Cribbs not a gunner this year

[JewDago]

according to steve d at the canton rep, cribbs isn't going to be covering kickoffs or punts, a move i love. instead of springting downfield every time the offense sputters, he'll be able to conserve his energy for situations in which he can make the most difference, on offense and as a return man.

it's high time that the browns give that job to someone else. plenty of guys can be gunners on the punt coverage team. not many can do what cribbs can in the open field.

[Masters]

While good to see him not over worked, who is replacing him as a gunner on punts and will they be as good? You'd always see Cribbs tagging guys before they could get any type of PR going.

[sofakingwhat]

I will miss him covering on returns, but I support the move. He is far to valuable to risk on that job.

[Shep]

Great idea. He told Rome that, I guess. Tells you to expect more of him on offense. More "amazing" with Wallace, I would guess.

[hiwaygal]

Originally Posted by Masters

While good to see him not over worked, who is replacing him as a gunner on punts and will they be as good? You'd always see Cribbs tagging guys before they could get any type of PR going.

To answer your question (which was probably rhetorical anyway)...no. I don't think anyone in the league is as good. I guess the question is, are they at least better than average?

Originally Posted by sofakingwhat

I will miss him covering on returns, but I support the move. He is far to valuable to risk on that job.

Me too! Last year I would have HATED this move, but I've come to realize that you have to give someone like him the ball as often as possible. It can't hurt and if/when he gets in the open field, it will be amazing!

[Vegasdogg]

400 rushing 500 receiving. Mark it down.

[Alo]

Originally Posted by Masters

While good to see him not over worked, who is replacing him as a gunner on punts and will they be as good? You'd always see Cribbs tagging guys before they could get any type of PR going.

T.J. Ward should be pretty good.

[Alo]

Playing special teams is a requirement of every non-quarterback rookie under Mangini, and cornerbacks are crucial on punt returns and coverage. Haden, who played a variety of special teams at the University of Florida, stepped right in as a gunner and beat double coverage. He also jammed the gunner for 40 yards down the field, drawing praise from special teams coordinator Brad Seely.

via here.

[Neo]

Originally Posted by Alo

T.J. Ward should be pretty good.

I would rather Blake Costanzo do it and save TJ' for defense.

[Masters]

Seems risky to have your starting saftey playing on ST as well. Especially as the gunner, considering he's probably already winded from running around the 3 downs that preceeded the punt.

[Alo]

Belichick has his starters play on specials, so you know that Mangini isn't opposed to it.

[Masters]

That's true. But of course BB traditionally has the roster where if his starter got hurt doing it (or worn out) he's got a back up that can fill in and his team doesn't miss a beat. Seems like playing with fire.