Browns Trent Richardson, anything but ordinary!

Despite being 0-2, the future of the Cleveland Browns appears to be bright. They displayed a “real” offensive performance against the Bengals and quarterback Brandon Weeden showed what he is capable of going 26/37 for 322 yards and tossing 2 TD passes and 0 interceptions. But the real bright spot for me was the 3rd overall pick from Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

During his NFL debut against the Eagles Richardson was lack luster putting up under 40 yards rushing. After that game he recognized that the game at this level is very different then of the NCAA. So he watched game film (realizing he was running too high in his stance), practiced hard, and after another week removed from his minor surgery on his knee Trent (T-Rex) Richardson displayed he can not only play at the NFL level, but he could be a top-tier running back. Richardson’s numbers were very good against the Bengals rushing for 109 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown.

Against the Eagles Richardson did (despite poor numbers) did display his power completely demolishing Eagles safety Curt Coleman announcing to the NFL that he is not afraid of “laying the wood” running over Coleman and popping his helmet off like a PEZ dispenser. In fact, he hit Coleman so hard that his helmet traveled an additional 10 yards down the field. Take a look.


And against the Bengals he displayed some speed going 32 yards for his first career touchdown essentially outrunning everyone. This clip is Richardson’s touchdown run.



But my absolutely favorite highlight of the past two weeks from Richardson was a 24 yard TD reception from Brandon Weeden. In this play Richardson shows he has the vision, agility, and balance to make things happen. Pay attention to this clip. On this play Richardson reminded me a little of the "Barry Sanders" type of style.



For those of you who criticized Tom Heckert for making the moves he did to move up one slot to get Richardson, take a look at these highlights and you can already tell that Richardson will be a special player in the NFL.

Writers note: Only two teams have made it to the playoffs after starting 0-2, however this team appears to be pulling it together and I expect their first win this Sunday against the Bills.

What do you think?
Michael W. Youngman--Lead Analyst AFC North
Michael is the Lead Analyst for the AFC North Report and the Cleveland Browns Report. He has written many articles that have been featured by playerpress.com, cantonrep.com, FoxSports.com, and of course this site. Michael has also written a book titled “The Dayton Project” published in 2008 by PublishAmerica. He makes his home in the Hall of Fame City of Canton Ohio with his wife Lisa and his two children Joseph and Jennifer. To learn more, visit his Website