Judkins Points to Execution, Not Opponents, After Browns' Slow Run Game Start

Cleveland picked up its first win of 2026, but the rushing attack has struggled through two weeks, and running back Quinshon Judkins says the fix is internal.

The Cleveland Browns earned their first victory of the 2026 season on Sunday, edging the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-19 at Raymond James Stadium. Despite the win, the team's running game remained largely ineffective for a second consecutive week.

Cleveland managed just 87 rushing yards in its Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, which ended 34-10. Against Tampa Bay, the ground game produced only 44 yards, and the Browns have yet to record a rushing touchdown this season. The first two opponents ranked among the NFL's top five run defenses in 2025.

Speaking Monday, via Camryn Justice of News 5 Cleveland, running back Quinshon Judkins said the caliber of the defenses was not the primary reason for the low output. He explained that the plan entering the season was to run downhill in both Jacksonville and Tampa, and that preparation and execution matter more than who the opponent is.

A more favorable matchup could come in Week 3, when the Browns host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Carolina ranked 20th against the run in 2025, allowing 123.3 rushing yards per game, and sits last in the league this year at 224.0 yards allowed per contest.