Peyton Hillis and Cleveland Browns Show How to Run vs. the Baltimore Ravens

The Cleveland Browns went to Baltimore to face an always tough and tenacious Ravens defense that rarely allows a 100-yard rusher in games.

Even though the Browns lost 24-17, they just showed the NFL a new blueprint on how to beat up the Ravens' tough run defense—by running right at and into the heart of the defense.

A disappointing loss for the Browns, but only losing by seven points to a Ravens team that many in the preseason favored to go to the Super Bowl is a sign of progress.

The star of the game was Peyton Hillis.

His bruising style of running and churning of his powerful legs were on display to the tune of 144 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown.

And that was just on the ground.

Hillis also caught seven passes for 36 yards, but it is the yards per carry (6.5) that really stand out.

That was against a Ravens defense that was ranked in the top five in run defense in 2009 and had not allowed a 100-plus yard runner since Week 9 of the 2009 season (Cincinnati's Cedric Benson).

With a blueprint laid out for the rest of the NFL to analyze, the Ravens run defense will now face a battle of opposing offenses running directly at them and no longer trying to use their speed to run around them anymore.

If you have a power back, then you have a chance against the Ravens.

Hillis has obviously solidified himself as the Browns' No. 1 running back on the depth chart now. Jerome Harrison will most likely be the third-down and change-of-pace back, while Hillis pounds defenses and wears them out.

Browns fans may be disappointed about the loss and 0-3 record, but they have to be excited to now know they have a starting running back who can beat up divisional opponents who pride themselves on their defense.

The Bengals are next and the Pittsburgh Steelers are looming in the shadows in three weeks.

Let the AFC North power football begin. The Browns will be leading the way behind their new starter who thinks of himself as The Incredible Hulk.

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(Also posted on Dawg Scooper: THE Cleveland Browns Blog)