"The Browns' season opener against Minnesota showed that running back Jamal Lewis still has it and that his rookie protege James Davis is still trying to get it.

During the preseason, Jamal Lewis turned 30, averaged only 2.6 yards per carry and was described as slow and plodding by his critics. A day before the final cuts, rumors began that he might be cut.

Instead, he faced the NFL's best run defense and averaged 5.2 yards per carry on 11 carries for 57 yards. He also caught all three passes thrown his way for 47 yards, including one for 19 yards.

"I said last week that he had a pretty good week of practice," said offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. "He's had another good week of practice [for Sunday's game in Denver]. I wasn't surprised with his performance. He runs hard and has good vision. He's a pro, he works at it and the way he practiced last week was a good indicator of what he did in the Minnesota game."

What made Lewis' performance even more impressive was it came against the Vikings. They've led the NFL in run defense the past three seasons, giving up an average of just 70.8 yards per game. They've also held opponents to a 3.1-yard average. So for Lewis to start the game with a 6-yard run, rip off those of 14 and 15 yards and plow 3 yards up to the middle to the Vikings' 3-yard line in the second quarter was a good sign.

He also did it despite a neck stinger suffered in the second quarter, one that had him limited in practice until Friday.

Had the Browns not fallen behind and abandoned the run in the fourth quarter, Lewis might've become only the third back in 49 games to crack the 100-yard mark against the Vikings."