The Cleveland Browns are set to play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6, and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin gushed over one rookie on the Browns.
As Tomlin was asked about the Browns’ roster, he quickly pointed out rookie running back Quinshon Judkins as someone to watch. Tomlin believes Judkins can change the game and is someone the defense needs to game-plan for.
“This week, I mentioned their running game. I can’t say enough about what I’m seeing from (Quinshon) Judkins,” Tomlin said on Tuesday. “You know, this guy has played in four games (and) he started three. He had absolutely no training camp to speak of.
“And that really highlights what it is that we’re looking at, kudos to him and kudos to them for what he and they are able to produce,” Tomlin added about Judkins. “He’s a tough runner. He’s good inside, he’s got good patience and pick and vision on interior running. He finishes off his runs with violence.”
It’s surprising praise from Tomlin towards a Browns player. Even though Judkins didn’t have a training camp, the veteran coach is blown away by how good he has looked to begin the season.
Tomlin Calls Judkins a ‘Complete Back’
Tomlin’s praise of Judkins didn’t stop there.
Instead, the Steelers coach called the rookie running back a complete back. He also believes Judkins is a perfect replacement for Nick Chubb to really complement the Browns’ running game.
“He had a 60-yarder or so he got called back in London last week,” Tomlin said. “That kind of highlights that I’ve seen this guy a lot. Obviously, we got a couple of his teammates from Ohio State, and so I’ve seen a lot of his video, man. He is a complete back. He’s the type of guy who can wear a defensive unit down. Certainly fits their mold as an awesome replacement, if you will, for Nick Chubb, and I think it’s going to do nothing but get better with him and them.”
Judkins has rushed for 347 yards and 2 touchdowns on 72 carries this season. He’s added 9 receptions for 62 yards.
Browns Coach Gushes Over Judkins
Tomlin wasn’t the only coach to praise Judkins.
Instead, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has also been impressed with the rookie back. Speaking to reporters on Oct. 6, Stefanski said the rookie is a fiery competitor and has been impressed with his play.
“Yeah, He’s a tough out,” Stefanski said of Judkins. “He’s kind of showing us and everybody the type of player he is. You know, have to remember that he got here late and has continued to get better each and every game. He’s a fiery competitor and he had a bunch of plays there, obviously had one called back for the holding, and I understand why that was called. But he continues to make hard yards when there’s hard yards to be made. And then when it’s blocked clean, as it was a few times yesterday, you see that he does have the ability to go. So, a young player again, that will only get better each week.”
Judkins has cemented himself as the starting running back for the Browns. But, he will have his hands full against a very good Steelers defense in Week 6.
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