While much of the preseason buzz around the Cleveland Browns centered on rookie quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, it’s running back Quinshon Judkins who’s proving to be the true breakout rookie in Cleveland‘s offense.
The second-round pick turned in a career performance in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins, carrying the ball 25 times for 84 yards and three touchdowns – becoming the first Browns rookie since 2000 to score three rushing touchdowns in a single game.
That milestone performance only underscored what’s been clear through the first half of the season: Judkins has quickly become the engine of Cleveland‘s offense. He’s averaging 4.3 yards per carry, leading the team in rushing attempts (109), yards (467), and rushing touchdowns (5). He’s also provided much-needed explosiveness, with four runs of 20+ yards, keeping defenses honest and opening up opportunities for the passing game.
The rookie gets some praise
Cleveland offensive coordinator Tommy Rees praised Judkins‘ consistency and physicality, emphasizing that the team’s offensive success depends on everyone buying into the ground game.
“It takes all 11 to be successful,” Rees said. “We’ve got to continue to find ways to be good in that area of the field and find ways to be explosive. They [the Patriots] do a good job of being structurally sound and making sure they have gap integrity, and their secondary tackles well to get guys on the ground.”
The challenge ahead won’t be easy. The Browns face the New England Patriots this Sunday – a team boasting the third-best run defense in the NFL, allowing just 77.1 rushing yards per game and a mere 3.44 yards per carry. The Pats haven’t allowed a single 50-yard rusher this season, making Judkins‘ next test arguably the toughest of his young career.
The emergence of a rookie
Still, Judkins‘ emergence has given Cleveland‘s offense an identity in what has been a transitional year. While Sanders and Gabriel continue to develop under center, Quinshon has already established himself as a cornerstone – a workhorse who can handle heavy volume and deliver when it matters most.
If the Browns want to stay competitive down the stretch, it’s clear who their best rookie – and perhaps their most reliable offensive weapon – really is. Hint: He’s not throwing the ball. He’s running through defenders.
And as he continues to make that on a consistent basis, week to week, Cleveland is going to have a better chance at winning. Currently, the struggling franchise is third on the AFC North, with a bad 2-5 record. However, there’s still time to turn the ship around.
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