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Cribbs welcomes added roles, chances
Zac Jackson, Staff Writer
08.02.2007
We interrupt the discussion of Joshua Cribbs' ability to successfully handle the punt returner's job to bring you this.

Cribbs is catching just about everything as a wide receiver. Not absolutely everything, but darn close. It's no guarantee he can win his way into the Browns' receiver rotation, or that he'd even have enough energy to do so with his special teams responsibilities.

But he's clearly made strides as a receiver. And the last thing Cribbs has ever been short on is energy.

The same player who two years ago was a college quarterback struggling to learn the nuances of the receiver position now says he's comfortable. Remember that he'd never returned a kickoff -- at any level -- before he took one 90 yards for a touchdown in his fifth professional game.

There's precedent. He's learned and adapted before, and he's trying to do it again.

"I don't look back. Never," Cribbs said. "I have come a long way (as a receiver) with the help of a lot of guys and lot of coaching. I have to keep going."

Ten of Cribbs' 11 career catches came last season; eight of those 10 came in a three-game stretch in October. In camp, he's trying not only to win the punt returner's job but also to earn a more permanent role in the offense -- probably in the slot -- and not have to count on the return game for all of his touches.

It's obvious by watching Cribbs that he dedicated himself in the offseason to the weight room and to the teachings of new receivers coach Wes Chandler. He's running better routes and going after passes, rather than letting the passes float to him.

"I'm just getting out there and ballin'," he said. "I'm coached up real well. I've been doing it for two years now. I'm at that point where there are no excuses."

Cribbs caught just about everything thrown his way the first few days of camp, then had an up-and-down few days earlier this week. In Wednesday's second practice he dropped a quick slant from Charlie Frye but bounced back a few plays later to make a tough catch and hold despite taking a stiff shot from Eric Wright.

Later he beat Daven Holly in the back of the endzone to catch a touchdown pass from Derek Anderson, then beat Wright on a comeback route in the final full-team period.

Another day, another drill, another chance to show he belongs.

"I'm not in my prime yet," he said. "I'm a baby at this game. I have a lot to prove, a lot to learn. I'm just trying to hold up."

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If every player had his attitude we'd be on our way.....

Nice to hear....

Quote:

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Another day, another drill, another chance to show he belongs.

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While Cribbs certainely isn't our best player. He's shown that he belongs all ready. Great Special Teamer who returns our kickoffs. As the returner he catches the ball and just runs straight at the opposing team's kicking unit like a rocket. People have ripped on Joshua Cribbs, i remember the off-season after his rookie about fumbling the ball and being dangerous. Well he's got a spot on the team IMO Hopefully he can get the punt return position too and we could free up that extra roster spot.

There's little to show me that Cribbs won't be successful at the position. While I never saw him play in college, he was said to be a playmaker. That's exactly what he is for us. He's not that fast nor is he that quick. But something about him will allow him to succede. I wouldn't be surprised if his role increased a lot this year. Warrior of a football player and someone I have no complaints about

His skill set suggests that we might be able to use him in a "slash" role.

Once the OL proves that they can handle their responsibilities, I say let this kid do some exotic stuff. He's the kind of player who could give opposing DCoordinators some sleepless nights, to be sure.

.02

I love Cribbs, I really do. Great attitude, local kid and a guy with genuine talent. Already a contributor with an outside chance at being a star player.

Does this guy own a canine kennel featuring pit bulls?

Cribbs has always tried hard, there's definitely no debate there.

Cribbs is just.. the man... He's not even a feature player, but I love his style so much.. I had to get the autographed mini helmet...

Cribbs is awesome. You have to love the attitude. Same reason I really liked CJ Jones, but Cribbs has the tools. I hope he keeps it up. No more excuses.

Both Zac Jackson & the other dude on the "Morning Blitz" refered to Cribbs as a "kamakazi". I swear if they didn't read the board they wouldn't know what to talk about. LMAO

Things is about Cribbs, is he's not a QB, not a WR, & just not a Special teams player....Cribbs is bottom line a FOOTBALL PLAYER..We all can relate to him, he does just what many of us would do to play on the browns, Return kicks..ok, play alittle WR, ok, hey go throw the football on this play, ok, run water over to RAC, ok,
I root for Cribbs every Sunday to do something special, ...

lol.. I'm sure they do that a lot...

I know during the pre-draft part of the year.. i was naming a few RARE guys that probably wouldnt get drafted... and then all of a sudden.. they were talking about them on the home page...

but yea..

u just have to root for Cribbs b/c of how far he has grown from being a QB @ Kent St.

I've long said Cribbs is going to be a stud WR. Not just good. Stud. He reminds me sooooo much of a young Houshmandzadeh. If you remember he was a below average WR his first couple years. Very inconsistent and dropped a lot of balls. Then it just clicked. Hopefully this is the year that happens for Cribbs. Doubt it. Probably needs at least another year. But man does he ever remind me of TJ. Same body type. Same non-stop motor. Even their running style is similar. Let's hope I'm right. At the very least we've got an exciting player with a lot of versatility.

When I first heard that Chud's offense was going to playcall to the strengths of his players, I immediately thought of Cribbs. He's a guy with a ton of versatility. Hopefully, they are drawing up plenty of plays keyed to Cribbs' talents.

No doubt. I read in another thread that some of the QB's were talking about the need of another QB in camp to lighten the load on their arms. Could be a good chance to let Cribbs get some throws in with regular plays instead of trick ones. Then you've got the possibility of turning some of our regular plays into trick ones, if you will. Then again maybe not. Someone also said in that thread that our QB's getting extra work isn't a bad thing either. And I tend to agree with that statement considering the overall lack of experience we have. Not to mention the new system being installed. Either way it's going to be exciting to see how they use Cribb's arm as well as his legs. Or if they even do it at all.

this year Cribbs could turn into the Steelers Antwan Randle El of 05/06'...

they just have to give him the opportunity to do so w/ the play calls.