Jerome Harrison Sends Cleveland Browns a Message: I'm Your Running Back

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Harrison is sending the Cleveland Browns front office, including new President Mike Holmgren, a message.

The message says that he is the Browns' featured running back of the future and there is no need to bring in another rookie or veteran running back in the offseason.

Over the last several weeks, there have been many articles written speculating what the Browns will be doing in the offseason at various positions, including running back.

The last two weeks Harrison has opened many eyes in the organization and around the NFL and there is now no need for the Browns to pursue any more help at running back with Harrison, Chris Jennings, rookie James Davis (currently on IR), and Josh Cribbs running from the Wildcat formation.

He has 434 rushing yards on 73 carries with four touchdowns in the last two games against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders.

Coming into the 2009 season, the Browns considered cutting former starter Jamal Lewis before the season began, but stuck with him due to Harrison's less-than-stellar pass blocking.

Bad call.

Harrison did show up earlier in the season versus a very stout Cincinnati Bengals defense when Lewis was injured, and Harrison still managed to run for over 120 yards.

But once Lewis recovered, Harrison was once again buried in the depths of the benched for the older and much slower Lewis.

There were even a few weeks when Harrison was in his street clothes because he was inactive.

Now look who is laughing.

Last week against the Chiefs, during halftime, head coach Eric Mangini told the team that Cribbs could no longer be the only playmaker on offense and that someone needed to step up and contribute.

Harrison said that he would and did he ever, with over 200 of his 286 rushing yards coming in the second half of the Chiefs game.

Granted, Harrison has rushed for 400-plus yards against two of the worst run defenses in the NFL, but remember, he ran well against the Bengals too and that shows he can do it against better defenses.

Regardless of Harrison's blocking issues in the past, he is getting better and it is something that can be improved with good coaching and the increased playing time Harrison is receiving.

At the end of the 2009 season, Harrison's original rookie contract will expire, but with the last two weeks in the books, President Holmgren might have to add Harrison's name to the list right next to Cribbs' for players who deserve new contracts for 2010.

(Article also posted on Dawg Scooper)