Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson showcase versatile skillsets
RB Quinshon Judkins and RB Dylan Sampson have led Cleveland's rushing attack this season. Judkins has 667 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, leading rookie running backs in both categories. Sampson has come in on a situational basis, aiding in both the run and pass game. He has recorded 89 rushing yards on 38 carries and 23 catches for 195 receiving yards.
When Judkins was off the field against Las Vegas, Sampson received the bulk of the carries. He finished the game with seven carries for 23 yards.
Judkins had 16 carries for 47 yards but was useful in red zone situations, scoring two rushing touchdowns against the Raiders. The Browns have utilized Judkins on the goal line in the wildcat formation, lining up the rookie running back behind center. Against the Dolphins in Week 7 and the Raiders in Week 12, Judkins scored two touchdowns from the wildcat formation.
Sampson has been an asset for Cleveland in the pass game. While Judkins was inactive in Week 1 against Cincinnati, Sampson had eight catches for 64 yards. Against Las Vegas, he showcased what he could do in the pass game again. QB Shedeur Sanders threw Sampson a screen pass to the right and Sampson followed his blockers. He ran 66 yards to the end zone, scoring his second career touchdown and giving Cleveland a 24-3 lead in the fourth quarter.
"He's done everything that we've asked him to do, going back to the second he was here," Stefanski said. "We've had him do a variety of jobs on offense. He's now a kick returner for us, so he will really do whatever we ask him to do. He's always ready. I think we can definitely do a better job of getting him involved early and often with Quinshon (Judkins). We just feel like there's a lot of opportunities for all these players, and he's definitely earned a role like that."
Together, the two rookie running backs have been a dangerous combination with Judkins running the ball and Sampson providing valuable contributions to the Browns' offense when called upon.
"I think the sky is the limit, just with the way both of us play," Sampson said. "I think we both play hard. I think we both have unique things that we both could bring to this offense and to this league. What it could be, I think in terms of just the staple that some of the other teams have now, like teams in Detroit or what the Saints used to have, I believe it can be that and I'm going to work for it to be that every single day."