The Facts: If Crowell produces this year the way RBs coach Kirby Wilson believes he can, the Crow should receive the lucrative, long-term contract he seeks. "That's very accurate that he [only] scratched the surface," Wilson said. "He's not even in his prime yet. He has to continue to work hard. He saw what happens from last year -- when you work extremely hard, good things happen for you. I think he enjoyed that limited success, and he's hungry and eager and looking for even more this season."
Diehards Line:
Crowell rushed 198 times for a career-high 952 yards (4.8 average) and seven touchdowns to go along with 40 catches for 319 yards last season, and he’s said he feels as if 2017 will be “a monster year” for him. Crowell, 24, signed his restricted free-agent tender May 10 and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March. As Beacon Journal staffer Nate Ulrich notes, the success was limited because coach Hue Jackson, who calls the offense’s plays, didn’t use Crowell enough during a 1-15 season. Jackson has admitted he beats himself up over it and vowed to lean on the running game this year. The running game will be vital for the Browns this year, especially because they have yet to find stability at quarterback. "The best friend a quarterback has is an established running game,” Wilson said. “You help the entire football team. You help the defense. It’s such a significant part.”