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The Cleveland Browns hopes hinge on the production of Jamal Lewis. The former fifth pick out of the draft and NFL offensive rookie of the year is coming off seasons that were a shadow of the pro bowl caliber seasons he once had. Lewis rushed for a respectable 1132 yards and 9 touchdowns last season. The troubling part of those numbers is that he only picked up 3.6 yards per carry and the previous season only ran for 906 yards and 3.4 each rushing attempt.

The Cleveland Browns need the ground game to keep the pressure of Charlie Frye and maybe Brady Quinn if he gets his chance in the middle part of the year. The offensive line is retooled and looked above average this preseason. If Lewis doesn't produce it will be a long year for Romeo Crennel and Phil Savage whose jobs may be in jeopardy if the Clevland Browns aren't at least a respectable squad. If Lewis doesn't gain at least 1100 yards (an average of about 70 per game) it will be disastrous to both the offensive and defensive units.)

Lewis is said to have come into camp in phenomenal shape. He better be ready to carry the ball all season as the Cleveland Browns have two unproven players backing up Lewis in Jason Wright and Jerome Harrison. Both are likely too small to carry the ball 20 times a game so keeping Lewis healthy and productive is a must for the team. Lewis's season was tormented by ankle spurs in 2006 that he said have healed. He stated that he played much of the year with bone spurs in the ankles. If he is correct and the injury bug is behind him the Clevland Browns could have a great free agent pick up. If he is damaged goods and cannot regain at least 80% of his former production, the Cleveland Browns could once again be the laughing stock of the league.

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