Tribe Weekend Recap: Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad, But It Isn’t Good Enough
August 29, 201192.3 The Fan is Here – Let the Games Begin
August 29, 2011As the Cleveland Browns head into another season, injuries appear to be opening doors for players who may have been staring at a different set of circumstances roughly one month earlier. With the latest bout of bumps and bruises bubbling up in Berea, the Browns backfield is suddenly a sizeable question mark with second-year back Montario Hardesty now looking at a primary backup role to Peyton Hillis, the man for whom an injury one year earlier opened a door to what would ultimately be several flattened defensive backs and the cover of Madden 12.
Brandon Jackson’s recent run-in with turf toe will reportedly keep the man who was dubbed a “key guy” just two weeks earlier on the shelf until Week 5. Hardesty, fresh off of a year-long rehabilitations stint with his surgically repaired knee, will go from a guy who was on the roster bubble – NFL Radio’s Gil Brandt hinted that the Browns could consider moving on without him this past weekend – to being a “key guy” himself as the Browns look to lighten the load on a running back in Hillis who experienced evident fatigue at the tail end of the 2011 season.
With Jackson’s toe and Hillis’ recent down time with a hamstring pull, the backfield has been occupied by the rebounding Hardesty and a handful of players who are looking to make a living as professional football players like Quinn Porter and Armond Smith. Considering that this team found itself in a considerable bind during times when Hillis had to take a few plays off, backfield durability is an obvious concern with 13 days until Week 1.
“I don’t know what to think in terms of the durability there right now,” head coach Pat Shurmur stated following the team’s walk-through on Sunday. “We’ve got a guy coming back from injury and one that’s banged up right now. We’re keeping our eyes open at a lot of positions to possibly help bolster the roster. We’ll see how that goes as we finish our fourth preseason game.”
As it was with Eric Mangini during his two season’s under headset, ball security is something that Shurmur harps on from all of his players. Smith currently leads the team in ground yards with 145, largely due to his 81-yard scamper against the Green Bay Packers. Despite his all-around electric speed in the open field, the aforementioned Smith has also had considerable issues holding on to the football, fumbling twice against the Detroit Lions but again against the Philadelphia Eagles one week later. Porter is averaging 4.2 yards per carry and has snagged a pass out of the backfield, but also put a ball on the ground against the Lions.
On Monday, Shurmur insinuated that the team has packages in place that could feature both Hillis and Hardesty sharing the same backfield. Noting the physical style of Hillis’ ball-toting and willingness to take on a straight-on blow, having depth behind Madden’s cover boy is imperative. Thankfully, instead of turning to a player of Mike Bell’s ilk, the Browns do feel that they have a solid reserve back in the form of Hardesty who can help carry the load until Jackson is fully healthy.
“I know why Tom [Heckert] drafted [Montario] because I evaluated him when he came out,” Shurmur said. “I just had a different mailing address. I think we’re starting to see what he is and was in college. I’m hopeful that he’s going to get to that level.
“He’s quick, he’s got excellent vision. Again, much like a lineman blocking in there, the holes and creases aren’t always large and you’ve got to be able to press it and jump through it. I think he can do that well. He has the instinct to run to day light. I think he’s a solid guy in terms of his physique where he can be a good pass protector and I think he also catches the ball well. That’s what we expect to see.”
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Photo via WFNY
12 Comments
Oh sure, Heckert was close to cutting his second round draft pick they’ve rehabilitated for the past year at a position of need. Well done, Gil Brandt. Anything else you want to chuck at the wall, you font of inside info?
I know he’s up there in years and head injuries, but any chance we’d take a flier on someone like Brian Westbrook for a change of pace type back? He’s definitely familiar with the offense, can catch the ball, and showed he still has a little left in the tank (if used sparingly) in SF last year.
@REEPJP, I think that’s a good thought. I would rather have an old-timer like Westbrook as a 3rd down back than the spritely but butterfingery Armond Smith, who seems like he’s still warming up to the offense and to the NFL in general. It wouldn’t be the worst thing for Smith to spend time on the practice squad getting reps.
I though Westbrook retired because he had too many concussions, right? I guess I’m saying it’s not likely the Browns (or anyone else) will get him. I would think some decent backups would emerge after cuts following the last preseason game.
I agree we might need to scour for a 3rd RB. want someone who will pickup blitzes well as I don’t want anything happening to Colt.
I think Chester Taylor just got released but I’m not sure why (injury?).
because he hasn’t been good since 2008 is my guess 🙂
Sure, but we’re not asking him to tote it 20 times a game. Pick up a blitz or two, play for 2 months while the other guy heals up and then they can cut him.
I didn’t realize that WFNY was communist Russia!
5KMD – Bears have apparently opted to keep Taylor
On Bull and Fox (or w/e its called) Fox suggested Tiki Barber. Apparently his rb coach from nyg is here and they seem to think he can be a good mentor… if he actually has his legs still.
They better find another back and hope Hillis heals/remains healthy or the Browns will be in trouble. The WRs can’t separate which only leaves Moore and Watson.
Btw is Steinbach’s back as bad as someone told me? If so that’s another BIG problem.