A frustrating moment for rookie Montario Hardesty may provide an opening for second-year running back James Davis.
UPDATED: 11:53 p.m.
James Davis shows his pleasure after a solid run in the third quarter of Thursday's game with the Bears. With Montario Hardesty injured, Davis' chances of making Saturday's final roster may have increased greatly, says Terry Pluto.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Scribbles as the Browns held off the Bears, 13-10, in the preseason finale...
1. Didn't your heart just sink when Montario Hardesty went down with a knee injury? He had only seven carries for 25 yards, but you could see how he smartly hit the right holes -- and fell forward for an extra yard when tackled. He had knee and other injuries in his career at Tennessee, but stayed healthy as a senior and averaged 109 yards per game rushing. You can see the talent, but who knows if he can stay healthy?
2. But the thought of Jerome Harrison and Peyton Hillis – neither played Thursday -- along with a healthy Hardesty shows how the Browns could be an elite running team. With an aging Jamal Lewis and emerging Harrison, the Browns finished eighth in rushing a year ago. They ran for 900 yards in the final four games of 2009, the most in the NFL, with horrible quarterback play.
3. If Hardesty can't play, then James Davis probably is in the picture. But the guy who really matters is Hillis. He has been impressive not only with his power running, but he led the team with nine catches in the first three games.
4. It's hard to believe that veteran linebacker David Bowens may be cut. Or at least, Bowens believes it's a possibility. He is close to the coaching staff and is one of the most grounded players on the team. Bowens is gray-haired with a cranky knee and lots of miles and bruises on his 33-year-old body. But the guy really is a team leader, a physical player and a major asset. While he struggles to get physically ready for the season, when it starts -- he plays. Bowens has been in all 16 games in each of the last six seasons.
5. Bowens began the 2009 season at outside linebacker, then took over inside for Game 11. He also assumed the role as captain of the defense. He was second on the team in tackles and second with 5.5 sacks. He is not quick, but strong against the run. Yes, the Browns added Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong, but the linebackers are not that deep as to make Bowens expendable.
6. Money? Bowens makes $1.65 million. So cutting him does not save a ton of cash or salary cap room. If the decision is between Bowens and fellow veteran Eric Barton, I prefer Bowens because Barton is coming off a serious neck injury that limited him to only eight starts. Barton will make $2.3 million this season. Neither contract is guaranteed.
7. The Browns also have to decide if David Veikune is making enough progress at linebacker to remain on the roster. He has improved from a year ago, but then again, he was a non-entity. He had some good moments Thursday with five tackles, but it's hard to see him playing much with all the veterans in front of him.
8. A year ago, the Browns picked Alex Mack, Brian Robiskie, Mohamed Massaquoi and Veikune in the first 52 picks. Only Mack and Massaquoi became starters. The Browns received little from Robiskie and Veikune. Robiskie has become a starter this season, but the point is they had only two of those picks who helped as rookies. This season, their top four picks are Joe Haden, T.J. Ward, Hardesty and Shawn Lauvao. Ward and Lauvao are expected to be starters, with Haden and Hardesty (if healthy) slotted to be in the rotation.
9. My point is you can already see how the new front office upgraded the scouting and draft. Haden was a No. 7 pick. Then came Ward (38), Hardesty (59) and Lauvao (92). It would be super if the Browns found a starting offensive linemen as a rookie found in a later round. That is smart drafting.
10. Fifth-rounder Larry Asante may not make the team or the practice squad. But he did have his best preseason performance by far with six tackles.