Loss of Lewis created more opportunities

It's been said many times that Jamal Lewis is the ultimate pro, a fact he's proven many times since he joined the Cleveland Browns prior to the 2007 season.

Lewis' offseason workout schedule is second to none. He doesn't need a high-priced strength and conditioning coach to tell him how to get into shape.

That being said, there's no question that the Browns' offense doesn't miss Lewis, who suffered concussion-like symptoms after a recent game against the Cincinnati Bengals. His absence has meant more time for running backs Jerome Harrison and Chris Jennings, which in turn has provided an infusion of life into the attack.

Let's be honest here. Lewis hasn't had much bounce in his step for a few seasons. When he was on the field, defenses could clog the inside rushing lanes without the fear of him bouncing outside and breaking loose for a long gain.

Watching Jennings turn the right corner on a 10-yard touchdown run last Thursday in the 13-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers was refreshing. There's no way Lewis would have been able to get to the corner, much less get around it without having a couple of defenders in place to make the tackle.

There's not much linemen can do to spark a ground game with a slow runner in the backfield. Most teams make considerable use of zone blocking, which puts the decision-making process of where the run should go squarely on the runner. If a hole opens inside, he should go for it. If not, the options are a cutback to the back side or bounce it to the outside.

A runner like Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings has no trouble with those decisions. It's made easier for him knowing that defenses have to be aware of his ability to go in any direction and make something positive happen.

The Browns lacked that unpredictability when Lewis was playing. Not that Harrison or Jennings will ever be featured backs, but at least they give defenses something to worry about because of their speed.

There's no doubt that if a great running back is available when the Browns use their high first-round draft choice (assuming they don't trade down three times), he should be the choice. Forget about a quarterback or a receiver or a strong pass rusher or a big-play safety.

The offense in general is slow compared to almost all of the other 31 teams in the NFL. Lewis' lack of breakaway speed was glaring. Rookie receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie will probably never be more than number two receivers because neither has big-time speed.

Unfortunately, for the Browns, there are no running backs at this time projected among the elite prospects in college football.

C.J. Spiller of Clemson might be the best of the group, but he's not considered top-10 material.

The Browns have another Clemson back in the fold, but he's been on injured reserve since early in the season after suffering a major shoulder injury in an "opportunity period" after practice. James Davis, a sixth-round draft choice this year, was clearly the best back in training camp and in the four preseason games, showing inside strength and better-than-advertised speed.

It's a shame that he went down during a needless practice session. He'd be getting the bulk of the carries now if he hadn't been injured.

Unless the Browns gamble on a running back in the first round of the 2010 draft or the "czar" that has yet to be hired can discover a talented back in a later round, the job could be open for Davis next season.

Nothing against Lewis, but that's a plus.

mmclain@tribtoday.com