Cribbs SHOWS Critics He CAN Improve as a WR

[Flugel]

Originally Posted by Flugel

Believe it or not, I said something very similar months ago. The first time we ever saw Cribbs attempting to return punts for an injured Northcutt it was a complete disaster. He couldn't judge the ball at all and people said "just let him return kickoffs." Phil Savage took it one step further a few months later in saying we do not have a player on this team that can replace Northcutt in the punt return game. I added that to a kid that wasn't extended an invite to the Indy combines and said Cribbs seems like the type of kid where if you want him to achieve somethign just tell him he CANNOT do it.

All that was ever necessary our coaching staff DEFINING what his role was going to be. From where I sit, whatever Cribbs has put his mind to here he's succeeded at. MOST WRs in the NFL don't have to time budget their practices for 15 minutes catching passes with the first offense + 15 minutes taking direct snaps from center (same group), 20 minutes covering kickoffs, 20 minutes covering punts, 20 minutes returning punts, 20 minutes returning kickoffs, 20 minutes participating in 2 minute offense... And then depending on the matchup, SOME games we'll see him as a WR once or twice a series before he disappears for a quarter and returns. It's ALREADY a challenging position to learn and master from the guys trying it fulltime as Robo and MoMass could prolly tell us. On top of all that, our QBing in 2009 was awful so it's hard to say ALL if our new WRs were just as disappointing as Edwards Scissorhands or it was QB-induced.

The old saying is you get out of something what you put into it. Since Cribbs had NEVER mastered the WR position to date - it wasn't gonna get to where it needed to be by part-timing practices with duties that came so much easier to him. WR is a whole nother animal as we've seen. I'll guarantee Holmgren said if you want this guy to look the part of a reliable WR - you gotta make his preparation reliable for him. If you scatter too much into the practices - something's gotta give (and it's gonna be what he's least comfortable with).

I have enjoyed the back and forth in this thread. It's been a great discussion where nobody has been disrespected for their take. I'm coming from a place where I WANT y'all to get excited about this guy; especially if we notice Robo or MoMass struggling to produce we HAVE to have a reliable playmaker option like Cribbs.

ANOTHER reason I like him being in as a receiver while we have a VERY reliable RB in the backfield is so we're not spinning our wheels on just 1 prong of attack that makes us more predictable to defend. RB wasn't our weakness down the stretch of 2009 so why take out our strength to put in another strength to put in another strong runner? Miami started the wildcat because they had no passing game alternatives. The 2nd time NE would face them - they had it all solved with playing the run exclusively.

I can't see Pitt swallowing Cribbs on a direct snap for 4 quarters again with Pollyneedsahaircut back in the lineup. Understanding this, IF he's much improved at WR we can ADD a reliable prong like (the best of Hillis/Harrison/Hardesty/Davis) in a 2 point, with another prong like Watson or Moore at TE, plus Cribbs representing yet another prong at WR with more reliable and experienced QBing guiding his adjustments and reads. The MORE prongs of attack we bring to a game - the less predictable we are and tougher we become to defend. If we had to go all game in 2010 with Cribbs taking direct snaps from center - who thinks we fool Baltimore or Pitt in those 4 matchups? Who thinks Pitt's D won't be waiting for it?

Rationale for my wanting more? When we had a young Bernie Kosar not READY to have the entire passing game on his shoulders in 1985, we had BOTH Kevin Mack & Ernest Byner going over 1000 yards apiece. At the time, who knew who Lindy Infante was yet? What he did with that WONDERFUL starting point was add PRONGS of attack that capitaliized from our running game reputation. Webster Slaughter was about the SAME level of prospect as MoMass while Reggie Langhorne seemed to be cut out of the same mold as Robo. One came Elizabeth City State (Reggie) while the other came from SD State in round 2. The KEY was understanding that more prongs meant more balance. More balance meant tougher to defend and way less predictable. I'm seeing parallel thinking here. Giving up on Cribbs when he can turn out to become the best of all options at WR would really shortchange us IMO. Just give it this year with our FIRST decent QBing before we complain what a waste of time it is to have our best playmaker tryng to get more comfortable catching passes downfield.
- Tom F.

(This is actually an edit that wasn't allowed with less typos)

[TheBestPlayersPlay]

Sorry I changed the edit setting when we were having issues with a member going back and editing posts to change history. I'll adjust it.

[BernietheKid]

Cribbs Pleased with Progress
		By Don Delco OBR Reporter Posted Sep 1, 2010 | More Cribbs, wide receivers overcome negative perceptions with positive play in preseason. Plus a different kind of quarterback controversy...
BEREA, Ohio — Josh Cribbs admitted he went third person. Typically, that’s a faux pas for professional athletes, but after Cribbs watched the film of himself hauling in a 30-yard catch late in the first half last Saturday against Detroit, he couldn’t help himself. “When I looked at that play I was like, ‘Hey, look at that guy,’” Cribbs said. “I kind of looked at myself in third person. I saw the growth and how far I’ve come at being a wide receiver. I’m more comfortable wanting the football and having that drive to being a legitimate wide receiver.” Entering training camp, the Browns wide receiving corps was perceived as one of the weakest position groups. Cribbs is second on the team this preseason with eight catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. He leads the wide receiving group, as running back Peyton Hillis has a team-high nine catches for 86 yards. In addition to Cribbs, Brian Robiskie has six catches for 62 yards and a touchdown and Mohamed Massaquoi has five catches for 72 yards. In all, 19 players have at least one reception. “They all make plays,” quarterback Jake Delhomme said. “Every single one of them. We’ve put them in all different positions, moved them around a great deal and it’s almost by committee. They’re ego-less in a good way. Everybody has to have an ego to a certain extent, but they are ego-less when it comes to the team and that makes for a healthy offense.” Delhomme has benefited from the Browns receivers, as he is 38-for-48 passing for 345 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. “We have a collection of guys that can get the job done,” Delhomme said. “You can’t focus on just stopping one guy.” The lack of me-first, diva-type wide receivers in the Browns locker room is evident because their main goal for the 2010 season goes beyond personal stats. “We want to try and make ourselves known as one of the toughest wide receiving corps in the league,” Cribbs said. “We want safeties to know they better be ready to play. We’ll block you. When you play us you better fear us. We want that reputation.” QB Conundrum: Delhomme may be locked into the Browns’ the starting quarterback position, but that doesn’t mean the team can avoid a controversy this season. As the Browns prepare to play their final preseason game against the Chicago Bears at 8 p.m. Thursday at Cleveland Browns Stadium, the quarterback responsibilities will rest on the shoulders of Colt McCoy and Brett Ratliff. Delhomme and his back up, Seneca Wallace, will not play Thursday, according to Browns coach Eric Mangini. McCoy and Ratliff have seen limited time in the Browns’ first three preseason games. Mangini said he has not decided who will start Thursday, but he expects both quarterbacks to play at least. “We may mix it up to where one plays the first and fourth or first and third,” Mangini said. “I’ll talk to (offensive coordinator) Brian (Daboll) and then think about what I’ll do.” Last week, Mangini said the Browns could keep as many as four quarterbacks or as few as two. While rumors surfaced last week that third-round pick McCoy could be one of the roster casualties, reports cited an unnamed source refuting that notion. The first round of roster cuts is 4 p.m. today. Ratliff and McCoy appear to be safe for now, as only six of the team’s 81 players are expected to be released. Then, the roster cut down to a maximum of 53 players is at 6 p.m. Sept. 4. McCoy is coming off his best performance of the preseason last Saturday against Detroit. McCoy finished 10-for-14 passing for 76 yards with no interceptions while Ratliff did not play. “(Colt) has grown,” Mangini said. “He needs to improve on his decision making from his earlier games. We’re not where we need to be but it’s better than what it was. That’ll keep coming with time and experience.” In all, McCoy is 15-for-26 passing for 101 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions and Ratliff is 8-for-19 for 61 yards passing with no touchdowns and one interception. Since a majority of practice reps have gone to Delhomme and Wallace, McCoy said he’s been using that time to mentally absorb the duties of an NFL quarterback. “I’ve got to keep my head up, keep working and keep moving on,” McCoy said. “Studying the game is the biggest thing for me. I need to understand how this game is played and how to prepare for all sorts of things. At the end of the day you can’t lose the fact that this is still football.” T.J. the Tackling Machine: Browns rookie safety T.J. Ward enters the final preseason game as the defense’s leading tackler with 14, 11 of which are solo. According to Mangini, first-year players like Ward, Joe Haden (CB) and Shawn Lauavo (RG) may see more time than a few snaps Thursday against the Bears. “I treat every game like it’s a game, preseason or not,” said Ward, who was the Browns second-round pick in last April’s draft. “I don’t look at it as a practice game or scrimmage. I go out there and perform well. That’s all I want to do.” Although Ward is pleased with his progression, he is not content as the regular season looms. “I’m getting used to the speed of the game and communicating and knowing my opponent better,” Ward said. “I’ve also got better at some study habits, but I’ve got a lot of work to do. However long I need to play that’s how long I’m going to play (Thursday).” Injury Update: Tight end Ben Watson returned to practice Tuesday after missing Monday’s session for personal reasons. Offensive Tackle John St. Clair missed his second consecutive practice for personal reasons while tight end Robert Royal (ankle) and defensive back Nick Sorensen (concussion) also did not practice. Scout.com: Cribbs Pleased with Progress

[BernietheKid]

Cleveland Browns' Josh Cribbs catching on as a receiver

Published: Saturday, September 11, 2010, 1:55 AM Updated: Saturday, September 11, 2010, 2:00 AM

Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer


View full sizeTracy Boulian / The Plain Dealer
Josh Cribbs has been a valuable player for the Browns as a returner and out of the wildcat formation, but coaches say he is making great strides as a receiver as the team gets ready to begin the regular season.

BEREA, Ohio — Browns receiver Josh Cribbs watched himself on film the day after the Detroit preseason game making a 30-yard sideline catch and felt like he was having an out-of-body experience.

"I definitely looked at that play when I caught the ball and I was like, 'Hey, look at him! Look at that guy!' " Cribbs said. "I was just kind of looking at myself in the third person. I saw the growth and saw how far I had come at being a wide receiver -- being comfortable, begging for the football, just wanting it and having that drive of being a legitimate wide receiver."

That sideline catch of a Jake Delhomme throw -- one that led to a TD -- came as no surprise to coach Eric Mangini, who kept insisting last season that Cribbs would be a good receiver despite all the raised eyebrows and snickers.

"I really believed it last year, and he caught 20 balls," said Mangini. "I think the difference now is that he's got the routes, he's got the system and he's adding the subtleties of the position and that's been really fun to watch.

"He's got excellent hands and he's made some impressive catches. That one on the sideline was a big-time catch. Not only that, but he blows people up when he's blocking. You can run him on reverses, play him at quarterback -- he makes me happy."

Cribbs finished the preseason fourth on the team with eight catches for 77 yards with one TD, a 15-yarder from Seneca Wallace against the Rams. He led the team with five catches that game for 30 yards, and caught a 9-yarder from Delhomme on a fourth-and-3 to the Rams' 10. The Browns scored two plays later.

"Josh is always going to have the element of playmaker with him because that's the way he is," said Delhomme.

He recalled that some people questioned receiver Steve Smith in Carolina, and Smith responded with a breakout year. "Those playmakers," Delhomme said, "they just have a way, a sense, a feel of how to get open. They're just special."

Cribbs is using his background as a quarterback at Kent State to help him in his new role.

"One thing I've worked on is showing late hands," he said. "A lot of receivers, when the ball is coming, they're running with their hands [out]. . . . Wait until the last possible second to put your hands out there and it fools the defensive back. He's keying on your eyes and hands. I also try not to make my eyes get this big when the ball is coming. It's real tough.

"And I've been crying wolf a lot on running plays, acting like I'm getting the ball and running a go, so when it's actually coming, they downplay it and I'm able to catch the football."

His doubters have been a tremendous help, too.

"Oh yeah, that's the motivation I'll use throughout the year -- the negative comments or naysayers about me being a receiver," he said. "I thrive on proving people wrong."
Besides lining up at receiver in different formations -- with two, three and four receivers -- Cribbs will also still get reps in the "flash" package and Wallace's "cyclone" package -- both versions of the wildcat. But defenses have more to think about now.

"I'm not just the gadget guy anymore," he said. "I'm a legitimate receiver. A lot of it has to do with coach believing in me, saying 'you're the man, so strap up.' I feel somewhat of a swag about myself, but at the same time staying humble enough to be on my responsibilities."

Of course, Cribbs is just as happy making a good downfield block as he is a catch. With his size (6-1, 215) and strength, it's a jolt to defenders.

"We're trying to make ourselves known as one of the toughest receiving corps in the league," said Cribbs.

"When you play us, you better be on your game. The safeties, they fear us, so we want that reputation and we want to let them know, 'we're going to block you as well, so back off.' "

Cribbs had amazing chemistry with Wallace all preseason, and developed it with Delhomme toward the end when Mohamed Massaquoi was out for a while with a hamstring injury.

"Jake and I hooked up a couple of times in the Detroit game, and I'm getting as comfortable with Jakes as I was with Seneca throughout [preseason]," he said.
Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll acknowledged that Cribbs will have plenty of chances to touch the ball on offense as well as kick returns.

"I'm looking for him to have a good year, both at receiver and whatever else we ask him to play," said Daboll. "We do have a lot of stuff in for him because he's a very good playmaker. I hope he's excited about it. I hope he goes out and he does a really good job with the multitude of things he's going to have to do."

Cleveland Browns' Josh Cribbs catching on as a receiver | cleveland.com

[Flugel]

Originally Posted by BernietheKid

Cribbs said. "I was just kind of looking at myself in the third person. I saw the growth and saw how far I had come at being a wide receiver -- being comfortable, begging for the football, just wanting it and having that drive of being a legitimate wide receiver."

That sideline catch of a Jake Delhomme throw -- one that led to a TD -- came as no surprise to coach Eric Mangini, who kept insisting last season that Cribbs would be a good receiver despite all the raised eyebrows and snickers.

"I really believed it last year, and he caught 20 balls," said Mangini. "I think the difference now is that he's got the routes, he's got the system and he's adding the subtleties of the position and that's been really fun to watch.

"He's got excellent hands and he's made some impressive catches. That one on the sideline was a big-time catch. Not only that, but he blows people up when he's blocking. You can run him on reverses, play him at quarterback -- he makes me happy."

His doubters have been a tremendous help, too. "Oh yeah, that's the motivation I'll use throughout the year -- the negative comments or naysayers about me being a receiver," he said. "I thrive on proving people wrong."
Besides lining up at receiver in different formations -- with two, three and four receivers -- Cribbs will also still get reps in the "flash" package and Wallace's "cyclone" package -- both versions of the wildcat. But defenses have more to think about now.

"I'm not just the gadget guy anymore," he said. "I'm a legitimate receiver. A lot of it has to do with coach believing in me, saying 'you're the man, so strap up.' I feel somewhat of a swag about myself, but at the same time staying humble enough to be on my responsibilities."

Of course, Cribbs is just as happy making a good downfield block as he is a catch. With his size (6-1, 215) and strength, it's a jolt to defenders.

"We're trying to make ourselves known as one of the toughest receiving corps in the league," said Cribbs.

"When you play us, you better be on your game. The safeties, they fear us, so we want that reputation and we want to let them know, 'we're going to block you as well, so back off.' "

I put my money where my mouth is by drafting Josh Cribbs in my fantasy football money league. Let's hope that gives me something better than a Village Idiot hat. If that turns out the way I need it to my dome will get way too big for the VI hat to fit.

The WR position requires a TON of learning and some degree of reps consistency before comfort and confidence is established. LEARNING the coverage gunner responsibilities have been removed shows me there's less multi-tasking preparation and MORE commitment to the 3 downs before we punt. And when this guy prepares 100% for a role - we've seen the results. If Holmgren whipped out the cake to pay him as a playmaker - you better believe he's getting WAY more practice to be a playmaker. AGAIN, the removal of kick coverage gunner in lieu of offensive playmaker role. Worked for Hines Ward, who also had a scholarship as a QB when he arrived to his college football program. To coin the lyrics of a band ironically called YES, "It Can Happen!"
- Tom F.

[Vegasdogg]

Originally Posted by DaBrowns41

I just can't see 900 yards. I'm sorry. As of now, we have (believe it or not) too many options for Delhomme, for Cribbs to get that many catches, and I can guarantee that he won't run it enough for that.

With Mo Mass getting around 50-60 grabs, Robo getting around 45-55, and the TE's getting close to 80 combined, I don't see Cribbs catching the ball enough for that.

I am sticking to my story - 400 rushing and 500 receiving for the season. That's 31 yds receiving and 25 rushing per game. If they learn to get him the ball in space he should do this easy.

[Danamal]

Originally Posted by Vegasdogg

I am sticking to my story - 400 rushing and 500 receiving for the season. That's 31 yds receiving and 25 rushing per game. If they learn to get him the ball in space he should do this easy.

+1

[Flugel]

Originally Posted by Vegasdogg

I am sticking to my story - 400 rushing and 500 receiving for the season. That's 31 yds receiving and 25 rushing per game. If they learn to get him the ball in space he should do this easy.

This might be more emotional than logical on my part Vegas but here you be:
I'm choosing to look at better QBing that can SEE Cribbs instead of locking onto 1 target as well as the respect our TE position will create to open doors/opps for our WRs. I think passes in FRONT of our receivers and above the shoe striongs are gonna be refreshing for so many parties.

- Tom F.

[Flugel]

I felt like this was a thread worth revisiting.

[Flugel]

Originally Posted by Vegasdogg

I am sticking to my story - 400 rushing and 500 receiving for the season. That's 31 yds receiving and 25 rushing per game. If they learn to get him the ball in space he should do this easy.

This was a good take.

[Flugel]

Originally Posted by DaBrowns41

Well, Hines Ward only took one season to make any sort of impact as a WR, and Hines grasped onto being physical and running routes. Not to mention, Ward is one of the best blocking WR's in the game. Cribbs gives up down field when blocking, which is one problem I have with him.

The other is that his routes are just not there. He isn't getting open, and he needs to get open and get in space to not only catch the ball, but use his open field skills.

I would love more than anything for Cribbs to develop into a nice slot receiver, but right now, I'd rather Cribbs stick to the 4th option or slot receiver at best. I'd take Stuckey over him right now.

There seemed to be quite a few guys in the thread not very confiedent in Cribbs

[Flugel]

Originally Posted by Shep

I question whether Cribbs will ever be a great WR in the traditional sense.

I think he's a more of a third-down back in motion or a Wildcat QB. I think he's a specialty player on offense, but I don't think we have to be quite so miserly with specialty plays.

I'm glad you've had a change of heart with him today in that other post Shep.