Cleveland Browns: Mike Bell Needs to Take a Load Off Of Peyton Hillis

Through eleven games in the Cleveland Browns season so far, a few things about Peyton Hillis are pretty obvious. For example, he is arguably the best power back in the NFL. He plays through injuries. He is the MVP for the Browns.

What is also obvious, but is like nails on a chalk board to hear, is that Hillis fumbles consistently. He also gets hurt and tires out due to lack of rest during games. For the Browns to have a solid chance of winning week in and week out this needs to change.

Hillis and his fumble issues won't change overnight but there is a way to improve that. Give him less carries. And before you argue, I'm only thinking on the bright side because Hillis getting less carries is also the solution to his injury and fatigue problems.

At the beginning of the season it was suppose to be Jerome Harrison and James Davis. Both are gone and know the Browns have Mike Bell. He has 50 yards on 32 carries this season for both the Browns and Eagles.

Now his past numbers do not matter, all that matters is he has put up solid numbers before and this is no reason he shouldn't be able to do it again. This may seem like a stretch but it is to this writer's opinion Bell's lack of production this season is do to lack of rhythm.

Sure he has 32 carries but they are all spaced out and he has no continuous play. The Browns need to give him the ball on a consistent basis no matter what his stats are just to see what he can do. What is the point of having him on the roster if you don't use him or he doesn't produce?

Now is perfect more than ever. Days away from playing against the Bills in Buffalo where it is predicted to be a snow storm, running the ball will be most of the offense. One can expect well over 30 carries. Not all of the Carries should rest on the hands of Hillis.

In 30 carries Bell should get at least 8 give or take a few. If Hillis is successful, throw a few more carries to Bell to see how good he can compliment Hillis even when he is having a solid game. Bell shouldn't only have to take pressure of Hillis when the running game is lost. A breather during a great game will do wonders as well.

The only time Hillis should get the ball on running plays no matter what is in the Redzone. He is a beast when inside scoring range and that's where he is most deadly.

Imagine a game where Hillis had 20 carries for around 80-90 yards and Bell had 10 carries for around 40-50 yards. In the end, no matter who has what stats that's near 150 rushing yards.

And when you think about it, Hillis has 52 receptions on the season and two for touchdowns. That's 50 times Hillis has been tackled when he didn't run the ball. He sure gives out a beating to opposing defenders but he takes one in the meantime.

To sum it all up, give Bell the ball. Let him see the field even when he isn't running the ball. Give him time to get a rhythm going. If so Hillis as well as Bell can become more deadly, creating a solid duo.

(Side Note: I doubt this will happen even though it should. Mangini and Daboll are fighting for their jobs and won't take the ball away from Hillis. It's a shame just thinking about it)