Browns RB James Davis -- potential flier? (1 Viewer)

[Jameson]

Seeing a lot of Keiland Williams talk among the deep-waiver crowd, and that makes sense. But what about James Davis? It sounds like he could have a shot to show what he can do... says this Plain-Dealer article.

And it makes some sense. The Browns clearly don't see Harrison as a feature guy. They've practically gone out of their way to indicate that. And then he adds to their disfavor by averaging 3.4 ypc and losing a fumble. So if he's moving down, someone has to moving up. Hillis is a role player, and with two fumbles of his own already even that "role" could be in question.

Enter Davis, who bit some of us hard a year ago. Clearly he hasn't won the coaches over either; the guy has yet to get a carry and he was 4th on the depth chart before Hardesty went down. But he still has good size and speed, and he's shown he can catch the ball a bit. A matchup against the Ravens probably isn't the best venue to show it, but what do they have to lose letting him get a shot? This should be a good running team. And sometimes even the coaches don't know what they've got. (See: Haley, Todd)

Obviously, it's a reach. Maybe Davis is just that bad. But seems like he could be a decent deep league flier.

 

[Casting Couch]

I agree with this. He's a sharky stash. I think he will get his shot either this week or next.

 

[PIK95]

I agree with this. He's a sharky stash. I think he will get his shot either this week or next.

 

[Clifford]

how much of the ineptitude of harrison and hillis is due to the team and not their talent? No QB, no real receiving threats, there's just not much reason for teams not to sell out to the run against that team. I think even if Davis gets his chance he'd be hardly serviceable as a backup. I'm desperate in a couple of leagues but i just don't see it.

 

[Raider Nation]

Wait-n-see mode for me. I don't have room on my bench for a guy who may or may not be good and who may or may not play.

 

[Porkchop]

I can't believe there are two James Davis threads on the front page... as I've said in the many, many Browns RB discussions... I just don't get the 'sharky' love for him.

The Browns are a bad team with no stud RB, but they were willing to cut him a few weeks ago. His upside is he may get to be the 3rd man in what may already the least productive RBBC in the NFL. On a team that has had a 2:1 pass-run ratio, but who still hasn't been able to get movement out of their offensive line in the running game. All right when they enter one of the least RB-friendly schedules in the league.

There are a lot of backup RBs in the league who seem to have more chance of helping your fantasy team. Even if an injury would have to happen to get them in the lineup.

 

[gradin123]

I can't believe there are two James Davis threads on the front page... as I've said in the many, many Browns RB discussions... I just don't get the 'sharky' love for him.The Browns are a bad team with no stud RB, but they were willing to cut him a few weeks ago. His upside is he may get to be the 3rd man in what may already the least productive RBBC in the NFL. On a team that has had a 2:1 pass-run ratio, but who still hasn't been able to get movement out of their offensive line in the running game. All right when they enter one of the least RB-friendly schedules in the league.There are a lot of backup RBs in the league who seem to have more chance of helping your fantasy team. Even if an injury would have to happen to get them in the lineup.

I don't think anyone is in love with James Davis. However, I get the impression from what I have heard today that Harrison will not play this week either due to injury or because he is being benched. I may be reading way too much into the reports and press conferences I have heard out of Cleveland but I do think Harrison may be deep in the doghouse right now.If Harrison is held out this week and going forward that would mean it would be a committee of Hillis and Davis. Davis' value would still be limited unless he somehow took over a feature role.I am going to be listening very closely in the next couple of days to try and find out what exactly is going on with Harrison right now but he may be on the verge of being on the bench. The injury he missed practice today with almost seems made up.

 

[el-gato-grande]

James Davis is a BTDT.

 

[AcerFC]

James Davis is a BTDT.

Im at a loss hereBig Ten Defensive Tackle?

 

[zamboni]

Whatever happened with Chris Jennings - seemed to disappear after his fairly decent MNF performance last year against the Steelers.

 

[gradin123]

I can't believe there are two James Davis threads on the front page... as I've said in the many, many Browns RB discussions... I just don't get the 'sharky' love for him.

The Browns are a bad team with no stud RB, but they were willing to cut him a few weeks ago. His upside is he may get to be the 3rd man in what may already the least productive RBBC in the NFL. On a team that has had a 2:1 pass-run ratio, but who still hasn't been able to get movement out of their offensive line in the running game. All right when they enter one of the least RB-friendly schedules in the league.

There are a lot of backup RBs in the league who seem to have more chance of helping your fantasy team. Even if an injury would have to happen to get them in the lineup.

I don't think anyone is in love with James Davis. However, I get the impression from what I have heard today that Harrison will not play this week either due to injury or because he is being benched. I may be reading way too much into the reports and press conferences I have heard out of Cleveland but I do think Harrison may be deep in the doghouse right now.If Harrison is held out this week and going forward that would mean it would be a committee of Hillis and Davis. Davis' value would still be limited unless he somehow took over a feature role.

I am going to be listening very closely in the next couple of days to try and find out what exactly is going on with Harrison right now but he may be on the verge of being on the bench. The injury he missed practice today with almost seems made up.

Well Harrison will miss practice again today. Stay tuned. By the way, Harrison so far hasn't been available to the media since after last Sunday's game. He usually talks to the media quite a bit.

 

[amnesiac]

Wait-n-see mode for me. I don't have room on my bench for a guy who may or may not be good and who may or may not play.

i would suggest watching the game against Baltimore on Sunday.he very likely won't pile up many stats, which will keep him under the radar, but you can see how he looks against a good defense.if he does well with his carries, he may be worth picking up. seems like more of a deep dynasty guy to me though.

 

[Tacos al Carboner]

:hawkscreech:

 

[Clev4ever]

The talk here in Cleveland is that the play calling needs to get better. Mangini even questioned some of the calls. The Browns are a running team. The can run the ball well if they continue do so. But Baltimore this week obviously is a challenge. If you are in a deep league where Davis is available, you may want to stash him. Otherwise he isn't worth anything until he starts to get more reps. He is getting more reps in practice this week so I do expect to see him on the field for about 5 carries and maybe a receiving target or 2. Mangini has called out the team to step up or get benched. So Davis could see some time.

One thing we have learned here in Cleveland about Mangini is you have to earn your time on the field. If you do well in practice and show improvement everytime, you will get yours. Harrison slacked last year until late in the year when he was told if he would put more emphasis in running the ball, he could be the every down back. Hence the last 4 games of the year. Davis is that guy this year. He needs to get Mangini's attention by practicing hard and earn it.

 

[el-gato-grande]

James Davis is a BTDT.

Im at a loss hereBig Ten Defensive Tackle?

Been There, Done That

 

[gradin123]

Update on Harrison. Sounds like Hillis and Davis may carry the load this week. If you read between the lines it also sounds like Harrison may be dogging it a bit and using the injury as an excuse.

Obviously the matchup vs Baltimore isn't good but the bigger story here is Harrison may be in the process of mentally checking out on the team.

http://cle.scout.com/2/1005275.html

BEREA, Ohio—A bit of a surprise on this week's injury report was that Jerome Harrison missed Wednesday's practice with a thigh injury and was not out there on Thursday, as well.

Eric Mangini said he thought Harrison was going to practice Wednesday, but the leg tightened up.

“That sometimes happens, the plan was for him to have some limited reps, and my expectation was he would go out there but sometimes it stiffens up,” Mangini said. ”I thought he would practice Wednesday.”

Mangini did say that he thought Harrison would be able to return to practice on Friday, but didn't know what his status for the game would be.

If that happens, the load would most likely shift to Peyton Hillis and, possibly, James Davis.

“If Jerome is nursing his wounds and can't go out there, the rest of the backs need to pick up the slack,” Hillis said.

Hillis has carried the ball 17 times for 76 yards, including two touchdowns and a 4.5 average. Harrison has 25 carries for 85 yards (3.4 avg.)

Davis hasn't carried the ball in the regular season since the two games he played in 2009 before he injured his shoulder and went on injured reserve. He carried nine times for 15 yards (1.7 avg.) and caught four passes for five yards. His longest run was just five yards.

“I've played a lot on special teams and if Jerome doesn't go Sunday, there is a possibility that I'll be in a position to play and get some carries,” Davis said. “If he can't play, definitely, I want to step up and take advantage of the chance to play.”

Davis said that he is doing everything he can to get on the field.

“(The coaches) told me it's how you practice and if you practice well, you'll get a chance and I practiced well yesterday.”

Mangini likes Davis’ attitude.

“I love that answer and that's what you want to hear,” Mangini said. “That is, I'm going to practice so hard you cannot not play me.”

Mangini said Davis had a good start to the week.

“I thought he had a good day and I was pleased with what he did with his chances,” Mangini said. “You never want somebody to be injured, but the guys down the depth chart have their chance when that happens.”

The Browns haven't been able to get their running game going to the effect they did at the end of the last four games in 2009. They have averaged just 3.6 yards per carry in the first two games with a total of 177 yards on the ground.

“It just takes repetition and getting used to your line and the backs getting used to reading the schemes,” Hillis said. “But I can tell you it's going to come eventually. I don't know when it's going to come, but it's going to come.”

Hillis said if his number is called to carry the majority of the load, he's ready.

I've got to,” he said. “The Lord put in the position here to succeed and I have to take

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Browns | Jerome Harrison sits out Thursday

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:54:55 -0700

Cleveland Browns RB Jerome Harrison (thigh) did not participate in practice Thursday, Sept. 23.

0 Comments | Share: Tweet! Share on Facebook | Source: KFFL.com

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/...08/post_26.html

[John ####z / The Plain Dealer

Running back James Davis was the hit of last year's training camp, but this year he must show coaches he has recovered from a shoulder injury that caused him to miss most of last year. He also has strong competition for a roster spot.

BEREA, Ohio — Older and wiser?

"Oh, yeah," Browns running back James Davis says with a wry chuckle. "Definitely."

A year ago, he was the training camp phenom as a rookie. Averaged 7.8 yards per carry in preseason. Broke an 81-yard run for a touchdown. Looked poised to replace Jamal Lewis as the feature back.

Then Davis had two "welcome to the NFL" moments in the first month of the season. His career was put on a shelf. He spent the year out of sight and out of mind.

The off-season was nearly as cruel to him. The Browns drafted a running back high, Montario Hardesty, and traded for another, Peyton Hillis, to compete with three-game sensation Jerome Harrison. Davis was nudged even lower down the totem pole.

All of which has hardened Davis' resolve and given him an edge in his second training camp.

"I can't wait to get to the season," he said this week. "That's what I've been working for.

"I want to prove people wrong, that James Davis is the real deal. I just want my shot."

Davis' rookie preseason was almost a dream. He led the team in rushing with 187 yards on 24 attempts. He ran past defenders like they were out of position, leaving them groping at his dust trails.

Davis was warned by coaches and teammates that the speed of the game would pick up in the opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Sure enough, the holes disappeared. He looked overmatched on four carries. On the last one, Davis was leveled to the ground on a hit to his left shoulder by cornerback Antoine Winfield.

But that wasn't the injury that would make national headlines and launch an investigation by the NFL and the players union.

Enlarge John ####z, The Plain Dealer

Quarterback Seneca Wallace throws during a passing drill. (John ####z / The Plain Dealer)

Cleveland Browns gather for camp in Berea gallery (13 photos)

A few weeks later, Davis was hurt in one of coach Eric Mangini's "opportunity periods" after a team practice. His shoulder was injured again in a one-on-one blocking drill. ESPN.com reported that witnesses said Davis was not wearing pads while the player who hit him was wearing pads. Davis suffered a torn labrum and needed surgery, ending his season. Unidentified union sources were "outraged," ESPN reported.

Mangini denied any wrongdoing, and the Browns eventually were cleared.

Linebacker and special teams ace Blake Costanzo, who put the hit on Davis, said this week that both players were wearing "shells." Shells are the foam padding inside the regular plastic shoulder pads. Players routinely wear them in light practice sessions.

"We were just doing a drill in practice, and unfortunately he got injured," Costanzo said. "It's like one we do every day -- one-on-one pass rush with a running back. I guess he caught his arm the wrong way and got injured. The way he moved his shoulder, I guess, is how he got injured.

"It was nothing like I had pads on and he didn't. I don't know where that came from. I guess it was blown out of proportion."

Davis was asked directly if the injury occurred the way ESPN reported.

"I mean, I put it behind me," he said. "I don't even think about it any more. It was a freak accident that happened. I just have to learn to live with it."

He said there was no need for an apology, and he never considered asking for his release to pursue his career with another team.

Related stories

Later night, later start on line in scrimmage: Browns Insider

Training camp log for Friday

Transcript from Eric Mangini's news conference

"Because this is the team that drafted me, and this is the team that I think feels good about me," Davis said. "I never looked at anything in a negative way. Coach Mangini called me during my rehab. That was encouraging that they really liked me."

The whole experience matured him, Davis said.

"When I got injured, I didn't just go home and rehab," he said. "I stayed here to rehab and went to meetings. That stuff matured me a lot. I don't worry about anything when I'm on the field now. I'm a lot calmer, and I know what's going on."

Mangini said Davis is a better player in his second camp. He cited his improved recognition in picking up pass-rush schemes and said he appears to be playing stronger because of better technique in gaining leverage against defenders.

"I'm excited to see him in the preseason games and see what he can do and how far he has come along over the course of the year," Mangini said.

Davis said he feels stronger than before the injury. He has gotten a lot of looks in the first week of camp because of injuries to Hardesty and Hillis. He is intent on proving his rookie preseason was no fluke.

The ordeal also has won him the respect of teammates.

"Coach preaches about the team aspect. James is a team player to the fullest," Costanzo said. "He stayed here with us [last year], supported us the whole season, worked his butt off to get ready to play. It looks like he hasn't skipped a beat from last year."

© 2010 cleveland.com. All rights reserved.

 

[Raider Nation]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCo_oAglu48 - Pretty impressive.

Keep in mind he was playing against a bunch of guys who are now waiting tables. But he was playing WITH scrubs, too.

 

[Joe Summer]

There is nothing about this guy's past and nothing about the Cleveland Browns offense that supports the idea that Davis could be a viable fantasy player in 2010.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

There is nothing about this guy's past and nothing about the Cleveland Browns offense that supports the idea that Davis could be a viable fantasy player in 2010.

He's a hard-nosed worker with a chip on his *ahem* shoulder, on a team with two backs who are both struggling to get the job done.He may not be a viable RB1, but I think there are more than a few things that point to a place setting at the fantasy table for Davis.That said, until more develops, I'm not sure I'm ready to drop a backup RB who is already seeing time in a share (Jennings, BJGE/Morris, Sproles/Tolbert, etc.) for a flier on Davis just yet. But am keeping an eye on this.

 

[Raider Nation]

There is nothing about this guy's past and nothing about the Cleveland Browns offense that supports the idea that Davis could be a viable fantasy player in 2010.

Couldn't you have said the very same thing about Harrison prior to the final 3 games last year?

 

[Joe Summer]

There is nothing about this guy's past and nothing about the Cleveland Browns offense that supports the idea that Davis could be a viable fantasy player in 2010.

Couldn't you have said the very same thing about Harrison prior to the final 3 games last year?

Harrison had been in the league for 3 seasons and had a career YPC of 5.8. (Only Ahmad Bradshaw and Jerious Norwood had a higher YPC with minimum 50 carries during that span.)Davis has yet to rush the ball in a real NFL game.

 

[Raider Nation]

There is nothing about this guy's past and nothing about the Cleveland Browns offense that supports the idea that Davis could be a viable fantasy player in 2010.

Couldn't you have said the very same thing about Harrison prior to the final 3 games last year?

Harrison had been in the league for 3 seasons and had a career YPC of 5.8. (Only Ahmad Bradshaw and Jerious Norwood had a higher YPC with minimum 50 carries during that span.)Davis has yet to rush the ball in a real NFL game.

While that stat is nice, it's also misleading. Prior to last year, Harrison had never carried the ball more than 34 times in an entire season. And he was also a 3rd-down back, meaning he would pop draw plays for a relatively meaningless 12 yards on 3rd & 20. If he was averaging 5.8 YPC as a full-time back, now you have something.

 

[Sam Quentin]

Browns were going toi cut this guy. Now he may luck his way into an opportunity. If the passing game gets in sync he could get a lot of undue credit going forward.

 

[Sam Quentin]

There is nothing about this guy's past and nothing about the Cleveland Browns offense that supports the idea that Davis could be a viable fantasy player in 2010.

good O-line1st 2 weeks they've played against underrated Defenses.

 

[ponchsox]

The question is, is Davis even any good if he plays? I'm taking a wait and see approach. I don't want to trade a bench guy for someone who is potentially worse.

 

[grouse]

There is nothing about this guy's past and nothing about the Cleveland Browns offense that supports the idea that Davis could be a viable fantasy player in 2010.

That is just so weak. FF's present and past is littered with players who came out of nowhere with little pedigree or hype who became fantasy relevant players and in some cases, stars - even on teams that reside safely below the NFL's Mendoza Line. Not saying James Davis will be the next one, but to discount him outright based on his limited history and a struggling offense, is a fallacy.The Browns schedule is not run-friendly. But Davis may excel at catching check-down passes. He caught 11 balls in preseason, so he could theoretically contribute in that phase of the game as well.

 

[SCT]

Wasn't there a period in the past season or two where Davis was the guy the buzz was about because he got a shot and did well for a short while?

 

[The_Underachiever]

Wasn't there a period in the past season or two where Davis was the guy the buzz was about because he got a shot and did well for a short while?

From wiki: After appearing in the season's first three games, Davis was placed on injured reserve on October 3, after allegedly being tackled by a Cleveland Browns linebacker in practice and suffering a torn labrum. It was initially reported Davis did not have shoulder pads on while the linebacker that tackled him did. However, an investigation by the NFL concluded that the injury occurred in a "controlled environment" and no league policies were violated.

And just an update from Rotoworld: Browns coach Eric Mangini indicated that Jerome Harrison (thigh) won't practice on Friday.

Mangini expected Harrison to practice each day this week, but Harrison's thigh remains tight. While Mangini refuses to rule him out for Sunday's game, it sounds like Harrison could be dealing with a quad injury. Expect James Davis to see an increased role as Peyton Hillis' committee partner in a tough matchup at Baltimore.

 

[daveR]

Adding my local take...

Davis has ability on par with Harrison and Hillis. He will get some opportunities / touches soon, probably this week. He doesn't suck, but will never be a RB1. The probable ceiling for him is half of a RBBC.

(see sig.)

 

[TommyGilmore]

[John ####z / The Plain Dealer

Dickz? Cockz? Negroz?

 

[daveR]

[John ####z / The Plain Dealer

Dickz? Cockz? Negroz?

####z?Yup. That's it. A misspelling (with a K) of slang for female privates.

 

[rowmacks]

[John ####z / The Plain Dealer

Dickz? Cockz? Negroz?

####z?Yup. That's it. A misspelling (with a K) of slang for female privates.

Mulva?

 

[AcerFC]

[John ####z / The Plain Dealer

Dickz? Cockz? Negroz?

####z?Yup. That's it. A misspelling (with a K) of slang for female privates.

Klitz

 

[PC Load Letter]

[John ####z / The Plain Dealer

Dickz? Cockz? Negroz?

####z?Yup. That's it. A misspelling (with a K) of slang for female privates.

Koobz?

 

[PizzaDeliveryGuy]

[John ####z / The Plain Dealer

Dickz? Cockz? Negroz?

####z?Yup. That's it. A misspelling (with a K) of slang for female privates.

Kwatz?

 

[Badm]

I unfortunately dont have alot of options this week. Usually I start Felix as my RB2 (16 team league) but Davis has been talking smack. If there was ever a week he was going to perform, its this week. Baltimore's Run D has been good, but not awesome. I'm gonna give him a shot as long as Harrison is OUT.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

I unfortunately dont have alot of options this week. Usually I start Felix as my RB2 (16 team league) but Davis has been talking smack. If there was ever a week he was going to perform, its this week. Baltimore's Run D has been good, but not awesome. I'm gonna give him a shot as long as Harrison is OUT.

If there's gonna be a guy that shines vs the balt d (a la benson last year) it's gonna take a helluva lot of heart and grit, and that seems what this guy has after being relegated to the bench for so long. Better than a lot of other fliers out there. this guy could be the next sedrick irvin or he could be the next ced benson. Let's hope 4 the latter

 

[Babu Bhatt2]

Davis is my early favorite for WW pickup of the week.

 

[EricInCT]

Don't give up on Harrison just yet. He will get his touches going forward, he was clearly down when the ball came out I was watching the game and the 4 replays. He has a reception of 23 yards and a run of 39 yards in just two weeks. The O-line on this team is horrendous and the defense knows when they will run the ball. Harrison is still number one on the depth chart.

Davis will rush 12 times for 35 yards today. Not worth it to me to pick him up.

It will be a brutal game today. 33-10 is my guess.

 

[Tacos al Carboner]

Browns | James Davis trying to earn touches Sun Sep 26, 11:13 AMCleveland Browns RB James Davis said he is 100 percent healthy entering Week 3 and he is about 213 pounds, which is about seven pounds heavier than he was last year, reports Tony Grossi, of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Davis also said there is no question that he is the team's fastest offensive player. Davis feels he showed in the preseason that he can add a spark to the offense and he is trying to do it during practice now, too. There is a chance he could see some playing time against the Baltimore Ravens during Week 3.

 

[FinFangFoom]

[John ####z / The Plain Dealer

Dickz? Cockz? Negroz?

####z?Yup. That's it. A misspelling (with a K) of slang for female privates.

Kwatz?

 

[Casting Couch]

Fire up the James Davis talk again, I think his value just received a bump with Hillis hurt and Harrison shipped off to Philly.

 

[Clifford]

If they had traded Harrison for a pick that would be one thing, but they traded Harrison for a back with much more success than Davis. This bumps Bell, not Davis. I think people need to forget about Davis. The trade was far from a VOC by the coaching staff.

 

[GManiac]

I'm starting to think James Davis and the Browns have a "Weekend at Bernie's " situation on their hands. How else can you explain why he's been invisible. You would think a team in need of a RB would have at least thrown in the guy who always does well in preseason.

 

[FavreCo]

When a practice squad player says no to joining your team, you gotta know you, (Carolina), suck. He would rather not even dress than dress and play for Carolina.

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

When a practice squad player says no to joining your team, you gotta know you, (Carolina), suck. He would rather not even dress than dress and play for Carolina.

Hmm. They upped his $ to keep him, and are going to activate him this week to the 53-man roster so no one can steal him. They like him, he thinks he can succeed better in DC than in a place where the RBs are dropping like flies. These two elements tell me that we may have something here. It may be later in the year, or even next year. But they like this guy...