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Browns RB Nick Chubb makes honest admission that no one can fault him for about his return to Pittsburgh
Jeff Lange-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Sunday has the makings to be an emotional game for Cleveland Browns RB Nick Chubb in a way, as he returns to Pittsburgh for the first time since blowing out his knee in Week 2 of last season.

Chubb got to play the Steelers just a couple of weeks ago and he ran the ball 20 times for 59 yards and two touchdowns. Cleveland’s star running back continues to get his legs back underneath him but has not yet regained his old form.

Heading into the Week 14 matchup, Chubb didn’t hide what we all figured was the case with his return to the Steel City.

“It is a divisional game, for me that is enough to get excited about. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought about it, going back to that place where it happened last year,” Chubb admitted on Wednesday. “But, besides that, I’m always excited to play the Steelers.”

Chubb has 243 rushing yards at a three-yard per carry average in his six games played since returning. The Georgia product has been able to find the end zone three times so far this season. While Chubb hasn’t been as productive, it isn’t all on him. The Browns’ offensive line has struggled mightily this season. Cleveland took their time with Chubb getting back on the field for good reason, it was a very serious injury last year that looked about as bad as it gets.

The 2024 season for Chubb is all about trying to regain that explosiveness. His vision appears to be there still, but the ability to explode is a bit behind. Nonetheless, Browns fans are still thrilled to see Chubb back on the field because it looked like at one time that may not happen again.

Finding success against the Steelers running the ball is tough. They have a top-five run defense and allow just 90 total rushing yards per game. Cleveland averages just 87 yards per game on the ground.

This go-around in Pittsburgh will be much tougher for the Browns. The leader in the AFC North will want to shake off that 24-19 loss to the Browns after beating the Cincinnati Bengals last week.

Cleveland is 3-9 on the season and they have to settle for small wins that they can take away from this season. Beating Pittsburgh was one and they have a chance to double up on that. 

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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