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Y! MyWebBrowns' Vickers to play bigger role on offense
COMMENT: How good will the Browns' offense be this year?
Sunday, July 06, 2008
The Cleveland Browns had one of the most potent offenses in the NFL last year, finishing the season ranked No. 8 overall. That being said, the team is looking to improve on that success in 2008 by adding a new twist to their offense that will center on fullback Lawrence Vickers.
The fullback position was thought to be a dying breed, but with the way that Vickers performed last season has forced Browns offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski to cook up some diabolical schemes to get his fullback more involved in the team's offense.
Look for the Browns to utilize Vickers much like the San Francisco 49ers used fullback Tom Rathman during their championship years.
During an interview with Vickers on Friday, he talked about his new role on offense and the team as a whole.
Learning continues
"My role will be changing to allow me to do more things on offense," Vickers said. "Just from me showing that I can handle the things that were thrown at me early on. This is my second year in the offense and I'm learning more. I feel like I'm growing more and more as a professional and look forward to the challenge. The opportunity to play a bigger role on offense means a lot to me."
It is no surprise why the team is looking to get Vickers more involved. He shows good running and pass-catching skills and is a premier blocker in every situation. He explodes into defenders like a Sherman tank and his versatility is unmatched.
Blocks for Lewis
Vickers' bulldozing blocks cleared the way for running back Jamal Lewis to rush for 1300-plus yards and helped revitalize the runner's career. When he wasn't blocking for Lewis, he was making things happen for himself. Vickers became the team's go-to-guy in short yardage situations converting eight of nine attempts on third-and-one. He finished the season tied for third in the league among rushers in that category and was named as a second alternate for the 2008 Pro Bowl at fullback.
Vickers said the chemistry between he and Lewis is great and that the two clicked right away.
Souped-up offense
The Browns' offense poses a serious threat across the board and is no longer considered one dimensional. They have the ability to run or pass in any given situation.
The total makeup of the offense is rather unique. You have two outstanding key receivers in Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow, and even their third-and-fourth receivers Joe Jurevicius and Donte' Stallworth are starting caliber players.
The offensive line is developing rapidly and they have some depth there as well. The backfield is top flight and the quarterback position is set for the future. The Browns appear to be stacked with firepower in every aspect on offense.
No QB controversy
When asked about the team's quarterback situation, Vickers let it be known that there is no quarterback controversy in Cleveland.
"Derek [Anderson] is our leader," he said. "The coaches put Derek out there and now that he's the starter he is leading our team. That's not to say that the other two guys aren't capable of getting the job done, but whoever is in the game is going to be our leader. That's just how we work here as a team."
Vickers said the team looks good on paper but they're looking to take their game to the next level.
The nation will have an opportunity to watch this exciting offense with five prime-time games on the team's schedule.
For the love of Romeo
There is a consensus among the players I have talked to who says that there is an added incentive to play harder and win for head coach Romeo Crennel. Vickers was no exception and ranks at the top of the list.
"Coach is a guy who will go to bat for you and take up for you," Vickers said. "He is someone you can talk to at all times. He's the kind of guy you can have a personal relationship with.
"When you go out on the field you keep that in the back of your mind and want to play harder for him. You want to be around a guy like that and want a guy like that as your head coach. It's a great feeling."
Crennel is known as a players coach and so far his troops have bought into his leadership and are ready to battle to the end for their beloved coach.
High expectations
The 6-foot, 250-pound Vickers is like C4 blowing up defenders in the hole. He runs behind his pads, keeping them low and plays with a mean streak. After a few dropped passes last season he worked diligently during the offseason improving on his overall skills.
Vickers is entering his third year with the team and it didn't take long for the coaching staff to recognize the type of ability he possesses.
Playing in every game in '07 has allowed the fullback to find his niche and now he is expected to play a significant role in the offense. Vickers will provide the high-powered offense with a spark once he gets his mojo going.
"I set the bar high and welcome the challenge and all that comes along with it," Vickers said. "Last season was a great stepping stone for me and I want to use that to my advantage."
He will get his chance.
Justin Timberlake claims to have brought sexy back. Now the Browns will look to bring back a fullback position nearing extinction with Vickers. In other words, the Browns are looking to get their sexy on.
Carlos "Big C" Holmes covers the NFL for the Dayton Daily News.
More NFL draft coverage: Catch the latest NFL news, subscribe to the RSS feed, or get automatic e-mail notification of the latest news for you teams at BigCProFootball.com and DaytonDailyNews.com/Big C.
Comments
By Browns fan101
July 15, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
“Getting there sexy on!” You bet!Last year was nothing but a tease and as far as Vickers goes…Most Browns fans will hate me for saying this …but, Oh well. Only the likes of that coach in New England would know the sexyness of a back like Vickers. I saw it in him the first couple of times that he had touches. Vickers is the suprise man! I saw the twinkle in Romeo’s eyes last year and I expect him to unleash it all this season.Time to let the Dawgs Out!
By Matt
July 8, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
Congrats Lawrence- Way to represent The University of Colorado in the NFL. Best of luck and Go Buffs!
By Matt
July 8, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
Congrats Lawrence- Way to represent The University of Colorado in the NFL. Best of luck and Go Buffs!
By Stef5358
July 8, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Good article, I like how Vickers plays. He’s a bruiser who seems to have all the tools needed to be successful. Vickers is a definate asset and it’s good to see that he’ll be a bigger part of our offense this year. As for Winslow, I’m still not completely sold on him yet. Until he can block and knock people down as well as catch and run, SHUT THE HECK UP! he’s not all that yet…
By BrownsFan
July 8, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Question for ya Mike: What type of TE is Kellen Winslow? In football terms, he’s known as a RECEIVING tight end! I bet you never played a down of football in your life jock snuffer. If you had you wouldn’t have made the comment about Winslow being a key receiver. What a freakin’ nerd!
By Big Ben/Denver, Co
July 8, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Serious Browns fan that moved to Denver, Co in 2006 from Cleveland. This team is really going to be something special this year and to say that their offense is explosive is an understatement. No lead is safe when the Browns offense is on the field, they can put points up in a hurry or grind it out when needed. Defensively they look to be much improved and look to be a dominating defense that can wreck havoc. Browns will a beast in the AFC. Go Browns!!!
By Mike
July 8, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Article is well-written and researched? Really? How much research do you have to do to know that Kellen Winslow is a TE and not a receiver? Anyways…
It is great to hear that Vickers will be considered a key “chess piece” in Chud’s offense! I’m really impressed with his pass-catching ability and of course the way he hits the holes relentlessly!
By BrownsFan
July 8, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
But yet you read the story! Didn’t you John BOY?! You’re probably some tired old Bengals fan who is obviously a Hater! Get a life! Rock on Browns!
By John
July 7, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
How does one go about getting a job as a sportswriter at the DDN? Do they hand these jobs out now in boxes of Cracker Jack? Remember the glory days of Hal McCoy and Tom Archdeacon? Now we’ve got Justin Timberlake quotes to support the Browns’ offensive moves. Wonderful.
By John
July 7, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
How does one get a job at the DDN writing sports columns? Do they hand these jobs out in boxes of Cracker Jack?
By John
July 7, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
How does one get a job at the DDN writing sports columns? Do they hand these jobs out in boxes of Cracker Jack?
By Roy
July 7, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
This is our year! Vickers is gonna improve us on the offense and with Willlams and Rogers on Defense I believe we are the team to beat in the AFC altogether. GO BROWNS fron this little Pennsylvania town called Ridgway
By CleveFan
July 7, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
You folks get behind our DAWGS. I think in for fanominal season. One the BROWNS fans won’t 4get. Coach Romeo show Belich that learned football from you. Cleveland is LOVIN’ you Let’s get to the SUPERBOWL.
By BengalFan
July 7, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Big C does have a nice flair about ’em! I think the Browns can get to the next level if their defense holds up. A lot is said about the offense, but where’s the D? Question: Why do they call dude Big C?
By Jason
July 7, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
If I wasn’t already excited about this upcoming season, this article would have definitely pushed me over the edge! I loved how you broke down our offense! Those people over at the NFL Network couldn’t have said it better!
This is the first article written by you that I have read, but I will surely look for more! Keep it up, and GO BROWNS!
By Boss2
July 7, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Hey Big C!,
Love your comment about the Browns bringing their SEXY Back! Your articles are always well-written, researched, and I can always find a bit of humor in them, with your twist on words. I look forward to reading them; especially when they are on the Browns! Keep up the good work….
By FCnLA
July 7, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Big C,
Great article. Well written, well researched, and very informative.
PHIL SAVAGE IS THE BOSS, AND GO BROWNS IN 2008. fc/los angeles
By Slim from Cle-Town
July 7, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Hey Big C,
Love the comment of the Browns getting their sexy on! I think the Browns are the team to beat in the AFC North. All the other teams appear to be a step behind while the Browns continue to put it down. I say turn Vickers loose and create more havoc for opposing defenses. GO BROWNS!
By Slim from Cle-Town
July 7, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Hey Big C,
Love the comment of the Browns getting their sexy on! I think the Browns are the team to beat in the AFC North. All the other teams appear to be a step behind while the Browns continue to put it down. I say turn Vickers loose and create more havoc for opposing defenes. GO BROWNS!
By Thom
July 7, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Vickers is a great asset to the team! Go Browns! This is going to be a great year for the BROWNS!
By Artie-Clay
July 7, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Exactly! “stickin” Lawrence Vickers is a complete beast. He had some monster runnig games in college so we know he can tote it, his blocking was better than expected and his pass catchng is just icing. Glad to hear Chud has noticed. Rathman, Hoover, Alstott and now VICKERS! GO BROWNS!!!
By bigmike34
July 7, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
If the Browns will Just work Harrison’s Speed into the lineup the Running game will be very good..
Jerome is the only guy we have who can turn the corner and his quickness, elusiveness, burst and acceleration are second to none he is the ideal change of pace to our big guys…
Some say he has to many turnovers, HE HAS HAD NO TURNOVERS AS A PRO. (He has fumbled Once in a Regular season game and once In a preason game but we recovered both.
By bigmike34
July 7, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
They our prospects could be very good if they add Harrison’s speed to the Backfield. He is the only back we have that can run the corner and he is a totally different RB with his speed and elusiveness Add that element to the offense.
PS. Some say he turns the ball over. NOT ONE TURN OVER in the pre-season or Regular season as a pro. He has fumbled once in Pre-Season and once in Regular season but we recovered both. In the same period of time Wright has lost two fumbles one was turned into a
By Jason Barnes
July 7, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Its really good to hear that Vickers is putting it all out on the field for his team and for his coach there are way to many other players that go out and just try to earn a paycheck, its nice to hear that he is doing it for his team and the fans. GO BROWNS