Are the Browns eyeing Terrance West for lead running back duties down the stretch?
Coach Mike Pettine hinted Sunday that Cleveland's third-round pick would continue to see a bulk of the carries after toting the ball a team-high 15 times for 48 yards in a 22-17 win over the Bucs.
His numbers were modest, but West separated himself from veteran Ben Tate -- held to three yards on 10 attempts -- and fellow rookie Isaiah Crowell, who didn't see a single snap.
"When you looked at the tape and really compared the three, we feel he's really coming on," Pettine said of West, per the Akron Beacon Journal. "He's earned those touches, and when he gets out there, he does make the most of them."
West also caught a touchdown pass, converted a fourth-and-1 attempt inside Tampa's 5-yard line and threw a devastating block that freed up Brian Hoyer to toss a game-winning 34-yard touchdown pass.
We still have plenty of questions about Cleveland's once-promising ground game. After ranking third in the NFL in rushing over their first five tilts, the Browns are averaging just 1.9 yards per carry since Pro Bowl center Alex Mack broke his leg against Pittsburgh.
Whether it's West or the next guy, someone needs to step up in a hurry if the Browns plan to turn their hot start into something more.
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