Nick Chubb runs off with weekly rushing award

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Nick Chubb had a big day last Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons as he rushed for 176 yards and setting a franchise record with a 92-yard touchdown run.

Chubb was recognized for his efforts on Thursday when he was named the FedEx NFL Ground Player of the Week, according to NFL.com. Chubb topped Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys and Aaron Jones of the Green Bay Packers for the award.

It is the second weekly honor for Chubb on the year, as he was previously named the league’s Pepsi Rookie of the Week following his 105-yard effort against the Oakland Raiders in Week 4. The Browns have owned that particular award, as cornerback Denzel Ward has been selected twice and quarterback Baker Mayfield has been selected three times so far this season.

Since taking over the starting role at running back following the October 20 trade of Carlos Hyde, Chubb has made up for lost time. After receiving just 16 carries through the season’s first six games, Chubb has rushed for 406 yards in the past four games, and currently sits at 579 rushing yards (tied for 10th best in the league), is averaging 6.2 yards per carry (second best in the league), and has five rushing touchdowns (tied for ninth best in the league).

Waiting his turn and then running with the opportunity is nothing new for Chubb, as he told clevelandbrowns.com after the game against the Falcons:

“It’s the same pattern my freshman year at Georgia. Waiting behind Todd Gurley then getting a chance and taking advantage of it. I learned when you do get a chance, you gotta take advantage of it.”

If Chubb can keep up his current production he has a shot at cracking the 1,000-yard rushing mark this season. While that may not carry as much fanfare as the old days, Chubb would be the first Browns running back to hit that milestone since Peyton Hillis in 2010, and the first rookie to do it in franchise history.

And to think the Browns are getting that from Chubb and they didn’t even have to use the No. 2 overall selection in the draft on him.