Ben Tate stands a good chance of being the Browns’ lead back in 2014.
Off the field, Browns running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery wants Tate to be front-and-center, too.
In an interview with the club’s website, Montgomery said he wants Tate to set the tone for Cleveland’s tailbacks, a group that includes third-round pick Terrance West.
“It’s time for him to put the jacket on and the cap on and say, ‘Hey I’m the leader of this room.’ And it’s time for the young guys to challenge him to be great,” Montgomery said, according to ClevelandBrowns.com.
The 25-year-old Tate is the most accomplished of Cleveland’s running backs. What’s more, the Browns’ running offense appears similar to the scheme in which he played in Houston from 2010 through 2013.
Montgomery believes the Browns’ offense is one the backs should relish.
“I love this offense, because I love what it gives the backs to do,” Montgomery said on a video on the club’s website. “This is a one-cut offense: go north, go north, go north. And if you can do that, you can become a good back in this league, especially in this offense.”
Tate looks like he’ll get an opportunity to prove he can be a “good back” — a clear starter now and perhaps for multiple years to come.