The Cleveland Browns had one of the most potent offenses in the NFL last year, finishing the season ranked No. 8 overall. That being said, the team is looking to improve on that success in 2008 by adding a new twist to their offense that will center on fullback Lawrence Vickers.

The fullback position was thought to be a dying breed, but with the way that Vickers performed last season has forced Browns offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski to cook up some diabolical schemes to get his fullback more involved in the team's offense.

Look for the Browns to utilize Vickers much like the San Francisco 49ers used fullback Tom Rathman during their championship years.

During an interview with Vickers on Friday, he talked about his new role on offense and the team as a whole.

"My role will be changing to allow me to do more things on offense," Vickers said. "Just from me showing that I can handle the things that were thrown at me early on. This is my second year in the offense and I'm learning more. I feel like I'm growing more and more as a professional and look forward to the challenge. The opportunity to play a bigger role on offense means a lot to me."

It is no surprise why the team is looking to get Vickers more involved. He shows good running and pass-catching skills and is a premier blocker in every situation. He explodes into defenders like a Sherman tank and his versatility is unmatched.

Vickers' bulldozing blocks cleared the way for running back Jamal Lewis to rush for 1300-plus yards and helped revitalize the runner's career. When he wasn't blocking for Lewis, he was making things happen for himself. Vickers became the team's go-to-guy in short yardage situations converting eight of nine attempts on third-and-one. He finished the season tied for third in the league among rushers in that category and was named as a second alternate for the 2008 Pro Bowl at fullback.

Vickers said the chemistry between he and Lewis is great and that the two clicked right away.

The Browns' offense poses a serious threat across the board and is no longer considered one dimensional. They have the ability to run or pass in any given situation.

The total makeup of the offense is rather unique. You have two outstanding key receivers in Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow, and even their third-and-fourth receivers Joe Jurevicius and Donte' Stallworth are starting caliber players.

The offensive line is developing rapidly and they have some depth there as well. The backfield is top flight and the quarterback position is set for the future. The Browns appear to be stacked with firepower in every aspect on offense.

When asked about the team's quarterback situation, Vickers let it be known that there is no quarterback controversy in Cleveland.

"Derek [Anderson] is our leader," he said. "The coaches put Derek out there and now that he's the starter he is leading our team. That's not to say that the other two guys aren't capable of getting the job done, but whoever is in the game is going to be our leader. That's just how we work here as a team."

Vickers said the team looks good on paper but they're looking to take their game to the next level.

The nation will have an opportunity to watch this exciting offense with five prime-time games on the team's schedule.

There is a consensus among the players I have talked to who says that there is an added incentive to play harder and win for head coach Romeo Crennel. Vickers was no exception and ranks at the top of the list."

Coach is a guy who will go to bat for you and take up for you," Vickers said. "He is someone you can talk to at all times. He's the kind of guy you can have a personal relationship with.

"When you go out on the field you keep that in the back of your mind and want to play harder for him. You want to be around a guy like that and want a guy like that as your head coach. It's a great feeling."

Crennel is known as a players coach and so far his troops have bought into his leadership and are ready to battle to the end for their beloved coach.

The 6-foot, 250-pound Vickers is like C4 blowing up defenders in the hole. He runs behind his pads, keeping them low and plays with a mean streak. After a few dropped passes last season he worked diligently during the offseason improving on his overall skills.

Vickers is entering his third year with the team and it didn't take long for the coaching staff to recognize the type of ability he possesses.

Playing in every game in '07 has allowed the fullback to find his niche and now he is expected to play a significant role in the offense. Vickers will provide the high-powered offense with a spark once he gets his mojo going.

"I set the bar high and welcome the challenge and all that comes along with it," Vickers said. "Last season was a great stepping stone for me and I want to use that to my advantage."

Justin Timberlake claims to have brought sexy back. Now the Browns will look to bring back a fullback position nearing extinction with Vickers. In other words, the Browns are looking to get their sexy on.