look at the West trade as being anything but an endorsement for Crowell (as well as Duke). That trade left them with literally one healthy RB and that was Crowell. Duke has since cleared the concussion protocol but that still leaves them with only two healthy RBs. How many teams roll with only two RBs? As I understand it Draughn has been/or will be brought off the practice squad but any way you cut it trading West indicates they have have some faith in Crow.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

I don't think the trade of West was any kind of endorsement to Cro or Duke. Coach would probably have cut him if had no other options. Much like the Raiders gifted Sio Moore because of attitude issues, West leaving was addition by subtraction. Or maybe his trade is a vote of confidence for Draughn?

 

[jurb26]

I don't think the trade of West was any kind of endorsement to Cro or Duke. Coach would probably have cut him if had no other options. Much like the Raiders gifted Sio Moore because of attitude issues, West leaving was addition by subtraction. Or maybe his trade is a vote of confidence for Draughn?

Yeah, come to think of it I feel it's just an enditment on West. He seemed like a problem child they just wanted to rid themselves of. Maybe his additutude will improve in Tenn.

 

[Chaka]

Apparently the Browns may not have faith in Crowell OR Duke.

 

[jurb26]

Apparently the Browns may not have faith in Crowell OR Duke.

They'd be fools to not bring someone in.

 

[Todem]

Coach Pettine on Crow (today): “We are confident that he can be a lead back, but also know it is very difficult and there are very few backs that are ‘that guy’ that is going to touch it 20-plus times in a game,” he said. “We feel good about where Crow is.”

..........

“A lot of the little things,” Pettine said. “He is very much improved in protection. I think that is probably the biggest thing and then also his route running and his ability as a receiver. When you throw the ball to him, sometimes you cringe because he doesn’t look like the most natural hands-catcher, but he doesn’t drop the ball. We are in a ‘get it done’ business. He finds a way to catch it. I think those are probably the two biggest areas that he has made strides in. We feel much more comfortable throwing him the ball this year and much more trusting of him in pass protection.”

is this also coach speak?

Maybe.

But at least Crow hasn't been sitting in a dark concussion room for the last how many weeks, and his been on the field w the team.

So what does it say about Crow if he couldn't take the job from West, who many love to call terrible. Then, he splits time with Duke who is a rookie, missed nearly all camp and just come back from a concussion?

What does it say?

We'll know after week 1, when we see the splits.

No, by week 4 or 5 you will surely know it will be the Dukes job.

 

[Banger]

They have 2 rbs on the roster. They were always going ton bring someone inane if they are bringing someone in i like it being fodder like Ball instead of real talent. If they can't beat out Ball they aren't going to be productive backs anyway.

 

[Soulfly3]

Coach Pettine on Crow (today): We are confident that he can be a lead back, but also know it is very difficult and there are very few backs that are that guy that is going to touch it 20-plus times in a game, he said. We feel good about where Crow is.

..........

A lot of the little things, Pettine said. He is very much improved in protection. I think that is probably the biggest thing and then also his route running and his ability as a receiver. When you throw the ball to him, sometimes you cringe because he doesnt look like the most natural hands-catcher, but he doesnt drop the ball. We are in a get it done business. He finds a way to catch it. I think those are probably the two biggest areas that he has made strides in. We feel much more comfortable throwing him the ball this year and much more trusting of him in pass protection.

is this also coach speak?

Maybe.

But at least Crow hasn't been sitting in a dark concussion room for the last how many weeks, and his been on the field w the team.

So what does it say about Crow if he couldn't take the job from West, who many love to call terrible. Then, he splits time with Duke who is a rookie, missed nearly all camp and just come back from a concussion?

What does it say?

We'll know after week 1, when we see the splits.

No, by week 4 or 5 you will surely know it will be the Dukes job.

Sounds good

 

[bumpman]

God, every year there are giant threads arguing about the fantasy implications of the Browns running game. William Green vs. Suggs, Trent, Hillis, Droughns, West, Tate, WTF. Since the Byner/Mack era, the Browns have, at best, achieved short term mediocrity at the position. Given the history, my guess at the likely outcome this year is that neither Crowell nor Duke are going to amount to much and next year the Browns will move on to some other combo of candidates that we can argue about.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

That's funny and it's really true.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Greg Pruitt, last time there was a "the man" in the Cleveland backfield?

 

[Chaka]

Greg Pruitt, last time there was a "the man" in the Cleveland backfield?

Peyton Hillis was certainly the man in 2010. Blew anything Pruitt ever did out of the water.

 

[Banger]

Didn't see the game. How'd he look? Neither of their stat lines looked great but happy to see he out rushed Crow on about half the carries. glad Crow didn't do anything to lock down the job. From what I read its likely the contrary.

It'll take some time for Duke to get his snap counts up but if he can stay healthy i think this could be a nice situation

 

[Banger]

looked at the new snap count feature on the site and see that DJ had 31 snaps to Crowell's 35...pretty good workload for a rookie with limited training camp.

 

[jurb26]

looked at the new snap count feature on the site and see that DJ had 31 snaps to Crowell's 35...pretty good workload for a rookie with limited training camp.

I fully expect Duke to take this job at some point this year assuming he can stay healthy. Crow again looked bad. He's just not a good starting RB. I think we've seen enough at this point to know.

Duke looked better when he ran the ball. Much quicker to the hole and ran with better vision.

Hopefully he's not made of glass.

 

[shadyridr]

I wouldnt draw any conclusions from a game vs the Jets

 

[Tool]

looked at the new snap count feature on the site and see that DJ had 31 snaps to Crowell's 35...pretty good workload for a rookie with limited training camp.

I fully expect Duke to take this job at some point this year assuming he can stay healthy.Crow again looked bad. He's just not a good starting RB. I think we've seen enough at this point to know.

Duke looked better when he ran the ball. Much quicker to the hole and ran with better vision.

Hopefully he's not made of glass.

Have we?

 

[jurb26]

looked at the new snap count feature on the site and see that DJ had 31 snaps to Crowell's 35...pretty good workload for a rookie with limited training camp.

I fully expect Duke to take this job at some point this year assuming he can stay healthy.Crow again looked bad. He's just not a good starting RB. I think we've seen enough at this point to know.

Duke looked better when he ran the ball. Much quicker to the hole and ran with better vision.

Hopefully he's not made of glass.

Have we?

He played a full season last year.

 

[Banger]

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/09/browns_duke_johnson_on_his_nfl.html

Looking forward to see if he can take another step this weekend vs. the Titans. Hoping for a couple catches in the passing game and 10-12 rushes.

After his debut last week he'd be a great guy to get as a throw in or buy low in a trade.

 

[Crazy Tony]

Will BELL and Ellington out I'm forced to start DUKE as my RB2. I hope he's the real deal this week. I could use some help

 

[ourmanflint]

It wasn't much but he did show a little something last week. Some nice phonebooth quicks to make something out of nothing. Crowell has nothing in that regard.

 

[cubbie5150]

I have little faith in Manziel getting Duke the ball in the passing game on anything but called screens. Dude's just gonna tuck & run after his first read.

 

[Banger]

@NateUlrichABJ: #Browns OC John DeFilippo said I saw RB Duke Johnson not make any mental mistakes, shows stage not too big for him, will try to pass to him

Good to hear. He's going to take this job. Buy now.

 

[Darryl Talley]

Sneaky play against the Titans? I think if he gets 10 touches he could do some damage.

 

[Banger]

Sneaky play against the Titans? I think if he gets 10 touches he could do some damage.

Sneaky play against the Titans? I think if he gets 10 touches he could do some damage.

He was on for 50% of snaps and 33% (7 of 21) of RB touches with limited training camp in his 1 st career game. The coaches apparently liked his play and want to involve him in the passing game so I'd guess 10 touches would be his floor vs a much easier opponent.

 

[elguapo07]

Greg Pruitt, last time there was a "the man" in the Cleveland backfield?

Peyton Hillis was certainly the man in 2010. Blew anything Pruitt ever did out of the water.

While Hillis had 1 great year Pruitt had 3 top 10yrs and 2 others that were top 20 from a fantasy perspective. Factor in the per game average of their best year, Hillis still had the best year but he certainly didn't blow him away.

 

[hardcoredx]

Duke is the best RB they've had in many years. There is nothing that is going to keep him off the field on an offensively inept team like Cleveland (inuries aside).

 

[Insein]

Is there any news on how much they'll use him? Most sites still have his week 1 results as the "latest news."

 

[elguapo07]

Duke is the best RB they've had in many years. There is nothing that is going to keep him off the field on an offensively inept team like Cleveland (inuries aside).

This

 

[Stealthycat]

this week I'm picking TEN DEF in every league I can - they are going to cream CLE

 

[georg013]

Browns coach Mike Pettine said the team needs to get rookie RB Duke Johnson the ball in space more often.

Johnson was finally used in the passing game against the Raiders and made a big 18-yard catch-and-run on the final drive of the game. Without any reliable targets outside, it would be smart for the Browns to use Johnson heavily in the passing game. Johnson has some FLEX appeal in PPR formats this week.