Prior to the season I pegged running back Jerome Harrison as a bust for the Browns this year, and he quite readily lived down to my expectations. On the other hand, I thought Mike Bell could be a real sleeper in Philly, and I got that one wrong. Bell stunk it up, and LeSean McCoy has been very impressive so far.
On some level this trade makes sense, but overall, I don't see the point. Of course my wife will tell you I never get the point, so there ya go...
In Cleveland, the Browns found a reliable back in the unlikely breakthrough of former Denver Bronco, Peyton Hillis. They still have Montario Hardesty for 2011, and James Davis is still with the team. Harrison has been disgruntled with his touches since the start of the season, and his role was getting smaller each game. So letting him go doesn't hurt the team much, despite the flashes of talent he showed in 2009.
However, Mike Bell doesn't add much to the team, as he and Hillis are similar type backs. Both are the strong bruising hole punch types. It remains to be seen how he'll be used going forward.
In Philadelphia, the Eagles have seen McCoy blossom into a more than adequate replacement for Brian Westbrook. His style is the same and it works very well in coach Andy Reid's offense. McCoy's performance against the 49ers with a cracked rib means his job is secure and the respect of his teammates has been well earned. So where does Harrison fit into this plan? He is a similar type runner to McCoy, but has seldom been used in a pass-catching role.
One thought is that McCoy's injury may be worse than Reid is letting on, and the team has now found themselves a potential starting replacement should McCoy miss serious time.
Of course, the image of McCoy, Harrison, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Brent Celek and Mike Vick all on the field at once could give opposing defenses absolute fits.
While Bell remains of use in only thew deepest of league's, if Harrison has become available in your league, he's worth a bench spot for now until we see how he'll be used with McCoy, or if he'll be subbing for the banged up sophomore.
