BROWNS Davis determined to get a running game going
They managed just 36 yards Sunday and have the worst running game in the NFL.
BEREA (AP) -- Don't look for the Browns to resort to a bagful of trick plays to make up for their dismal running game.
Although the Pittsburgh Steelers used seven of them, some quite effectively, in their 23-20 win Sunday, Browns coach Butch Davis said Monday that trick plays don't win football games.
Running the ball does, Davis said, and that's what he plans to do more of when the Browns return in two weeks to face the Cincinnati Bengals following a bye.
Running the ball also has resulted in the loudest boos at Cleveland Browns Stadium, next to the play of quarterback Tim Couch.
The Browns (4-5) managed only 36 yards on the ground against the Steelers and have the NFL's worst running game with 72.3 yards a game.
Must establish the run
But Davis said his top priority with seven games remaining is to establish the run.
"Regardless of the score, you just can't put yourself in a position where it's all throw," Davis said.
"We're going to get something done, somehow, some way."
Davis credited tackle Ryan Tucker as being a positive addition to the offensive line and said Shaun O'Hara had his best game of the year against Pittsburgh. But he seemed to issue a challenge to the other lineman when asked if he has the right players for run blocking.
"We've got some of them. We're going to find out if we've got the rest of them," he said.
Although the line has been blamed for not making holes for running backs, guard Barry Stokes thinks it's better than the Steelers' line, which sprang Amos Zereoue for 111 yards.
"I would say we're better and I say that with great confidence," he said. "We want to be a great offensive line. We want to be known for that."
He said they must continue to improve, but it's not a matter of having the wrong personnel.
"There's definitely not a question of talent. It's being consistent with the young team we have," he said.
Davis also said he wants to give rookie running back William Green more opportunities. Green, who has 2.3 yards per carry for a total of 161 yards, would not talk to the media Monday.
White injures shoulder
Green may have to carry the load for the Browns, depending on the status of running back Jamel White, who left in the third quarter Sunday with a separated shoulder.
"It's frustrating because I want to get in there and help us win," White said. "I've showed people I can play now. It's just another setback I'll have to overcome."
White, who had his right arm in a sling Monday, said his goal is be ready for the Bengals game, but team trainers have not set a target for his return.
He said there's still hope for the running game, but didn't have the answer on how to fix it.
"I don't know what's wrong with it really," White said. "I spend more time here looking at tape, trying to figure out what I can do."
Besides White, three other Browns players suffered injuries against Pittsburgh: defensive linemen Kenard Lang (ankle) and Gerard Warren (foot) and linebacker Kevin Bentley (hand). They should be ready for the Nov. 16 game at Cincinnati.
The Browns also are awaiting the return of defensive backs Corey Fuller (hamstring) and Robert Griffith (shoulder).
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