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The Browns started RB Dylan Sampson with the first-team offense in Saturday's preseason finale against the Rams. Jerome Ford rotated with him, though, edging Sampson by one snap, one route, and one target while matching Sampson's two carries, according to Pro Football Focus. Pierre Strong and Ahmani Marshall each took the field as well before QB Joe Flacco left but worked behind the first two. Strong logged just two of his five carries before the starters left, and none of the RBs stood out statistically.
It's tough to glean much from how Cleveland has deployed its backfield in the preseason. Ford didn't play until this third game, just like Flacco, Jerry Jeudy, David Njoku, and other starters.
Sampson played twice but logged only four carries for 9 yards (2.3 per rush) by PFF numbers.
Strong led the RBs in rushing yards for the preseason, tallying 114 on 18 carries (6.3 per rush). Marshall led in carries (24), running for 88 yards (3.7 per rush) and a TD.
Of course, the missing piece remains second-round rookie Quinshon Judkins, who has yet to sign his contract despite not facing charges in his domestic violence case. Judkins should be the best bet to lead the backfield whenever he's ready, but there's no telling when that will be. He sure doesn't appear on track for Week 1.
So that begs the question of what we should expect the Cleveland backfield to look like early.
Should we assume that Ford matching Flacco's preseason schedule makes him the season-opening starter. Or will Cleveland split the work between him and Sampson as it did Saturday?
Let's hope HC Kevin Stefanski tells us before Sept. 7.
Barring such a revelation, Ford's three years of NFL experience and his effectiveness as a runner and receiver the past two years make him look like the stronger bet. But it'll be tough to use either guy for a Week 1 game against the Bengals.
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