Jamal Lewis (1 Viewer)

[Garts]

I think he will have a very good year in that offence.

Not too much behind him to siphon carries. Joe Thomas leading the OL with Derek Anderson and a good group of receivers should open up J-Lew for some nice games.

How much tread is left on those tires is my question?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

IMO a pretty good value play especially in traditional non-ppr leagues.

 

[Horsec]

Jason Wright... shhhhhh....

 

[puckalicious]

Unless the Brown's schedule is alot harder this year (?), I don't see why not to expect another top-10 season out of Jamal Lewis. It's not like he's over 30, he has a couple good years left I think.

 

[Banger]

He'll end up being a great 2nd back with top 10 upside. He's the workhorse in the offense and they should be able to move the ball up and down the field. Nice value.

 

[treat88]

Unless the Brown's schedule is alot harder this year (?), I don't see why not to expect another top-10 season out of Jamal Lewis. It's not like he's over 30, he has a couple good years left I think.

It is.8-8 could win the AFC North this season.He's a good value, no doubt, but I would temper my enthusiasm.Cleveland is not going to get to roll up sub .500 teams regularly as they did last season.Plus, Savage has created a win now expectation (not necessarily a bad thing) but with a QB situation that is tenuous at best this team is ripe for an implosion.

 

[stbugs]

Unless the Brown's schedule is alot harder this year (?), I don't see why not to expect another top-10 season out of Jamal Lewis. It's not like he's over 30, he has a couple good years left I think.

It is.8-8 could win the AFC North this season.He's a good value, no doubt, but I would temper my enthusiasm.Cleveland is not going to get to roll up sub .500 teams regularly as they did last season.Plus, Savage has created a win now expectation (not necessarily a bad thing) but with a QB situation that is tenuous at best this team is ripe for an implosion.

I haven't really looked at their schedule, but I remember that the second half of last season's was pretty easy run-wise according to FBG's SOS. It was funny because in one league where my running game played awfully in the first half (Jamal stunk early on) all of a sudden having Fred Taylor and Lewis was a great RB tandem at the end of the year.If Cleveland's run schedule is a lot tougher then I would temper my enthusiasm. I think Lewis will do well, but look at the first half of last year compared to his second half before just looking at end of year numbers. It is hard to know if it was the offense gelling or DA's passing prowess that opened up the running game or the easy run schedule or something else.

 

[MAC_32]

FYI - Lewis' best month in 07 was December, a sign he is not wearing down. I'd be higher on him if the schedule weren't so brutal. I'd be looking for him in the 2nd in non-ppr redrafts if he falls.

 

[TheFanatic]

Unless the Brown's schedule is alot harder this year (?), I don't see why not to expect another top-10 season out of Jamal Lewis. It's not like he's over 30, he has a couple good years left I think.

It is.8-8 could win the AFC North this season.

He's a good value, no doubt, but I would temper my enthusiasm.

Cleveland is not going to get to roll up sub .500 teams regularly as they did last season.

Plus, Savage has created a win now expectation (not necessarily a bad thing) but with a QB situation that is tenuous at best this team is ripe for an implosion.

I haven't really looked at their schedule, but I remember that the second half of last season's was pretty easy run-wise according to FBG's SOS. It was funny because in one league where my running game played awfully in the first half (Jamal stunk early on) all of a sudden having Fred Taylor and Lewis was a great RB tandem at the end of the year.If Cleveland's run schedule is a lot tougher then I would temper my enthusiasm. I think Lewis will do well, but look at the first half of last year compared to his second half before just looking at end of year numbers. It is hard to know if it was the offense gelling or DA's passing prowess that opened up the running game or the easy run schedule or something else.

Won me a championship.I think Jamal is a great grab for a redraft. But in Dynasty leagues, he's getting pretty long in the tooth. He might be productive in 2009, but I think it will be tough for him to get 16 starts in 2009...

 

[treat88]

They can only play the schedule they are given but, the Browns played only 4 teams over .500 last season finishing with a 1-3 record in those games.

The 1 win they got was a OT victory at home over the Seahawks.

Lewis went for 35, DNP, 37, and 35 yards in those 4 games. Pitt, NE, SEA, and Pitt respectively. Wright went for 59 in the NE loss. For fairness sake he did score 4 rushing TD's amongst his 37 yards in the SEA victory.

They played one team with an evev .500 record Houston. Lewis went for 134 in that game.

Lewis final six games came against Hou, Ari, NYJ, Buff, Cinn, and SF and accounted for 47% of his total yards. Throw in the week 2 performance against Cinn and those 7 games accounted for 70% of his total yards.

I'm not discounting those performances, but rather pointing out the dichotomy between Lewis' and the Browns performance vs winning teams and losing teams.

This season they will play 9 teams with an over .500 record from 07 and Houston again.

I say that the QB situation is tenuous because DA literally folded down the stretch and Quinn is unproven.

I don't think either can lead a team with playoff expectations thru the type of schedule Cle has this season with success.

Lewis has value, but the downside has as real a likelihood as the upside of 07.

 

[Yitbos69]

From a Fantasy perspective I really like him in redraft leagues......not so much in Dynasty.....I think he could put up 285/1250/8

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Jason Wright... shhhhhh....

Pretty good dynasty pick, isnt' he?

 

[DoubleG]

They can only play the schedule they are given but, the Browns played only 4 teams over .500 last season finishing with a 1-3 record in those games.The 1 win they got was a OT victory at home over the Seahawks.Lewis went for 35, DNP, 37, and 35 yards in those 4 games. Pitt, NE, SEA, and Pitt respectively. Wright went for 59 in the NE loss. For fairness sake he did score 4 rushing TD's amongst his 37 yards in the SEA victory.They played one team with an evev .500 record Houston. Lewis went for 134 in that game.Lewis final six games came against Hou, Ari, NYJ, Buff, Cinn, and SF and accounted for 47% of his total yards. Throw in the week 2 performance against Cinn and those 7 games accounted for 70% of his total yards.I'm not discounting those performances, but rather pointing out the dichotomy between Lewis' and the Browns performance vs winning teams and losing teams.This season they will play 9 teams with an over .500 record from 07 and Houston again.I say that the QB situation is tenuous because DA literally folded down the stretch and Quinn is unproven.I don't think either can lead a team with playoff expectations thru the type of schedule Cle has this season with success.Lewis has value, but the downside has as real a likelihood as the upside of 07.

While this is sound logic, the problem is that you could probably apply it to any RB. What I mean is, when teams are ahead, they run, when they are behind,they don't. So it makes sense that teams run less when they played better teams as they were probably trailing most of the game. The real question is do expect the Browns to have about the same record as they did last year?

 

[treat88]

While this is sound logic, the problem is that you could probably apply it to any RB. What I mean is, when teams are ahead, they run, when they are behind,they don't. So it makes sense that teams run less when they played better teams as they were probably trailing most of the game. The real question is do expect the Browns to have about the same record as they did last year?

Agreed. That logic likely does apply to any RB.I think CLE (and the AFC North generally) had extremely easy schedules last season. So that analysis was my long winded way of saying I expect Cleveland to have a worse record resulting in worse numbers from Lewis.

Last season's Browns set an extreme example of performing well against bad teams and poorly against good teams.

IMO combining the stiffer competition and the win-now approach Savage has taken puts CLE in the perfect situation to implode.

I know it's pessimistic, and I am in the minority, but I would not be surprised if Lewis is not this team's starting RB by week 10, regardless of health.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

While this is sound logic, the problem is that you could probably apply it to any RB. What I mean is, when teams are ahead, they run, when they are behind,they don't. So it makes sense that teams run less when they played better teams as they were probably trailing most of the game. The real question is do expect the Browns to have about the same record as they did last year?

Agreed. That logic likely does apply to any RB.I think CLE (and the AFC North generally) had extremely easy schedules last season. So that analysis was my long winded way of saying I expect Cleveland to have a worse record resulting in worse numbers from Lewis.

Last season's Browns set an extreme example of performing well against bad teams and poorly against good teams.

IMO combining the stiffer competition and the win-now approach Savage has taken puts CLE in the perfect situation to implode.

I know it's pessimistic, and I am in the minority, but I would not be surprised if Lewis is not this team's starting RB by week 10, regardless of health.

Based on how well he played last year, I don't see any way that he is not the starting RB all year and he has a chance to be a top 10 RB this year. I thought he got better as the year went on.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

The Browns just gave Lewis 10 mil guaranteed. They will run him into the ground this year. While the schedule won't be as easy, the line will be as good. Anderson only really imploded in the win at Cincy last year, so I wouldn't count on Anderson melting down - although it is possible. I think Lewis makes a fine early 3rd round pick after you've gotten your stud WR in the 2nd, or even a late second in non-PPR.

As far as Wright goes, he's workmanlike, but average. Think Dominic Rhodes. Jerome Harrison is an intriguing talent, but seems to have trouble getting regular season action - maybe he's in the doghouse? I want to see what that guy can do with more carries. If Lewis hits the wall, I would expect the team to invest in FA/spend a high draft pick on an RB, but Wright would be positioned to at least compete, and that's worth something.

 

[gianmarco]

While this is sound logic, the problem is that you could probably apply it to any RB. What I mean is, when teams are ahead, they run, when they are behind,they don't. So it makes sense that teams run less when they played better teams as they were probably trailing most of the game. The real question is do expect the Browns to have about the same record as they did last year?

Agreed. That logic likely does apply to any RB.I think CLE (and the AFC North generally) had extremely easy schedules last season. So that analysis was my long winded way of saying I expect Cleveland to have a worse record resulting in worse numbers from Lewis.

Last season's Browns set an extreme example of performing well against bad teams and poorly against good teams.

IMO combining the stiffer competition and the win-now approach Savage has taken puts CLE in the perfect situation to implode.

I know it's pessimistic, and I am in the minority, but I would not be surprised if Lewis is not this team's starting RB by week 10, regardless of health.

Based on how well he played last year, I don't see any way that he is not the starting RB all year and he has a chance to be a top 10 RB this year. I thought he got better as the year went on.

Agreed. I think the Browns could go 0-10 and Lewis completely suck and I still don't think he loses starting job at all this year, esp. with the guys they have backing him up.I also agree that he looked better and better as the year went on and actually looked like the Jamal of old. Add in that the O-line was pretty dominant and should be even better with a year's worth of experience and I think his floor is pretty safe. Expecting top 10 #'s may be asking too much, but it would be very difficult for him not to get 1000 yds and 5-6 TDs.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I haven't really looked at their schedule, but I remember that the second half of last season's was pretty easy run-wise according to FBG's SOS.

That would explain this: In his last five games, Lewis averaged 116 rushing yards per game on 4.77 yards per carry.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Jason Wright... shhhhhh....

Wright is a capable change-of-pace back, but hasn’t fared well when called upon to carry a significant load. In his NFL career, Wright has averaged only 3.1 yards per carry in games in which he’s rushed more than ten times. (Compared to a 3.7 YPC overall.)

 

[TheFanatic]

Jason Wright... shhhhhh....

Wright is a capable change-of-pace back, but hasn’t fared well when called upon to carry a significant load. In his NFL career, Wright has averaged only 3.1 yards per carry in games in which he’s rushed more than ten times. (Compared to a 3.7 YPC overall.)

The guy intrigues me. His first 3 years in the league he was not very good. But then neither were the Browns. Last year he had a 4.6 YPC. In the one game he started he only had about 60 yards on the ground and a 3.0 YPC or so. But he also had about 40 yards receiving and a rushing TD. So he finished the day with about 100 total yards and a TD. I see the guy with pretty good hands. 24 catches last year for 233 yards. With 277 yards rushing he almost had as much receiving as rushing. The question is, if Jamal were out of the picture for some reason will this guy take over? If he is given a shot I think they have to play him like a Tiki Barber (or the way New Orleans should play Bush), lots of outside stuff, dump passes and screens. I don't think he can be Jamal and barrel through the line for 20 carries. But I think he can be a starting RB if used properly...

 

[FavreCo]

I hate Jamal Lewis. I really do. Cowardly ******* just fell down after running up the backs of his OL when I had this punkass #####.

 

[TheFanatic]

I hate Jamal Lewis. I really do. Cowardly ******* just fell down after running up the backs of his OL when I had this punkass #####.

Thanks for sharing. Can I get you a decaf?

 

[MAC_32]

The Browns just gave Lewis 10 mil guaranteed. They will run him into the ground this year. While the schedule won't be as easy, the line will be as good. Anderson only really imploded in the win at Cincy last year, so I wouldn't count on Anderson melting down - although it is possible. I think Lewis makes a fine early 3rd round pick after you've gotten your stud WR in the 2nd, or even a late second in non-PPR.

As far as Wright goes, he's workmanlike, but average. Think Dominic Rhodes. Jerome Harrison is an intriguing talent, but seems to have trouble getting regular season action - maybe he's in the doghouse? I want to see what that guy can do with more carries. If Lewis hits the wall, I would expect the team to invest in FA/spend a high draft pick on an RB, but Wright would be positioned to at least compete, and that's worth something.

Pass blocking, until last year it was non existent in his game, the Browns would not play him until he was capable. He bulked up his mid section last season and the PT came along accordingly, albeit in limited doses. I think there's going to be a battle for the #2 role in TC. If Harrison proves himself I think RB will be less of a priority in 09 (maybe look for the next between the tackles bruiser), if he does not we'll probably begin searching for Lewis' successor.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

The Browns just gave Lewis 10 mil guaranteed. They will run him into the ground this year. ..

That is all you need to know. If he's healthy then he's going to get the bulk of the carries and should produce as he did last year. The argument about the Browns facing a tougher schedule is BS. Jamal was in close games last year. The Browns were not bleeding the clock or pounding the ball till the weatehr turned so that take is whacked.

Wright is the backup. They still aren't using Washington EDIT: HARRISON (not Washington) because he can't block and can't catch so when they put him in they are telegraphing the run. Wright should get the bulk of any other carries but ...

If you want a sleeper...

...

..

.

Laurence Vickers is someone that no one talks about. Might be worth a shot in deeeeeep leagues but more than likely if Jam gets hurt the Browns would sign a vet so I wouldn't take Vickers to the bank, jes throwing it out there since no one talks about him and he used to be able to score at the goal when he was in college.

 

[Restricted]

Jerome Harrison is an intriguing talent, but seems to have trouble getting regular season action - maybe he's in the doghouse? I want to see what that guy can do with more carries.

Stunned this thread has 5X more Wright than Harrison talk. Harrison has gone bezerk every preseason and just started to show something last year. I think that Harrison is the #2 coming into this season and if Lewis breaks down the job is his and he won't look back.

 

[treat88]

The argument about the Browns facing a tougher schedule is BS. Jamal was in close games last year. The Browns were not bleeding the clock or pounding the ball till the weatehr turned so that take is whacked.

I respect your opinion, but I think the evidence says otherwise.The Browns beat up on weak opponents, particularly down the stretch. Lewis ran well.The Browns got beat by, or played close with, 4 tough opponents. Lewis ran poorly.I'm not knocking Lewis or the Browns, but at this point it certainly appears that they and the entire AFC North have much tougher schedules.I don't know how that can be good from a fantasy owners perspective.

 

[MAC_32]

The Browns just gave Lewis 10 mil guaranteed. They will run him into the ground this year. ..

That is all you need to know. If he's healthy then he's going to get the bulk of the carries and should produce as he did last year. The argument about the Browns facing a tougher schedule is BS. Jamal was in close games last year. The Browns were not bleeding the clock or pounding the ball till the weatehr turned so that take is whacked.

Wright is the backup. They still aren't using Washington EDIT: HARRISON (not Washington) because he can't block and can't catch so when they put him in they are telegraphing the run. Wright should get the bulk of any other carries but ...

If you want a sleeper...

...

..

.

Laurence Vickers is someone that no one talks about. Might be worth a shot in deeeeeep leagues but more than likely if Jam gets hurt the Browns would sign a vet so I wouldn't take Vickers to the bank, jes throwing it out there since no one talks about him and he used to be able to score at the goal when he was in college.

I value out there opinions more than most, but...Vickers is a FB. And as far as I know that's what he was drafted for, and always will be. I don't think he's worth a roster spot in any league that doesn't start FB's.

 

[DoubleG]

I hate Jamal Lewis. I really do. Cowardly ******* just fell down after running up the backs of his OL when I had this punkass #####.

Thanks for sharing. Can I get you a decaf?

Make sure you pay for it in pennies.

 

[No. 16]

Jamal Lewis will continue to be a an RB #1 in that offense... his situation is too good with that many weapons on offense: Edwards, Winslow, Stallworth, and Derek Anderson. He was crappy the past 3 years in Baltimore, because he had to carry the entire Ravens offense. No suprise when he went to a team where they can't stack the box, Jamal Lewis regains stud status.

If people bring up his age or number of carriers he has had over his career, I have this comparison:

Jamal Lewis Career: 2120 carries, 190 receptions, 28 years old

RB ?????: 2365 carries, 458 receptions 28 years old

Who is that?

LT has way more touches than Lewis as he is more involved in the passing game, almost 2 seasons worth of extra touches (500+ difference). So if you guys believe LT can keep up his level of play and he is continually ranked in the Top 3, I think there is no reason that Jamal Lewis can't maintain his performance in Cleveland last season.

 

[jurb26]

I hate Jamal Lewis. I really do. Cowardly ******* just fell down after running up the backs of his OL when I had this punkass #####.

You should hate yourself for expecting great things from a RB that was riddled with injuries, just pent several months in jail so he was unable to recover from them properly and was out of shape.The few bad years by Lewis were far from hard to predict.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Just read an interesting chat with Caplan over at a pay site, and he said Austin Scott has a chance to push our boy Harrison, so he better put on one of his annual shows in preseason. Then again, maybe getting cut and catching on somewhere else might be the best thing for him.

 

[MAC_32]

Just read an interesting chat with Caplan over at a pay site, and he said Austin Scott has a chance to push our boy Harrison, so he better put on one of his annual shows in preseason. Then again, maybe getting cut and catching on somewhere else might be the best thing for him.

I think Tony Temple is a greater threat to Harrison than Scott is.

 

[FavreCo]

I hate Jamal Lewis. I really do. Cowardly ******* just fell down after running up the backs of his OL when I had this punkass #####.

Thanks for sharing. Can I get you a decaf?

Make sure you pay for it in pennies.

I'm set.

 

[shadyridr]

IMO 1st rd pick

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

1 word:

Underrated

 

[Bracie Smathers]

The argument about the Browns facing a tougher schedule is BS. Jamal was in close games last year. The Browns were not bleeding the clock or pounding the ball till the weatehr turned so that take is whacked.

I respect your opinion, but I think the evidence says otherwise.The Browns beat up on weak opponents, particularly down the stretch. Lewis ran well.

The Browns got beat by, or played close with, 4 tough opponents. Lewis ran poorly.

I'm not knocking Lewis or the Browns, but at this point it certainly appears that they and the entire AFC North have much tougher schedules.

I don't know how that can be good from a fantasy owners perspective.

I can't say I agree with your take because it is misleading and out of context. First 8 games for Lewis

The four tough opponents you speak of? I would imagine Pittsburgh where Charlie Frye began the year and played soo horibly that he got benched during the game. The very next game Jam blew up against Cincy but it wasn't a blow out victory for the Browns and Jamal almost played second fiddle to the big story of Derrick Anderson's coming out party. The next week against the lowly Raiders Jamal only managed 56 yards in a loss. The following week against the lowly Ravens Jamal only averaged 2.8 yds per carry and didn't even get 65 yards in a blowout win by the Browns. The next week against the undefeated Patriots Jamal only had one carry for 11 yards before he got injured so he didn't even play the following week against the worst opponent the Browns faced last year, the Miami Dolphins. The following week Jamal was slowly coming back against the poor St. Louis Rams so he only got 61 yards. The next week against the tough Seahawks he had his best fantasy game scoring 4 of his 9 TDs and setting his personal scoring record but he only managed 37 yards on 20 carries, his worst statistical game running the football (yadage-wise) last year. Oh and it was a close OT victory for the Browns, not a blowout against a bad opponent.

So after 8 games, at the halfway point of last year Jamal's two best fantasy games were in CLOSE victories against the Bengals and they were not viewed as a bad team when the Browns played them in the second game of the season and then against the Hawks in a close OT victory when Jamal was working his way back from an injury.

Last 8 games

Against Pittsburgh Jamal still wasn't 100% and it showed on the field with only 35 yards but in a close LOSS to the Steelers. The following week against the Ravens who had shut him dowrn earlier in the year Jamal began to show he was coming back from his injury as he had his best game running the ball since the second week against the Bengals when he had 92 yards. The following week is when he finally had an easy opponent, Houston, and was healthy and he had his second game exceeding 100 yards (134 yards TD). The next week against the Cards he had a so-so game, 62 yards no TDs. THen he had a big game against the Jets, 118 yards TD, but it is misleading because he had a long run late in the game to clinch the win in a nasty sleet. Basically the conditions forced the Browns OC to change to the running attack. The following week was the BLIZZARD game against the tough Bills and Jamal responded when he was asked to carry the load, 33 rushes for 163 yards. The Bills were fighting for their first post season in years. It was a huge game against a tough opponent, in bad conditions. Jamal was healthy and he came up bigtime. It wasn't beating up a bad team. The following week against the Bengals, in bad conditions Jamal 'inexplicably' got 12 less carries but had a solid game (92 yards) in a loss. The Browns weren't ahead bleeding the clock and were in two-tight contests against the Bengals. The Bengal third string RB had over 30 carries in that game where weather condititions saw both QBs combine for 6 INTs, the game plan should have been to run the ball but that didn't happen for whatever reason. The last game was against a bad team, SF, and Jam blew them out with 128 yards.

So the conditions and the health of Lewis played a far larger role in what he was able to produce rather than the stength of his opponent. Take out the game Frye started and the three game stretch when Lewis was injured and only had a combined 18 carries and he had an amazing season. In those games you could only use the 'strength/weakness' of opponent argument against few teams where it fits. The strength of schedule argument isn't a good one on the surface because teams can radically change overnight. See Baltimore going from 13 wins to what they were last year or the Browns six game turnaround to ten wins from only four the year prior. Or the Bengals, or even the Steelers going from a .500 team to ten victories. Things change, sometimes quickly.

Oh and one last thing. Jamal had over 300 yards against the Bengals last year. The Bengals tried twice to trade for DTs to help shore up their porous run defense but lost out on both occasions. In the draft the Saints traded up to take Sedrick Ellis before the Bengals and then the Jags traded up to land a DE before the Bengals. The Bengals ended up taking TWO DTs but not till after the third round started. They lost DE Justin Smith, who was solid against the run. They did end up getting a great LB in Keith Rivers and also got great news when Odell Thurman was recently reinstated but that line in front of them is awful and Jamal should feast once again against the Bengals. So if he's healthy, he should have another great yaer rushing the ball and if he doesn't get injured like he did last year then I think he could have an even better season.

 

[greyone]

Jamal Lewis seems to have an optimistic buzz around him. Mid-season nobody wanted anything to do with him. After the season he appears to the the most improved or comeback fantasy player of the season. Gaining huge momentum through the last month of the season up to now. Trending upwards. Also based on early posts...nobody really sees him continuing his success past this season.

What have Jam Lew Owners been receiving in trades or offers?

 

[treat88]

I can't say I agree with your take because it is misleading and out of context.

First 8 games for Lewis

The four tough opponents you speak of? I would imagine Pittsburgh where Charlie Frye began the year and played soo horibly that he got benched during the game. The very next game Jam blew up against Cincy but it wasn't a blow out victory for the Browns and Jamal almost played second fiddle to the big story of Derrick Anderson's coming out party. The next week against the lowly Raiders Jamal only managed 56 yards in a loss. The following week against the lowly Ravens Jamal only averaged 2.8 yds per carry and didn't even get 65 yards in a blowout win by the Browns. The next week against the undefeated Patriots Jamal only had one carry for 11 yards before he got injured so he didn't even play the following week against the worst opponent the Browns faced last year, the Miami Dolphins. The following week Jamal was slowly coming back against the poor St. Louis Rams so he only got 61 yards. The next week against the tough Seahawks he had his best fantasy game scoring 4 of his 9 TDs and setting his personal scoring record but he only managed 37 yards on 20 carries, his worst statistical game running the football (yadage-wise) last year. Oh and it was a close OT victory for the Browns, not a blowout against a bad opponent.

So after 8 games, at the halfway point of last year Jamal's two best fantasy games were in CLOSE victories against the Bengals and they were not viewed as a bad team when the Browns played them in the second game of the season and then against the Hawks in a close OT victory when Jamal was working his way back from an injury.

Last 8 games

Against Pittsburgh Jamal still wasn't 100% and it showed on the field with only 35 yards but in a close LOSS to the Steelers. The following week against the Ravens who had shut him dowrn earlier in the year Jamal began to show he was coming back from his injury as he had his best game running the ball since the second week against the Bengals when he had 92 yards. The following week is when he finally had an easy opponent, Houston, and was healthy and he had his second game exceeding 100 yards (134 yards TD). The next week against the Cards he had a so-so game, 62 yards no TDs. THen he had a big game against the Jets, 118 yards TD, but it is misleading because he had a long run late in the game to clinch the win in a nasty sleet. Basically the conditions forced the Browns OC to change to the running attack. The following week was the BLIZZARD game against the tough Bills and Jamal responded when he was asked to carry the load, 33 rushes for 163 yards. The Bills were fighting for their first post season in years. It was a huge game against a tough opponent, in bad conditions. Jamal was healthy and he came up bigtime. It wasn't beating up a bad team. The following week against the Bengals, in bad conditions Jamal 'inexplicably' got 12 less carries but had a solid game (92 yards) in a loss. The Browns weren't ahead bleeding the clock and were in two-tight contests against the Bengals. The Bengal third string RB had over 30 carries in that game where weather condititions saw both QBs combine for 6 INTs, the game plan should have been to run the ball but that didn't happen for whatever reason. The last game was against a bad team, SF, and Jam blew them out with 128 yards.

So the conditions and the health of Lewis played a far larger role in what he was able to produce rather than the stength of his opponent. Take out the game Frye started and the three game stretch when Lewis was injured and only had a combined 18 carries and he had an amazing season. In those games you could only use the 'strength/weakness' of opponent argument against few teams where it fits. The strength of schedule argument isn't a good one on the surface because teams can radically change overnight. See Baltimore going from 13 wins to what they were last year or the Browns six game turnaround to ten wins from only four the year prior. Or the Bengals, or even the Steelers going from a .500 team to ten victories. Things change, sometimes quickly.

Oh and one last thing. Jamal had over 300 yards against the Bengals last year. The Bengals tried twice to trade for DTs to help shore up their porous run defense but lost out on both occasions. In the draft the Saints traded up to take Sedrick Ellis before the Bengals and then the Jags traded up to land a DE before the Bengals. The Bengals ended up taking TWO DTs but not till after the third round started. They lost DE Justin Smith, who was solid against the run. They did end up getting a great LB in Keith Rivers and also got great news when Odell Thurman was recently reinstated but that line in front of them is awful and Jamal should feast once again against the Bengals. So if he's healthy, he should have another great yaer rushing the ball and if he doesn't get injured like he did last year then I think he could have an even better season.

Very well thought out and insightful opinion. Thanks.I disagree wholeheartedly with how Jam projects into 08. For that matter, how Cleveland as a team projects. Disaster waiting to happen IMO.

We'll have to agree to disagree on this one.

 

[shadyridr]

Jamal Lewis seems to have an optimistic buzz around him. Mid-season nobody wanted anything to do with him. After the season he appears to the the most improved or comeback fantasy player of the season. Gaining huge momentum through the last month of the season up to now. Trending upwards. Also based on early posts...nobody really sees him continuing his success past this season.

What have Jam Lew Owners been receiving in trades or offers?

Last year around mid-season I was telling everybody and anybody to buy low on him. I wasnt the only one as I remember a bunch of other people agreeing with me. I sold high on Welker and traded him for Lewis the week after Lewis got hurt and because of him I went to the championship game!

 

[OddibeMcD]

Jamal Lewis seems to have an optimistic buzz around him. Mid-season nobody wanted anything to do with him. After the season he appears to the the most improved or comeback fantasy player of the season. Gaining huge momentum through the last month of the season up to now. Trending upwards. Also based on early posts...nobody really sees him continuing his success past this season.

What have Jam Lew Owners been receiving in trades or offers?

Last year around mid-season I was telling everybody and anybody to buy low on him. I wasnt the only one as I remember a bunch of other people agreeing with me. I sold high on Welker and traded him for Lewis the week after Lewis got hurt and because of him I went to the championship game!

Shady remembers. There was a large contingent of FBGs that pimped Lewis in the second half of the year and claimed that he would be the key to a championship. I moved Kurt Warner for him and couldn't have been happier. Mid-season last year, Lewis was the penultimate buy low.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Jamal Lewis seems to have an optimistic buzz around him. Mid-season nobody wanted anything to do with him. After the season he appears to the the most improved or comeback fantasy player of the season. Gaining huge momentum through the last month of the season up to now. Trending upwards. Also based on early posts...nobody really sees him continuing his success past this season.

What have Jam Lew Owners been receiving in trades or offers?

Last year around mid-season I was telling everybody and anybody to buy low on him. I wasnt the only one as I remember a bunch of other people agreeing with me. I sold high on Welker and traded him for Lewis the week after Lewis got hurt and because of him I went to the championship game!

Shady remembers. There was a large contingent of FBGs that pimped Lewis in the second half of the year and claimed that he would be the key to a championship. I moved Kurt Warner for him and couldn't have been happier. Mid-season last year, Lewis was the penultimate buy low.

Who was the ultimate? :whoosh:

 

[Blackjacks]

Unless the Brown's schedule is alot harder this year (?), I don't see why not to expect another top-10 season out of Jamal Lewis. It's not like he's over 30, he has a couple good years left I think.

It is.8-8 could win the AFC North this season.

He's a good value, no doubt, but I would temper my enthusiasm.

Cleveland is not going to get to roll up sub .500 teams regularly as they did last season.

Plus, Savage has created a win now expectation (not necessarily a bad thing) but with a QB situation that is tenuous at best this team is ripe for an implosion.

I haven't really looked at their schedule, but I remember that the second half of last season's was pretty easy run-wise according to FBG's SOS. It was funny because in one league where my running game played awfully in the first half (Jamal stunk early on) all of a sudden having Fred Taylor and Lewis was a great RB tandem at the end of the year.If Cleveland's run schedule is a lot tougher then I would temper my enthusiasm. I think Lewis will do well, but look at the first half of last year compared to his second half before just looking at end of year numbers. It is hard to know if it was the offense gelling or DA's passing prowess that opened up the running game or the easy run schedule or something else.

Won me a championship.I think Jamal is a great grab for a redraft. But in Dynasty leagues, he's getting pretty long in the tooth. He might be productive in 2009, but I think it will be tough for him to get 16 starts in 2009...

Would you rather have Jamal or M. Turner for dynasty purposes?

 

[Gary Davenport]

Unless the Brown's schedule is alot harder this year (?), I don't see why not to expect another top-10 season out of Jamal Lewis. It's not like he's over 30, he has a couple good years left I think.

It is.8-8 could win the AFC North this season.

He's a good value, no doubt, but I would temper my enthusiasm.

Cleveland is not going to get to roll up sub .500 teams regularly as they did last season.

Plus, Savage has created a win now expectation (not necessarily a bad thing) but with a QB situation that is tenuous at best this team is ripe for an implosion.

I haven't really looked at their schedule, but I remember that the second half of last season's was pretty easy run-wise according to FBG's SOS. It was funny because in one league where my running game played awfully in the first half (Jamal stunk early on) all of a sudden having Fred Taylor and Lewis was a great RB tandem at the end of the year.If Cleveland's run schedule is a lot tougher then I would temper my enthusiasm. I think Lewis will do well, but look at the first half of last year compared to his second half before just looking at end of year numbers. It is hard to know if it was the offense gelling or DA's passing prowess that opened up the running game or the easy run schedule or something else.

Won me a championship.I think Jamal is a great grab for a redraft. But in Dynasty leagues, he's getting pretty long in the tooth. He might be productive in 2009, but I think it will be tough for him to get 16 starts in 2009...

Would you rather have Jamal or M. Turner for dynasty purposes?

Turner, but that's more to do with the mileage on their respective tires than anything.In a redraft Lewis is a high-end RB2. Yes, the Browns' schedule is a fair bit harder this year, but to me it wasn't so much who JLew ran against in the second half last year as how he ran against them. He looked good. For the first time in what. 2 1/2 years, he looked like the back that ran for 2 grand, 200+ in a game, what have you. Maybe he was finally healthy, maybe he needed a change of scenery, but he looked good.

I'm not saying he'll go for 2 grand again, or even 1,500, but as a true #1 (no RBBC there, thank you) back behind one of the better O-Lines in the league I'd take him Mid-2nd on no questions asked.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Jamal Lewis seems to have an optimistic buzz around him. Mid-season nobody wanted anything to do with him. After the season he appears to the the most improved or comeback fantasy player of the season. Gaining huge momentum through the last month of the season up to now. Trending upwards. Also based on early posts...nobody really sees him continuing his success past this season.What have Jam Lew Owners been receiving in trades or offers?

I got offered a 1.12, 2.12, and 3.12 for Jamal in my dynasty league.

 

[chris1969]

The Browns just gave Lewis 10 mil guaranteed. They will run him into the ground this year. ..

That is all you need to know. If he's healthy then he's going to get the bulk of the carries and should produce as he did last year. The argument about the Browns facing a tougher schedule is BS. Jamal was in close games last year. The Browns were not bleeding the clock or pounding the ball till the weatehr turned so that take is whacked.

Wright is the backup. They still aren't using Washington EDIT: HARRISON (not Washington) because he can't block and can't catch so when they put him in they are telegraphing the run. Wright should get the bulk of any other carries but ...

If you want a sleeper...

...

..

.

Laurence Vickers is someone that no one talks about. Might be worth a shot in deeeeeep leagues but more than likely if Jam gets hurt the Browns would sign a vet so I wouldn't take Vickers to the bank, jes throwing it out there since no one talks about him and he used to be able to score at the goal when he was in college.

This is the smartest thing I've ever heard Bracie say!!!!He's more on target than any of our so called local experts.

First Vickers was viewed as a tweener when we drafted him. He excelled at FB, but those of us that saw him in camp saw potential at RB. Given that we also have a pretty good backup FB in Ali, (I know most of you haven't heard of him.) I could see Vickers taking over for Lewis. Also nobody is mentioning that like most big backs, Lewis always picks up his game in November and December. Weather played a key role in those last few games, and as much as it hurt DA, Lewis still performed when everyone knew he was getting the rock. The only knock I can see with Lewis this year is that Chud will try to work in a few more threats in the backfield to take the focus off of him. (look for more passes to Vickers) The big pluses I see are that.... 1) It's not a new offense anymore. 2) QB position is settled for now. 3) Not only is the entire o-line back, but their back-ups are too, and we signed a few more vets. LeChuck may be a huge bonus as well. 4) As good as the numbers were in the passing game last year, we added Stallworth and another Winslow-like TE in Rucker. 5) As far as the strength of schedule goes, I remember complaining last year before any games were played how hard the Brown's schedule was. We found out how that wasn't really the case when the games were played. 6) I expect a huge improvement on the d-line this year and that will make it much easier for us to run the ball.

 

[greyone]

Jamal Lewis seems to have an optimistic buzz around him. Mid-season nobody wanted anything to do with him. After the season he appears to the the most improved or comeback fantasy player of the season. Gaining huge momentum through the last month of the season up to now. Trending upwards. Also based on early posts...nobody really sees him continuing his success past this season.

What have Jam Lew Owners been receiving in trades or offers?

Last year around mid-season I was telling everybody and anybody to buy low on him. I wasnt the only one as I remember a bunch of other people agreeing with me. I sold high on Welker and traded him for Lewis the week after Lewis got hurt and because of him I went to the championship game!

Shady remembers. There was a large contingent of FBGs that pimped Lewis in the second half of the year and claimed that he would be the key to a championship. I moved Kurt Warner for him and couldn't have been happier. Mid-season last year, Lewis was the penultimate buy low.

Who was the ultimate?

Maybe nobody was the wrong word. Majority of people didn't want him. I saw the value in a playoff run, much like you guys, he was getting the all carries(albeit with little success) and the upcoming schedule was great. I vaguely remember the ypc being low. I am setting myself up for something ugly if I am wrong. Where i fell short was the Dynasty aspect. I didn't expect the browns to resign him to a great contract. And i fully expected them to draft in may. We all know they didn't .I traded jamal to a playoff contender for draft picks & young rb prospect. Semi-regretting now. I want the production now, but am happy with my youth movement.

What were your feelings for him dynasty wise at the time?