Dawg Pound killer turned savior

By Adam Levy  |   Monday, June 11, 2007  |  Comments( 0 )

Cleveland Browns
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If you can't beat him, sign him.

That must have been the philosophy of the Cleveland Browns this past offseason after inking notorious Dawg Pound killer Jamal Lewis to a one-year, $3.5 million deal to be their featured back in 2007.

In 12 games against the Browns over his eight-year stint with division rival Baltimore, the bruiser pounded Cleveland for 1,524 yards and eight touchdowns. On Sept. 14, 2003, Lewis set a new single-game rushing record against them with a 295-yard effort, then burned the Browns for another 205 yards in a December rematch.

After a pair of disappointing seasons clouded by legal troubles and injury woes, Lewis rebounded in 2006, amassing 1,132 yards while reaching the endzone nine times in a season which he played through injuries without missing a game.

Lewis will serve as the elixir to a punchless Cleveland rushing game that ranked last in the AFC with 83 rushing yards per week last year. With the short-term, incentive-laden contract, the 28-year-old back has a prime opportunity to raise his stock with a career year and has reportedly slimmed down 15 pounds (he now weighs 235) in an effort to regain some speed.

The workhorse is to help the Browns in the now while the franchise seems to be focused on the future. His role as a primary carrier in a run-first offense remains unchanged -- incumbent quarterback Charlie Frye will continue to start as first-rounder Brady Quinn gets accustomed to the nuances of the game. The addition of third overall pick Joe Thomas, a bookend left tackles, shores up a rebuilt offensive line that should give him sufficient protection.

Fantasy analysis: Lewis' value increases a tad considering he's now freed from the meandering goal-line whims of former coach Brian Billick (i.e. no more 3-yard passes to Todd Heap). Cleveland's offense won't bowl over anyone, but it should reach the right side of the field often enough for Lewis to be effectively utilized, particularly at the goal line. Take him as your No. 2 running back in the late second or early third round range of your fantasy draft.

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