Hillis pushes for starting spot with Browns

BEREA (AP) — Peyton Hillis bulldozed half the St. Louis Rams defense and bowled over Cleveland Browns fans, too.

Rain-soaked fans roared as Hillis broke six tackles on a gutty 9-yard run on the first play of the second quarter of Cleveland’s 19-17 preseason loss Saturday night. It was the type of effort Hillis contributed to Denver Broncos drives the past two years before being dealt for quarterback Brady Quinn in March.

Hillis flexed his muscles and stomped his feet after his battering Ram run, obviously enjoying the result.

Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and quarterback Jake Delhomme liked it so much they called Hillis’ number four times on the next six plays: a 1-yard plunge; pass plays of 3 and 9 yards; and another pile-pushing 4-yard run to the right.

He gained a team-leading 51 yards on 12 carries. Most importantly to coach Eric Mangini, upset by Cleveland’s five turnovers, Hillis hung on to the football every time.

Full story appears in Monday’s edition of The Vindicator.