Nick Chubb was the NFL’s best running back in 2018 at generating additional yards after first contact by would-be tacklers. The Browns rookie consistently churned out yards after contact.
It took a few weeks before the Browns made the switch at feature RB from Carlos Hyde to Chubb, which cut back on his carries. Chubb proved worth the wait, breaking off several long runs and showing an ability to manufacture yards on his own with his blend of power, balance and leg drive.
Chubb averaged a full half-yard more than the No. 2 RB in YAC, Austin Ekeler of the Chargers, according to the tracking by Sports Info Solutions.
Yards after contact is a great measuring tool for running backs that strips away the importance of blocking. And nobody was better than Chubb was in his rookie campaign.
