What's Happening?
Jerome Ford, a player for the Cleveland Browns, saw an increase in his offensive role during the team's 21-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Ford had five carries for 18 yards and caught both of his targets for 10 yards. Additionally, he returned three kickoffs for 78 yards, contributing to a total of 116 combined yards. This marked Ford's most significant involvement since Week 2, attributed to the Browns' strategic shift to a run-heavy offense following the introduction of rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel. The return of right tackle Jack Conklin also aided the Browns in achieving a season-high 140 rushing yards.
Why It's Important?
Jerome Ford's increased involvement in the Browns' offense highlights the team's strategic adjustments to support their rookie quarterback, Dillon Gabriel. By adopting a run-heavy approach, the Browns aim to ease Gabriel's transition and enhance their offensive effectiveness. This strategy not only impacts Ford's role but also reflects the team's adaptability in response to player changes and injuries. The Browns' ability to amass significant rushing yards indicates potential for competitive play, despite the challenges posed by the loss of their lead running back position to Quinshon Judkins.