The Cleveland Browns have a stable of young, talented backs but their position coach is still unhappy.
According to Wilbert Montgomery, himself a two-time Pro Bowl running back with the Philadelphia Eagles, no one is stepping up to earn the 'bell cow' designation, and no one showed up in "tip-top shape."
"How can you play and not want to be a starter?" Montgomery said, via Cleveland.com. "It just bothers me that guys don't want to be the lead bell-cow guy. I always talk to them about what this game gives you as a young person, what it does for them in life and to their families. So if you want to be a backup then be a backup, but I mean you're gonna get replaced. At some point you've got to be a starter if you want to hang around."
Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell were obviously the favorites to run away with the job after solid rookie seasons in 2014, but the team also invested a third-round pick in Miami product Duke Johnson.
"Why can't West take the big step? Why can't (Glenn) Winston take the big step? Again, it's like why can't a young guy like Duke come in and take that step?" Montgomery said. "Somebody has to say, 'You know what, hey, this is my team. I want the lead role. I want to be the guy."
While this is probably a motivational tool by Montgomery, the prospect of Cleveland having a bad running game is terrifying. The Browns are looking to build a team that shines up front on both sides of the ball, but without a talented back, a great offensive line is useless.
