Running back committee key for the Browns in 2009
Posted February 19th, 2009 by Luke Chandler
While head coach for the Jets, Mangini's offense spread the ball out amongst two running backs, Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. It would not be a surprise for the Browns to bring in a free agent to compliment their current stable of running backs, but also in case they decide to part ways with free agent Jason Wright.
Former New York Giant running back Derrick Ward was a guest on Rome is Burning yesterday, and the new should be intriguing to Browns fans:
Ward mentions Cleveland as a potential destination for his services around the six minute mark. I would recommend listening to the whole piece, as Rome gets into Ward's relationship with his Giant backfield mates Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. To summarize, Ward was happy for his fellow running backs accomplishments, and talks of the strong bond the three of them had.
He mentions his desire to be a starting running back, which could happen in Cleveland. In fact, with the right arrangement, the Browns could easily replicate the Giants backfield system which produced two one thousand yard running backs this season, Jacobs and Ward.
Ward's desire to become a starter could be fulfilled, and he would be the focal point of the running game. He would still split carries, likely averaging near 200 carries and 45 to 60 receptions a season. Lewis would be near his same total in rushes. Ward's role would be as an all purpose back. It would allow the Browns to take advantage of his more slashing running style.
Jacobs is the rarest back of the group, exceptionally large for his position, but still very fast. He is not a pure power back, but more so a perimeter runner who wins matchups because of his size and physicality. In Cleveland, that's what Jamal Lewis is. Lewis has lost some speed, but he still wins a lot of battles at the point of attack because of his power.
To replicate Bradshaw, the Browns would use Jerome Harrison. The Giants like to use Bradshaw as a foil to Ward and Jacobs. His pure speed and break away ability can be used on third and long situations. Harrison has shown he can be highly effective even in limited touches. He would only touch the ball around five to seven times a game.
For the Browns to build an effective offense, they have to solve the inconsistency in the running game. Building a running game that teams have to respect will allow more downfield matchups in the passing game.
February 19th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Whoa. This is mostly crazy. While I was walking into the office today, I was pondering Ward as Cleveland Brown. Is Jim Rome tapping into my brain? Is cold medicine making me loopy? Why do I think about these things while casually walking about?
February 19th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
You must be a Medium.
February 20th, 2009 at 3:23 am
Interesting piece… but your math is confusing… Lewis, not quite happy about his 20 touches or less a game as it is, becomes a number 2 back behind Ward (call it co-No 1 as an ego saver)…. and he still gets the same number of carries while Ward also gets 200 a season?…. Um…. Apparently you feel Quinn/Anderson will never throw the ball anymore?
Lewis was practically the only back this year based on the limited touches of anyone else… for him to get the same, while adding another feature back, plus still getting Hamilton the ball like people beg for… The Brown would have to rush 60-70 percent of the time, no?
February 20th, 2009 at 10:14 am
I'd love to see a rerun of the Mack/Byner days. The problem with running this year was the O-line didn't do as well aptly indicated by the QB's running for their life and the lower output of Lewis. Also, Lewis had a nagging ankle injury. The Brownies passing game did not give anyone pause in rushing the line, so everything took a major hit last year. If the offense hits a few long passes, or hits a running back for a long gain in the flats, the rush goes away as the defense must protect the whole field. Also, you need to avoid using specific plays for specific players, otherwise you give away what to expect. Don't bring in Lewis as purely a power runner, or Ward/Harrison to scamper around the end. The whole point of an offensive coordinator is to use his players to the best of their abilities while keeping the defense guessing as to what's coming next.
February 20th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
2007's rushing problems were not the line (although they weren't exceptional)…Every defense knew Lewis would be running between the tackles since his speed couldn't get outside, so they loaded the middle – Despite the media's glowing image of Lewis – I saw a slow back, dancing with baby steps and then getting 2 yards after the initial hit at the line. Wouldn't be surprised if he gets cut next year if a decent back (like Ward) is brought in.
February 20th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
…meant 2008 (where have the years gone?)
February 20th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Johninjapan – 200 carries a season for Lewis and Ward equates to 12-13 carries a game for each for a total of about 25, then factor in 5 or so touches a game for Harrison and you have them running the ball 30 times a game. The Browns averaged 56 offensive snaps a game last year in a bad offensive season. The Giants ran 62 offensive snaps per year average, so those extra carries could help extend another few series a game.
As far as Lewis complaining about carries, there's a track record of it, but we'll see what happens.
February 20th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Keep Jamal don't sleep on him the problem was with the QB/WRs and their porous defensive line.
February 20th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Would Lewis agree to be a Full Back type of role ? A pair in the same backfield? What really happened to the offense last year ? The dropped passes ? The O-line not playing well ? The QB's ? Did the NFL catch up with the " scheme " ? Did Lewis really get slow in the off season ? Isn't that why we got rid of Brandon Jacobs ? And now you want to bring in a player who had to share the backfield with him ? How fast was John Riggins of Washington Redskins ? Add some Hogs to da Dogs than see how good Lewis is.
February 22nd, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Right about the baby steppin phillips.Lewis has had that bad habit for a long time.I believe, even as a Raven.Anyway,have been watching the combine on the tube and am starting to warm up to the idea of drafting Chris Wells.If we trade down into the 20's he might be there.Stranger things have happened.Of course, this is all predicated upon not signing Ward and the Browns being ok with any durability concerns.To complicate things,especially for OSU fans, Laurinaitis might be there as well.I guess all depends on what we do in free agency.