Running Back Peyton Hillis Shines in Browns’ 19-17 Loss to the Rams

In the sloppy mess that was much of the Browns preseason loss against the St. Louis Rams, running back Peyton Hillis, acquired from the Denver Broncos in the trade for Brady Quinn, was able to show off his impressive bulldozing skills. The big, bruising back repeatedly bounced off multiple defenders to rumble for 51 yards on 12 carries.

Hillis looked impressive each time he touched the ball, making strong runs but also a particularly impressive catch on a third-down play. He has received less attention this off-season than running backs Jerome Harrison and Montario Hardesty, but with Hardesty’s injury and Hillis’ play on the field, it’s going to be difficult for him to stay in the shadows much longer.

Hillis was a rising rookie in 2008 before tearing a hamstring, never regaining that playing time in Denver last season. But, as the story goes, one team’s trashed running back is another team’s treasured back. If Hillis continues to play like this, he’ll be a treasured back for the Browns in 2010.

Can’t wait to hear Chris Berman make those “bulldozing noises” for Hillis when he steamrolls would-be tacklers in highlights.

– Quarterback Jake Delhomme regained his composure after fumbling twice early on to end up having a pretty solid game. He went 12/16 for 127 yards and 1 touchdown, which was the result of a fantastic catch by tight end Ben Watson.

Keep checking back for more on this game as we dissect the loss against the Rams and look forward to next Saturday’s game against the Detroit Lions. And hey, while you’re at it, be sure to follow Dawg Pound Daily’s Twitter and Facebook all season long to get the best news and analysis on the Brownies.