Robert Turbin learned the importance of patience during his college days.
Then, it applied to his running style. Now, as a fourth-year professional, it applies to just about everything in Turbin's life as a veteran presence in Cleveland's running backs room.
Firstly, it was something Turbin had to exercise over the past month as he anxiously awaited his Browns debut. Because of his severely sprained ankle, Turbin knew it'd take some time upon his arrival in Cleveland, but the final couple of weeks were the toughest to swallow.
"That part of it can get frustrating," Turbin said. "It felt good to finally be able to come out and play."
Turbin made his Browns debut Sunday on the team's first offensive play of the second quarter. He gained 6 yards on his first carry and finished with 27 on 10 attempts. The ball was in Turbin's hands or directed Turbin's way on 11 of his 18 snaps.
With Turbin added to the mix, Cleveland's trio of running backs, which included mainstays Duke Johnson Jr. and Isaiah Crowell, averaged 10 carries apiece on a day in which the Browns ran for 109 yards against the Broncos.
"It felt good," Turbin said. "I was really excited to get out there with my teammates. Waited a while, a long time. To be able to come out and have some fun and be in a game like this with my team, it felt great."

Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown warms up

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Marlon Moore stretches

Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Danny Shelton signs autographs

Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown warms up

Dylan Hershberger, 8, watches the teams warm up

Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown warms up before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos

Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine, right, talks with owner Jimmy Haslam

Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Danny Shelton

Cleveland Browns mascot "Swagger" runs out on the field

Wanda Kirk holds the flag for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas

Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack

Cleveland Browns linebacker Paul Kruger

Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown looks for a receiver

Cleveland Browns linebacker Karlos Dansby reacts after coming up with an interception

Cleveland Browns offense

Cleveland Browns kicker Travis Coons during kickoff

Cleveland Browns defensive back Justin Gilbert celebrates after making a special teams tackle

Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) passes during the first half of an NFL football game

Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor addresses the special teams unit in the first half


Cleveland Browns running back Robert Turbin (27) stiff arms Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25)

Cleveland Browns running back Robert Turbin

Cleveland Browns defensive back K'Waun Williams

Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge catches an 11-yard pass

Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge catches an 11-yard pass

Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown celebrates an 11-yard touchdown reception

Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge celebrates his 11 yard touchdown reception

Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine

Cleveland Browns fans cheer during the second half


Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown stands under center Alex Mack

Cleveland Browns runningback Isaiah Crowell breaks a run the second half


Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine gives a signal

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator John DeFilippo

Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) can't hold onto the ball under pressure from Cleveland Browns defensive back Tramon Williams (22)

Cleveland Browns linebacker Karlos Dansby runs the ball after an interception for a 35-yard touchdown

Cleveland Browns linebacker Karlos Dansby runs the ball after an interception for a 35-yard touchdown
The ending, of course, was not, and Turbin was front and center about his role in Cleveland coming up short in overtime.
Turbin bobbled a pitch on first down from Denver's 39-yard line after Barkevious Mingo intercepted Peyton Manning early in the overtime period. Turbin held onto the ball but ultimately lost 2 yards. The Browns never moved forward on the three-and-out and were forced to punt.
Cleveland never got the ball back.
"I didn't look it in fully and I take full responsibility for that," Turbin said. "Obviously, the ball comes first. My attention wanted to be on what was I going to do next. I could feel the defense coming in and making a play. They read it well."
Turbin knows situations like Sunday's will present themselves again. He saw them play out repeatedly during his three seasons in Seattle behind All-Pro Marshawn Lynch. He called it "magical" the way Lynch was able to close out games with tough yards and crucial third downs.
Turbin is imploring his group to step up and help the Browns avoid the late-game drama it's experienced over the past few weeks.
"There have been multiple games where it's come down to this, where it's come down to those guys," Turbin said. "I tell the guys, 'hey, this is the time running backs have to take over. What do you got? Can we hold the ball? Can we move the chains? Can we get first downs?' It's on us and the linemen but it's not even always about the offensive linemen, it's about us. What kind of special plays can we make in those situations to keep the chains moving?"