With Jamal Lewis missing his second straight day of practice Thursday, the Browns may call upon Jerome Harrison to be the primary runner for the first time in his four-year career.
Gulp.
"We're going to have to see with Jamal," coach Eric Mangini said. "He approaches everything the
same way, so he's working at it and we'll just have to see where we go
through the week."
Perhaps Lewis' injury is a blessing. Browns fans have wondered throughout Harrison's career what the kid could do with a few more touches. His lack of work has mostly to do with his pass protection skills, but Harrison has averaged 5.7 yards per carry during his career.
Preseason phenom James Davis should also be available after missing Week Two, but it appears he's behind Harrison on the depth chart for now.
Still, this sort of uncertainty isn't what Brady Quinn wants heading into a difficult matchup. The Ravens have given up a lot of big plays through the air this season, and they plan to counter that problem by bringing a lot of pressure on Quinn.
We've said it before this week, but Quinn needs to prove he can go down the field if he's going to be a legitimate NFL starting quarterback.
On Sunday, he may have to do it with a running back by his side also learning on the fly.
UPDATE: Lewis missed practice for a third straight day Friday.
Jerome Harrison could start for the Browns
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on September 25, 2009 10:33 AM ET
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17 Comments
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They had better hope he knows how to block and pick up the blitz. That maybe more important against the Ravens, than his running with the ball. Quinn had better get ready, Ray Ray and his buddies will be bringing it all day.
Jamal knows better, he doesn't want to face his old team and get beat up.
Should work out well for Harrison - we all saw how great Mendenhall's first start was last year when it came against the Ravens. Just try not to let Ray Lewis break your shoulder there, Jerome
Jerome Harrison is a good receiver. He is just not physical enough though.
This will actually be his 2nd start.
This represents an opportunity to trade Justin Fargas and a pick for Braylon Edwards. Then they can release Las Vegas partyboy Javon Walker. It's overwhelmingly clear that Walker is way deep in Al Davis' doghouse.
Jamal Lewis is on his last legs as an NFL back, and Harrison is only effective as part of a rotation. Fargas is the north-south type of back that can complement Harrison's shiftiness.
Of course, I just want Al Davis to rip off Mangenius and Co.
Why haven't the Raiders signed McAlister to supplant Routt yet? Aaaaaargh!!! Al Davis!!!
Michael Bush + your 2010 1st rounder and we have a deal.
It really has to be painful to be a Browns fan.
Jerome Harrison is a huge upgrade on what Lewis has become. But doesn't stay sound for long.
DemocratsAreStupid - you just do not know! It is so unbearable, but we are like Red Sox fans - you are less than human, if you sell out!
raider fan ripping on the browns??? hahahahaha thats funny! how bad is it when your franchise has a worse record over the past ten years than an expansion team? al davis rips off the raider fan base every sunday!
twinkletoes says:
September 25, 2009 11:18 AM
"This represents an opportunity to trade Justin Fargas and a pick for Braylon Edwards. Then they can release Las Vegas partyboy Javon Walker. It's overwhelmingly clear that Walker is way deep in Al Davis' doghouse.
Jamal Lewis is on his last legs as an NFL back, and Harrison is only effective as part of a rotation. Fargas is the north-south type of back that can complement Harrison's shiftiness.
Of course, I just want Al Davis to rip off Mangenius and Co.
Why haven't the Raiders signed McAlister to supplant Routt yet? Aaaaaargh!!! Al Davis!!!"
Fargas is only good in a zone blocking 1 cut back system. The last time I checked, the Browns do not run that. Besides, why would they trade their best WR for a pick and a RB made of glass to fill in for their own injured RB when they have two capable backs in Davis and Harrison? They will use them like Jones and Washington, and you will like it!
You want to give up Fargas and a 1st rounder for a prima donna reciever that can't catch? DEAL!
@brad1719: Officially, this is his second start, but his first was simply because he got lucky and had his number called on the first play. He had 2 carries for 1 yard the entire game. Rosenthal's statement that he would be "the primary runner for the first time in his four-year career" is completely accurate.
Jerome, you better hope Ray Ray isn't holding a knife when you go up the middle. Oh, still to soon??
Brown Turds 0-16
More fodder for Ray Ray and company, oh well,3 L's down 13 to go.