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Full Take: |
Can the Browns survive if Jamal Lewis were to get hurt? Mark and Fletch deliver their takes. Click here to read!!
The gospel according to Fletch
''At this time in my career, it's not about running people over. It's trying to get around them and run past them and then using that when you need it.''
Those were the words of Jamel Lewis at practice last week, when asked about what he could do for an encore this year, after rushing for 1,304 yards last year. Lewis said this year that 1,500 yards was not out of the question.
His off-season rigors, which include working out in a sand pit seem to indicate Lewis is hungry, very hungry at that, too.
''When I'm working out, I think to myself, 'LaDainian [Tomlinson] is not doing this. Adrian Peterson is not doing this.' That's just my motivation. At least I hope they are not doing it." Lewis said.
But what happens if Lewis goes down with injury? Who fills his shoes and will it hurt the team's hopes of making the playoffs.
The answer to that is, yes, it will sting for awhile, but if the line can stay healthy and Derek Anderson produces, the season is not lost and the post season can still be attained.
How? Well for starters All- Pro, all everything Josh Cribbs is an alternative, and has been taking snaps at the slot, but don't expect to see him there unless all else fails.
Which starts with current backup, Jason Wright. He's not a home run hitter, but has promising upside and averaged 4.6 yards per carry last year. Wright, who was undrafted out of college, spelled relief for Reuben Droughns back in 2006 and looked promising.. If not for an injury, he may have been named the starter in 2007.
Coach Romeo Crennel also seems to like Jerome Harrison, who was drafted in the fifth round last year. Harrison has seen limited action, but in just eight games averaged 6.2 yards per carry.
But remember this name, a guy who could be a sleeper, and a guy who is very adept at the pro style offense coming from Notre Dame, Travis Thomas.
''He's a smart player; he's an all-around great player utility-wise," said Browns quarterback Brady Quinn. " He can play on any special teams; he's going to be a great running back. He's a solid, solid player. Hopefully he'll have a chance to be on this team and play in Cleveland for a long time.''
Thomas is hoping for that too.
''My goal is to compete and hopefully beat out one of them. It's up to the coaches to decide whether or not I do that. All I can control is my effort and the way I play.''
So don't fret Browns fans. If Lewis goes down there are alternatives. Pittsburgh made the post season last year when Willie Parker went down using a plethora of backs, and they didn't;t have the line Cleveland has in front of them.
Losing Lewis will be problematic, but not as much as seeing a Joe Thomas or Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards hit the IR. If those scenarios arise, kiss the Browns hopes for the playoffs good-bye.
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Mark's Take:
We all know there is no discussion at who the starter will be at the running back position. Jamal Lewis will likely have as good of a season as he did last year, but I expect him to be better. The question, however, is ‘What if Jamal gets hurt and can’t play?’ ‘Who would be his backup?’ ‘Are the guys on the team good enough?’
The answer is simple. YES. No matter who the back up is going to be, he will be suitable for the Browns. The offensive line is extremely tough and no matter who is running the ball, they should be productive. Like I said, Jamal should have a great season and that will be thanks to the offensive line.
Of the two back ups, Jason Wright will be sufficient at the back up position. He proved last year that he could get the job done in Jamal’s absence. I like Wright a little more than Jerome Harrison, because Wright can catch the ball. He’s a good multipurpose back. Harrison would do well too and showed he could run through the holes the line opens up for him. The running game is not the issue in Cleveland.
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