Mystery Disease Kills Thousands
Ron Paul, Rick Santorum Suggest Foul Play From Romney Campaign
The Cleveland Browns won't be one of the teams that will make people flock to the television to see them perform, but not because they are expected to bore while they rebuild. It's that they lack many explosive, exciting players at the moment. The Browns won't put up big numbers or light up the scoreboard.
Browns' running back Peyton Hillis provided a gutty performance Saturday night in the loss to the St. Louis Rams, 19-17. Despite the loss, Hillis' gritty play may be the trademark for the Browns this season, signified by the way he battled through defenders. The Browns will have to grind their opponents out and Hollis may lead the way.
"Oh yeah, definitely," said Browns' wide receiver/punt return specialist Josh Cribbs, when asked about the spark Hollis provided after his tough 9-yard run through six tackles to set up the team's first touchdown. "He's known for running over guys. Peyton is a tough back to bring down. We had great blocking up front.
"That's one thing that [Browns' coach Eric] Mangini emphasizes with running the ball. Run the football effectively. It's showing things we're trying to work on during these preseason games. Last week was something else, this week was running the ball."
Browns center Alex Mack agreed with Cribbs, "We got fired up seeing that," Mack said on Sunday, according to the Associated Press.
The three-year back from Arkansas is a humble runner who credits everything to his teammates.
"Yeah, you know I try to go out there and do the best I can," said Hillis. "A lot of these guys helped out, great blocking by the offensive line and [fullback Lawrence] Vickers. And we got some things going, but we still have a long way to go."
The Browns orchestrated some of the passing game in their preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers and, because of the rain from Saturday's contest, they were forced to lean heavily on their rushing attack, led by Hillis, to stay competitive.
"It was good to see the things he can do as a runner," said Mangini. "It was good to see things you remember him doing, which were reasons for the trade. He gives you a spark as a tough, physical guy."
Quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace performed well in the downpour -- contributing a pair of touchdown passes -- with wide receivers Cribbs and Chansi Stuckey helping provide some sparks. But a physical run game may be the key formula to the Browns' season, which would ultimately balance the passing game, thanks to Hillis.
"He's the epitome of tough, rugged football," said Delhomme.
Peyton Hillis Epitomizing Cleveland Browns' 2010 Signature
Aug 23, 2010 – 8:37 PM
Debt Ceiling Showdown 2: Coming This Fall, In Time For The Election, Only Worse
Obama Sending Ambitious Plan To Congress
Bomb Attacks Target Israeli Diplomats In India, Georgia
Adele Wins Album Of The Year
Updates On Whitney Houston's Autopsy
WATCH: Anderson Cooper's Hilarious Adventures With Adele
It's Only Getting Worse: Economists' Latest Dire Prediction
WATCH: Bill Maher Rips GOP Concept Of 'Elites'
Even In A Time Of Budget Austerity, Sacramento Stands Out
Greek Protests Continue As Lawmakers Debate Severe Austerity Measures
Quake Rocks Costa Rica
Country Considers Bills Lifting Gay-Marriage Ban
The Week's 5 Juiciest Apple Rumors
Michael Smerconish: A Response to Sean Hannity
Huff TV: WATCH: Arianna Talks Safety Net Benefits On CNN's 'Your Bottom Line'
Costa Concordia Video Shows Crew Reactions To Cruise Crash
GOP Bill Would Strip Workers Of Overtime, Minimum Wage Protections
Mitch McConnell Not Accepting Obama Compromise
Paul Ryan On Obama's 'Accounting Trick'
