The Plain Dealer
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on December 05, 2014 at 5:56 PM
BEREA, Ohio -- It's been more than a year since Browns rookie running back Glenn Winston has carried the ball in a game that counts, and he's practically bursting out of his shoulder pads.
"I'm just looking to let the chains off the beast, that's all,'' he said.
With Isaiah Crowell questionable with his hip injury and Terrance West working his way back into the coaches' good graces after that costly fumble last week in Buffalo, Winston might get his first opportunity to tote the football Sunday against the Colts.
"I got more reps this week than I've gotten the whole season, so hopefully,'' he said. "Last week I was probably getting like one rep each period, so it's been maybe three to four with the (first-reamers), so obviously that's pretty good.'
And if he does get the ball in his hands?
"Lights, camera, action,'' he said.
Coach Mike Pettine hinted Friday that he's considering sitting West down because he's been careless with the football, but quickly reversed field. If he does bench West -- for the second time this season -- newcomer Shaun Draughn would be active. Draughn, signed this week, took reps with the regular offense and has an outside shot to replace West on the 53-man roster.
"
There's a chance,'' said Pettine. "(West) had a good week though. He took ownership of it. I think he realized that the impact that that play had, and you could tell. He was very much accountable for it."
Winston, who was kicked off the Michigan State football teammate for two fights that landed him in jail and ended up at Northwood University in Midland, Mich., is hungrier than most after going undrafted out of college.
"They'll find a true competitor, a teammate, one of the best teammates on this team -- a good athlete that's just been slept on,'' he said. "I would say that I'm physical. Faster than people realize and a better blocker than most. Just a competitor.''
Hands out of the backfield?
"Oh yea
, I feel like I've got the best hands on the team,'' he said.
Wait, haven't we heard that somewhere before? Better than safety Tashaun Gipson?
"Better than everybody,'' he said.
At 6-2, 220, Winston looks ready to punish defenders with his rock-solid frame.
"I feel like me and Crowell have sort of the same style,'' he said. "I feel like I've got more speed downfield than he does. He's probably a little bit quicker than I am. But I feel like we've got the same style.''
And West?
"He's probably a little more shifty than I am, but like I said,
I'm more of a downhill-type of guy with better speed,'' he said.
Does he pity the guy who has to tackle him the first time out?
"That's the name of the game, man. Just bring your helmet, that's all.
The game is more than a chance for Winston to help the Browns get to the playoffs, which is his first priority.
"It's an opportunity to show what I can do, what (the other teams) missed out on and I'm motivated.''
In regards to his ball security, which is a huge point of emphasis this week, Winston swears it's a strength.
"I pride myself on holding onto to the ball,'' said Winston. " It's a religion. It's a mindset. Just run hard and fly.
His arm bears a "Chosen One'' tattoo, but he swears it has nothing to do with LeBron James.
"I got this when I was going through my little off-the-field situation to always stay motivated and remember you're the chosen one,'' he said. " You know that and later on they all will know it.''
As for West, he spent all week working on protecting the football and is eager for another chance.
"It was just one mistake and I learned from it,'' he said. "I know what I did wrong. I fumbled the ball. I messed up. I had the ball in the wrong arm, on the wrong side and it was a good play by the defense.''
He's hoping it doesn't cost him playing time, but "it is what it is. I was out there running with the one this week. When my number gets called again, I've just got to bounce back from it.''
He noted, "the greatest players ever to play the game fumbled the ball, Adrian Peterson, Emmitt Smith, Marshall Faulk. You just can't let it be consistent mistakes.''
In the meantime, he knows that the chiseled Winston is ready for his chance.
"He's aggressive, he's got speed, good vision,'' said West. "His time is going to come.''