SAN DIEGO: Browns offensive coordinator John DeFilippo said Thursday that rookie running back Duke Johnson had become “a viable force” in the passing game.
Covered by linebackers who couldn’t match his quickness, Johnson showed how much of a force he could be in Sunday’s 30-27 loss to the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium.
Johnson recorded his first career touchdown catch and finished with nine receptions, the fifth-most by a Browns running back in a single game and the most since 2002. Ahead of him are Earnest Byner, Leroy Hoard (twice), Greg Pruitt and Jamel White.
Johnson’s touchdown, a career-long 34-yard catch, came with 14:10 remaining in the second quarter and gave the Browns a 10-7 lead.