Since Nick Chubb became the full-time starting running back in Cleveland, he has quickly been establishing himself as one of the league's best running backs. In that time he has amassed 1,221 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in just 14 games to go along with 4.8 YPC average. As San Francisco looks to keep its undefeated record, it is going to have to find a way to limit Chubb's productivity. Stopping the run is nothing new to playing winning football but a closer look at the statistics tells exactly how Robert Saleh and his defense, which currently ranks 3rd in the NFL in YPGA (yards per game allowed), must limit Chubb.
Cleveland is 7-7 over its past 14 games. During that time, in games where Chubb had a YPC (yards-per-carry) average over 4.4, the Browns were 5-0. In games where he had a YPC of 4.4 or fewer, they were 2-7. In correlation with this, in games where Chubb had a run of more than 22 yards, the Browns are 6-0. In games where he failed to have a single run longer than 21 yards they were 1-7, with the only win coming in a game against the Jets earlier this season.
Much has been made of Cleveland's premier wide receiving corps and its young signal caller. However, its wins and losses have been closely tied to the performance of Nick Chubb. If DeForest Buckner and the rest of the 49ers defense can even limit Chubb's explosive plays they will give themselves and the rest of the team a good chance for success. If they cannot contain Chubb in the run game then San Francisco's undefeated streak could be in jeopardy.
The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
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