As the Team Turns

In previous episodes:

Peyton Hillis, on the flimsy pretext of severe strep throat, causing a 14-pound weight loss, refused to play. We know, of course, that this was really about his contract negotiations. Otherwise, he would have played and no doubt done much better than Montario Hardesty.

One can only guess at the sense of profound betrayal felt by his teammates at this cowardly, selfish act. The fact that they're denying it says all there is to say.

The following week, Pat Shurmer was forced by Tom Heckert and J.R. Holmgren to play Hillis, despite his deep hatred of him. He did so for the first series, and then benched him in favor of Hardesty in an effort to reassert control of his team.

Behind closed doors, there can be no doubt that there were shouting matches and perhaps fistfights. According to one source, Benard was never even on a motorcycle and was injured in the melee. He has recently pled not guilty to his traffic charges, which supports this report.

In the last game, Hillis pretended to have an injured hamstring, exaserbating this acrimonious, divisive situation.

The brilliant Chris Mortenson's report that the Browns could be persuaded to trade the unwanted fullback is probably accurate. Shurmer's version of the West Coast requires a total-package running back who can block and catch the ball downfield.

Another article made a lot of sense. The Browns probably aren't going anywhere this season, and should jettison the excess baggage. Hillis is obviously on his last legs, and the team needs running backs who will be effective next season.

OK I'm sorry I can't do this any more. I can't even PRETEND to be that stupid.

Hillis is young, perfect for this offense, has played with cracked ribs (Ever had cracked ribs? It's crippling. It's like being stabbed over and over again just to breathe.) Strep throat is a CONTAGEOUS VIRUS, and Hillis would have been worthless without his strength and wind. This "play hurt" crap gets insane after awhile. How well do you think Peyton Manning would have done this season had he stupidly insisted on playing?

You people and your magic wands and mind-over-matter stuff. At the time nobody knew that Hardesty was the second coming of Braylon Edwards. At the time he was deemed the best running back, and he was--he played well that game.

Sure, Hillis wants to get paid. And the Browns want to KEEP him! I doubt that anybody will give up a first round pick for him, and that's the only thing that would make them consider a trade unless his demands are rediculous--which I doubt.

There's no controversey in that locker room over Peyton Hillis. Remember that most of these guys are college graduates who can spell their names right and everything, plus you can't play football without a 3-digit I.Q. So much for that rumor.

This is a rebuilding team with a lot of youth, and new systems on both sides of the ball. Sam Bradford in L.A. is having a hell of a time, just as McCoy is, thanks to a new offensive system, and has about six games more experience.

The Raiders are a vastly improved team this season. They're loaded with talent, and their systems are in their second seasons. Despite McCoy's horrific performance and the fact that Rubin and Taylor got "handled", they still needed a special teams TD to win at home.

NEXT season, if you don't blow this up, this Browns team can be where Detroit, Buffalo (yes, Buffalo!), and the Raiders are this season: Playoff contenders.

That's how it works. Reps. Experience. Growth.

Grow up and accept the growing pains. And quit trying to turn it into a damn soap opera.