Fullbacks are a dying breed. Don't tell that to new Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Stefanski, the recently hired head coach and former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator, has what he calls “a healthy respect” for the fullback. He said on a Reddit AMA (ask me anything) in response to a question asked by u/artistinspace:
“I have a healthy respect for the full back position. I think it gives you some versatility – because the defense has a hard time knowing whether we'll be in a one-back, two-back or empty set. In addition, and maybe most importantly, the full back brings a physical aspect to our football team, which is very important to me.”
Stefanski's “healthy respect” for the position should come as no surprise. In 2019, with the Vikings, he shaped one of the NFL's best rush defense. He did so while utilizing fullback C.J. Ham, who played the part of a powerful lead blocker, pass catcher and punch-it-in runner.
The Browns did not utilize as a full-time fullback in 2019, but they did, under Freddie Kitchens, use two-back sets. The one-two punch of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt is arguably the lead's best; they blocked for each other and confused defenses who sought to take down two of the hardest tackles in the NFL.
Under Stefanski, the Browns' offense should look radically different. They will likely use a zone-running scheme, which would set up the play-action he calls on a heavy basis. The addition of a fullback to the roster could also be in-store.
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