News & Info/Headlines

And now he's not getting as many chances.

On Sunday against the Vikings, after playing more than or as many snaps as Chris Polk all season, he played fewer and didn't log a carry for the first time.

Brown's second year hasn't panned out the way that many thought it would after he rushed for more than 160 yards in back-to-back games in place of LeSean McCoy last year.

His impressive work last season had him relatively high on the fantasy radar this summer. Those who invested in him, however, aren't getting much return on their investment now.

According to Philadelphia Inquirer beat man Jeff McLane, Brown admitted Wednesday that it's not the way he envisioned it either.

"No, not for me, I wouldn't say. Can't say it has," Brown said. "But the main thing is just winning football games, and that's what our main focus is. I didn't come into this season with any personal goals."

Brown said that he will have a goal next season: to be a No. 1 running back.

"That's obviously a goal of mine going into next year. I think I can," Brown said. "That's what I'm going to be working toward, whether I'm here or I'm somewhere else."

Brown said that he still believes he can thrive in Chip Kelly's offense, although this season's numbers suggest otherwise. He has rushed 64 times for 188 yards and caught eight passes for 84 yards, but doesn't have a touchdown.

He admitted last month that he has struggled with limited snaps.

A senior NFL scout told McLane that Brown "has all of the tools to be an every-down back."

McCoy has "had a great year, and I just think when you're hot like that, you go to the back that's hot," Brown said.

But now Polk appears to have moved ahead of him, even if offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said that Sunday's snap count - Polk was on the field for nine plays to Brown's three - didn't reflect a shift.

If there's been a positive this season it's that Brown has apparently corrected his ball-security issues. He lost three of four fumbles last season but doesn't have one turnover this year.

"My awareness in traffic to protect it is a lot better," Brown said.

McLane wonders if the decreased rushing statistics reflect Brown being too cognizant of losing the football. Whatever the case, those who drafted him this year aren't going to get the hoped for value. But those in Dynasty leagues can at least hold out hope; Brown is only 22 years old.