Grading the Browns Running Backs
We’re back with a look at the Browns running backs this year. This should go much smoother than the quarterback analysis.
Peyton Hillis was a huge surprise this year, especially when you realize the Browns got him from Denver for nothing more than Brady Quinn.
Hillis was 11th in the NFL in rushing yards (1,177), 18th in yards per attempt (4.4), tied for 6th with 11 rushing touchdowns and 15th in yards per game (73.6).
More importantly, he accounted for 71.5 percent of the Browns rushing yards and 84.6 percent of the team’s rushing touchdowns. If you factor in his 61 receptions for 477 yards and another two touchdowns, he was responsible for 34 percent of the team’s total offense and 50 percent of the offensive touchdowns.
Hillis slowed down as the season wore on as injuries – and the fact the Browns had no other viable option in the running game – took its toll on him. With some expected support next year, Hillis’ production should go up.
The only drawback was his fumbling, as Hillis had a league-high of eight.
Add it all up and we’re comfortable giving Hillis an A for the season.
Helping Hillis with achieve his big year was fullback Lawrence Vickers, who should be starting in the Pro Bowl.
Vickers cleared the way for Hillis this year – look at this lead block on a Hillis touchdown run against New England – and for his efforts he also gets an A.
After Hillis and Vickers things really fall off the cliff. When you consider quarterback Colt McCoy was the team’s second-leading rusher and punter Reggie Hodges was fifth, then you know things were bad.
Jerome Harrison showed his season-ending burst from last year was a mirage and he was subsequently shipped out to Philly, where he gained 208 yards in two games and 31 total yards in the other six games he played for the Eagles.
Mike Bell, who came over in the Harrison trade, was just as bad, totaling only 71 yards for the Browns. Josh Cribbs struggled all year to get anything going in the rushing game and rookie Montario Hardesty missed the season with an injury.
So, collectively, we have to give that group an F for the season.
The good news is there is reason to hope next season. Hillis should be just as productive, especially as he will have back-up, either from Hardesty or another running back the Browns draft or bring onto the roster.
Vickers is a free agent, but Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert have to understand his value and he should be back for another year.
And if/when the Browns fix the right side of the offensive line, the team should be able to pound the ball the way they will need to when the weather turns cold in the second half of the season.
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The Browns are scheduled to interview Atlanta offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey Saturday in Atlanta and Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell next week in Cleveland, according to The Plain Dealer.
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Should we be concerned or happy that the Browns are not considering defensive coordinator Rob Ryan as a head coach candidate, even though other teams are?
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Red Right 88 