DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Harrison may get more work due to improved play

By STEVE DOERSCHUK

BEREA The Browns' offense is up and running, but the running game still needs work.

Jerome Harrison might be the extra hammer needed to finish the job.

Coming off the bye week, the Browns are averaging 115.2 rushing yards per game.

That's a beefy bump up from last year's pitiful 83.4, but it's acres behind AFC leader Pittsburgh's 159.0.

In the five games other than against Cincinnati's sieve of a defense, when Jamal Lewis ran for 216 yards and the team for 226, the Browns are rushing for a modest 93.0 yards a game.

A few factors could help catch the running game up to speed with a sharp passing game:

• Lewis' return from a foot injury that has cost him almost two full games. Head Coach Romeo Crennel seems optimistic Lewis can play Sunday at St. Louis.

• Continued maturation of the offensive line.

• Harrison pushing Jason Wright for playing time behind Lewis.

In his first action of 2006 after losing the No. 2 running back job to Wright, Harrison cut through the Dolphins for 57 yards on eight carries. He also had a 15-yard catch-and-run. He set the tone for a game-clinching, 67-yard touchdown drive with runs of 5, 13 and 9 yards.

Crennel doesn't rule out an expanded role for Harrison.

"If we feel like he gives us the best chance, then he'll get spotted in,'' the coach said Monday.

Wright exudes exemplary effort and attitude. He knows the offense inside out. He is a willing and effective blocker.

Harrison is quicker and more elusive, scooting through openings and making tacklers miss. At 5-foot-9 (if you believe the printed roster), he is the shortest Browns player. He has been run over while trying to block.

"It's not just blocking, it's everything," Crennel said. "That guy, that position, has to be able to run the ball inside, outside, catch the ball out of the backfield and pick up pass protection."

How much is Harrison hurt by his height?

"You'll see short guys get it done," Crennel said, noting 5-foot-11 Denver defensive end Elvis Dumervil helped wreck the Steelers on Sunday.

So, how much will Harrison play coming out of the bye?

"That depends on the game plan," Crennel said.

The Rams can be had by a good running team. They are allowing almost 130 rushing yards a game.

BLOCK PARTY

Crennel said Kevin Shaffer and Ryan Tucker will continue to share time at right tackle.

Platooning on the offensive line is almost as rare as rotating quarterbacks, but Crennel is hesitant to sit either of the veteran starters. Certainly, Tucker isn't going away after blocking on 66- and 67-yard scoring series against Miami in his second game back from a four-game suspension.

Crennel says rookie left tackle Joe Thomas is doing a "good job" at left tackle. As a No. 3 overall pick, he isn't going anywhere, either.

EMPTY WITHOUT 'O'

One reason St. Louis' season is buried in Mississippi River mud is losing left tackle Orlando Pace to a season-ending injury.

A former No. 1 overall pick out of Ohio State, Pace was a fixture on the Rams teams that reached Super Bowls in the 1999 and 2001 seasons.

Crennel had to scheme against Pace when he ran New England's defense in the latter Super Bowl.

"Pace was pretty good," Crennel said. "Some positions, like left tackle, cover corner, quarterback ... you need good skill at those positions if you're gonna have a chance to be successful."

Third-year pro Alex Barron has replaced Pace at left tackle. He was a No. 19 overall draft pick who is reminding scouts why it takes a higher pick than that to get a Pace.

Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: steve.doerschuk@cantonrep.com

That makes more sense. Seriously though, sometimes I have to read the subject three or four times for it to make sense and I'm never sure if it's me or the creator of the thread...that's why I asked.

im interested to see harrison running on turf this week...the kid can CUT like nobody's business on grass, lets see him break some DB's Ankles

If we are playing on turf, it makes sense to get as much speed into the mix.

As to blocking by backs in a blitz pick-up....that is as much attitude as anything.

The guy doesn't have to be a classic blocker.....just get in the way and slow the guy up. We aren't asking for a pancake.

The Browns should give Harrison a shot as the starter. Lewis is gone after this year anyway and while we see the old Lewis once every 3 weeks that still leaves 2 out of every three where he looks more like william green dancing in the back field. I like Jamal but he just isnt capable of staying healthy or being consistent. Might have to pick and choose when and where to use him.

yep u need more than 1 back and I believe this team is truly designed for the smaller speed backs and we have 2 of those in Harrison and Barclay. I would look to add another in free agency cough cough Michael Turner or the draft as well.

Wright isnt a starter in this league and lets be honest, he is a special teamer that can play some running back in emergencies. Now i do like him as a goaline back. The kid is tough as nails and isnt afraid to take a beating to gain that yard.

I just see this offense being better suited for a Marshall Faulk type back instead of a Rudi Johnson, Jerome Bettis type back.

Time to bring back Eric Metcalf?

Turner would be nice. I just think any RB we add will be in FA. With our limited first day picks on draft day, we need to use them on the DL.

I think you be right and don't forget folks we still use a FB.

I hope we save our money this offseason to invest in DL or LB instead of RB (ie. Turner).... same with the draft.

I think Jamal has looked pretty good this season. I have no problems with his running style. Now, if he's constantly nagged this season by injuries, that could change things, but considering how desperately we need help on the D, I'm actually ok with no heavy investments for a shiny new RB this year.

Harrison and Barclay would be so much more effective IMO then, Harrison and Wright....

You go Yoda

Problem is : We are never going to know if all that translates into the NFL. if he dosn't see the field. I think we know what wright brings to the table !

How did we know what Eric Wright would bring to the table?

How did we know what Kamerion Wimbley would bring to the table?

How did we know what D'Qwell Jackson would bring to the table?

How did we know what Joe Thomas would bring to the table?

I'll tell you... they went off their college careers... only difference is that all those guys were needed to fill holes, and with Jamal Lewis, there is no immediate need for another RB. But w/out Lewis, there is... And that is how this Harrison talk has come about, b/c I think he is the 3rd string back about to take over and be the 2nd.. and Harrison didnt play that well last year or in preseason.

Yo turk , I'm on your side .. I watched the kid at Wake ( wow ) followed him through Europa .. I just want the kid to see the field before the season is over ..

I think if Harrison was given the chance he would push Wright to third string.
Romeo likes Wright, and he is a team player, good special teamer, but not and will never be an elite NFL back.
Harrison may never be an elite back, but he has the speed, elusiveness and ability to make people miss and still pick up tough yards inside.
I also like Barclay.
I think he could make an impact also.
I think the best tandem of backs would be Lewis, Harrison and Barclay.
I would LOVE to see Harrison split and played in the slot.
I think he could kill on a slot screen or just a quick toss and let him make people miss.
I would also like to see Winslow in the slot with Heiden at tight end.
I just think there are several things that could happen with mismatches.
Just my opinion though

Check this formation out...

Cribbs @ QB...
Barclay @ RB...
Harrison @ slot WR...

talk about confusion..

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talk about confusion..

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Yours?