WATCH: Nick Chubb embarrasses Chargers, runs for 52-yard Browns touchdown
Nick Chubb, listed at 5-foot-11, 227 pounds, is not easy to take down, especially when he has momentum on his side.
The Los Angeles Chargers learned this lesson the hard way on Sunday night, when Chubb barreled through the Chargers defense and cruised 52 yards for a Cleveland Browns touchdown.
The Browns were already leading 20-13 early in the second half when Cleveland took over possession on its own 25-yard line. A few Baker Mayfield-led plays later, and the Browns were on their own 48-yard line — still plenty of distance to go. Then, enter Chubb, rushing on a second-and-4 that he made seem like a goal-line stand.
Chubb squeaked past the line of scrimmage, then juked his way past a nearby Chargers defender in pursuit. Then, he stiffarmed not one but two more Chargers, breaking free near the opposing 40-yard line. From there on out, it was a foot race between Chubb and the Chargers secondary.
And guess who won?
Chubb at the time of publication has 18 carries for 128 rushing yards and a touchdown, and the Browns hold a narrow, 27-21 lead over the Chargers.
Chubb, Browns agree on contract extension
Before the 2021 season began, Chubb — who has solidified himself as one of the most talented running backs in the NFL through just three seasons — agreed on a three-year contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid backs in the league.
According to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, the deal is worth $36.6 million over three years with $20 million guaranteed. The deal will pay Chubb $12.2 million per season, which is the sixth-highest total among running backs. His $20 million guaranteed is the seventh-highest guarantee among running backs.
Chubb was selected as the 35th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. The former Georgia Bulldog ran for 4,769 yards and 44 touchdowns in four collegiate seasons. He has seen similar success over the early stages of his NFL career. As a rookie in 2018, Chubb ran for 996 yards and eight touchdowns. He broke out in 2019, running for 1,494 yards and eight touchdowns. Chubb missed a few games in 2020, but he still ran for 1,067 yards and 12 touchdowns in just 12 regular-season contests.
Before erupting for another 126 yards and counting on Sunday, Chubb entered the game with 69 carries, fourth-most among NFL running backs, and 362 rushing yards, second-most among NFL backs.