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November 12, 2014Cleveland Browns running back Ben Tate is a fan of the Baby Backs, but he is none too pleased with the team’s committee backfield. Gearing up to face his former team in the Houston Texans this Sunday, Tate stated that he “would be lying” if he said he was happy being one of the three heads in the monster that has been the Browns’ rushing attack over the course of the 2014 season, having played back-up to Arian Foster for the majority of three seasons.
“It’s not [satisfying],” said Tate, who has 342 yards and four scores on 104 carries this season for the AFC North-leading Browns (6-3). “But whatever the organization thinks is best for the team, that’s what they are going to do.”
Tate and teammates Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West each scored a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals last Thursday, with West leading the crew with 26 carries compared to 12 for Crowell and 10 for Tate. Tate, who signed a two-year, $7-million deal this past summer, stated that he would prefer at least 20 carries per game, something he expected when he agreed to terms with the team.
Tate was exactly as advertised in Weeks 5 and 6, combining for 202 yards and two touchdowns against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans. Since then, likely impacted by the season-ending injury to center Alex Mack, he has registered just 99 yards on 51 carries though he has hauled in six receptions for 56 yards.
Crowell, an undrafted rookie, leads the team with five touchdowns and a slew of pizza lunchables despite only 64 carries. West, a third-round pick in May, has re-emerged after falling out of the rotation in October, including one healthy inactive, but delivered what may have been the game-winning block during the team’s Week 9 win over Tampa Bay. The next few weeks (against Houston this Sunday and Atlanta in Week 12) are crucial for Tate to capitalize on the touches he feels he deserves, including a role as a dual threat.
“When their number’s called, they have to step up and respond,” Pettine said of his running back rotation. “I’m not going to get too wrapped up in the psychology behind it. They are professionals.”
12 Comments
BenRM is unhappy with Ben Tate’s production of late.
Mr. Glass wants to show his former team the Houston Texans he’s now Mr. Crystal!
Methinks Mr. Tate won’t be limping off the field with a sprained toenail or a torn hamstring anytime soon. 😉
I have found in life that doing something about a perceived problem is more effective than simply saying it is a problem. Do something with the carries you get, kid, and I bet you start seeing more of them.
Tate’s lackluster play and injuries left the team no choice but to use 3 backs.
Pettine summed it up best in last paragraph. Non-story. I hope every player in every sports wants to play more, and I hope the coaches never give in to that with any of them.
I like Tate. He was this way while he was in Houston: vocal and honest, but not a complete dick about it. I don’t want to live in a universe where every player toes the company line and tells the media obvious lies. “Yeah, I’m really happy about not playing”. Forget that noise.
Lost in the mix here is Pettine’s excellent response. So good to actually have a HC that knows what to say and when to say it.
God I love Mike Pettine– the adult locker room is something we have desperately missed for a decade at least.
It seems to me that they’re rotating around the “featured back” status a little bit to keep guys chugging along through the season. West got the most carries this last week, but it wouldn’t shock me if Tate or Crowell got them this week. It’s cool to have 3 guys that can do it, and team success should win out over that. Plus, his reduced carries don’t reduce his game check, so stay ready to move that rock when you get it.
Totally. And I’m digging the coach whose philosophy – playing time is earned, not given – is more forcefully demonstrated in his actions rather than in statements to the media. He had me at benching Gilbert for an undrafted rookie.
Honestly, Crowell and West simply look better this year, and their excellent play has caused Tate to lose time. I think Tate is the weakest of the three, and would like to see West and Crowell get the carries. With Cameron and Gordon coming back, the running game will open up more.