Cleveland Browns 2010 Training Camp: Running Game Ahead of Schedule

The Cleveland Browns dominated their opponents in the final four games of the 2009 season by running the ball over them.

Now some say that the Browns' competition was nothing to shout about, but when one of those teams was the Pittsburgh Steelers and their No. 3 ranked rush defense, who the Browns ran all over for 171 yards, then that alone should show the league and those critics that they do have a strong offensive line and running game to boot.

Having beefed up (literally) their running attack this offseason with additions of 240-pound Peyton Hillis and 225-pound rookie Montario Hardesty, the Browns look to have a run heavy offensive game plan in 2010.

Unfortunately, Hardesty has twisted his knee and will be out for "a few weeks" according to head coach Eric Mangini, which gives other running back like Hillis a chance to get more reps.

Hillis has been running with the second-team offense and he has been stellar catching passes both out of the backfield and lined up as a slot receiver too.

But 2009 standout running back Jerome Harrison has benefited by Hardesty's absence more than any other back in the roster because Hardesty was reportedly threatening to start over Harrison this year.

In a random interview right on the field after Sunday's practice, Harrison was very open and honest.

"One thing that I learned from this league, is don't expect anything. There's nothing given to you. After last year was over, it was over. It's the start of a new year, back to competing for the starting job all over again," said Harrison regarding the Browns bringing on more running backs this offseason.

"My offensive line dominated across the board, from tight ends all the way to the backside guard. I think as a unit we performed very well and held each other accountable and got into a good groove," said Harrison regarding the end of 2009.

"I think we are ahead of schedule. I think we are on pace and I think we have a real good feel for each other now," said Harrison.

Another reporter asked Harrison if he gets tired of hearing about his durability issues and if he can play a full 16-game schedule and Harrison told that reporter that "you're writing it, so quit writing it!"

Harrison and the reporters all laughed, but he said that he doesn't get tired of hearing about it because it all revolves around his size.

“When big running backs get hurt, it’s okay, it’s fine, but when a little running back gets hurt, he’s injury prone," said Harrison.

Good points by Harrison and it is nice to see that he is cracking jokes and still able to stay focused because while Hardesty is down, he is the Browns' No. 1 running back and if he and the offensive line are really clicking right out of the gate in training camp, then that could make for some great rushing performances of both him and other backs on the team this season.

(Daniel Wolf is exclusively covering the Browns training camp for both Bleacher Report and Dawg Scooper: THE Cleveland Browns Blog.)