In Lieu of Flowers: Browns Fans Need To Know Jamal Lewis' Career Isn't Dead Yet

With the emergence of rookie James Davis, many Browns fans seem willing to abandon veteran Jamal Lewis. While I will admit that Lewis' best days are behind him, I certainly believe the 30-year-old runningback still does have a lot to offer, and can be a valuable asset in the Browns offense this season.

When the Browns signed Lewis prior to the 2007 season, fans rejoiced at the presence of a true elite runningback in Cleveland. After all, this was the same player that torched the Browns defense in 2003 with 500 rushing yards in two games. Despite the fact that the Ravens essentially dumped the "declining" back they thought was finished, the Browns were very excited to acquire a player like Lewis at a discounted price.

Lewis clearly understood his career was on the line after arriving in Cleveland, and came to camp in great shape with a great attitude. He began a strict diet, eating only organic food, and was willing to work as hard as he could to improve in every area of his game. The results came on the field, as Lewis ran for 1,303 yards and the Browns were rewarded for their investment in him.

While Lewis' numbers did fall last year, I believe the decline was not due to any less effort or talent. The whole offense was a mess last year, and no one was able to retain the success they had in the previous season. Browns fans are quick to forget the prolific 2007 offense, and want to dismiss its success as some kind of a fluke.  These fans believe Derek Anderson, Jamal Lewis, and Braylon Edwards are all overrated, and that their success in 2007 was some kind of accident

The 2007 offense was no accident, its success came from talented players. Hopeless Browns fans want to blow it up and start all over again, but I certainly believe that these talented players are capable of achieving the success that they had in the past. An important part of the Browns offensive success will have to be a power back like Lewis, who can pound the ball and handle the majority of the carries.

While James Davis is a talented rookie with a lot of upside who deserves to play, the Browns and their fans should not give up on Jamal Lewis. He has been counted out before, but came back to have a great season in 2007. He looked solid in his opportunities throughout the Titans game, and I believe he still has a lot to offer the Browns offense.