X-factor: Falcons’ run defense must stop ex-Bulldog Nick Chubb

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 21: Baker Mayfield #6 hands off to Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Credit: Mike Ehrmann

Credit: Mike Ehrmann

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 21: Baker Mayfield #6 hands off to Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Browns rookie running back Nick Chubb, of Cedartown and Georgia, will make his third start against the Falcons at 1 p.m. Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.

Chubb has rushed 74 times for 403 yards and four touchdowns. He’s caught 3 of 7 targets in the passing game for 15 yards.

"He's had some nice chunk runs," Browns interim coach Gregg Williams said. "He's a smart guy. He's a tough guy. I think he's only going to get better, too."

Jarrett is familiar with Chubb. When he was a senior at Clemson, he played against Georgia when Chubb was a freshman.

“He’s a guy who’s a really strong runner,” Jarrett said. “He had a great college career and is having a great pro career so far. He’s definitely going to be a challenge.”

The Falcons’ run defense held Washington’s Adrian Peterson to 17 yards running on nine carries in their last outing and New York’s Saquon Barkley to 43 yards int he previous win.

The Falcons’ tackling has been much improved over their past two games.

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