Can the Team Find a Position Fit for Cribbs

[YtownBacker]

Josh Cribbs is an exciting football player and he is a playmaker that we need on the Browns.

That said, you got to think coaches could find a way to use him on offense more then they have. He is a great special teamer but is he really a WR? For years coaches have tried to get him more involved in the offense by using him as a WR. That just hasn't worked out. For two years he was used in the wildcat but that gimmick has run its course.

So, where do we go from here? Maybe one thing that is holding back this group of coaches and Heckert from obtaining a veteran FA WR is the numbers we have because of Cribbs and his unknown status. I don't see them just putting him on the bench except for special teams. But, if you continue to line him up as a WR you take reps away from Little, Hagerty and Norwood. Personally I don't think Cribbs could ever be a elite WR. I don't think I have ever seen him doubled teamed when he has split out wide.

Well, the position we are short at could very well be his calling and a good way to get the ball in his hands and create mismatches. Can anybody tell me why this guy can't fill the position as a 3rd down back and change of pace back. You would be getting the ball in the hands of an exciting runner without him having to get separation as a WR.

Come on the guy is a RB and we have tried to make him a WR. If he lined up as a RB he could create mismatches motioning out of the backfield and having a LB or safety cover him. The only problem I see is he would have to become a solid blocker. I don't think that's a problem for a guy his size who loves contact and loves to play the game.

About time we found a way to get the ball into Cribbs's hands where he could help the team. Why are we looking to bring in a 3rd RB when we already have one miscast as a WR.

Then Shep would be happy because we would open up a roster slot for a veteran receiver.

[YtownBacker]

He is a #4 WR at best........................that said, I have to agree that he has taken a lot of punishment over the last few years.

I don't know if he is good trade bait with his contract and the inability to progress as a WR. I think we do keep him because he excites the fan base but I want to see him as a RB. Not the primary RB but a situational RB who I think would be very good coming out of the backfield for a screen pass or quick out. I also like putting the ball in his hands and letting him make a play.

How much more punishment he can absorb is a great question.

[Brown Warrior]

He has little or no value as a WR. Even on our 32nd ranked WR corps, he's maybe 4th best, possibly 5th behind Little, Mo, Robo, and Mitchell. Hate that he takes a roster spot at that position. I'd love to see him as a tailback, third down guy.

[cw24]

Why not try the guy at DB. He's a great tackler on special teams. He's got speed. I don't think it can hurt.

[Sez.EJ]

I agree that 3rd down back is a good fit for him..if he can pick up the blocking schemes. I do not see trade value for him since the kickoff rules have changed..and the other team will have the same problem we do..what do you do with him.. RB seems to be the best fit and we have a need there.. If he can't do that.. maybe it's time to cut bait and run. There are other guys who can return kicks.. and we would open up a WR slot for someone who actually IS a wr.

[Brown Warrior]

I agree, Sez. It sounds like blasphemy, but he didn't have a great year as a KR in 2010 BEFORE the rules changes. His impact is likely to be less this year. He needs to be a contributor somewhere else and it just doesn't seem like WR is the place.

I keep reading we're in the market for a third-down receiving back... and then I keep wondering, "Why can't Cribbs be that guy?"

[Vegasdogg]

We're not trading Josh Cribbs. Guys come one now, what value does a KR have since they've moved up the spot for KO's 5 yards. He has value for us on this team, more than he can get in trade. Cribbs isn't going anywhere for at least 2011-12.

[Vegasdogg]

Originally Posted by Brown Warrior

it just doesn't seem like WR is the place.

Based on what? Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace and Colt McCoy throwing him the ball out of Daboll's crap offense? I know you've pretty much given up on Cribbs as a WR but you really haven't given him the benefit of the doubt, IMO. He has had shit offenses and poor QB play the entire time they placed him at WR. You can't watch the same games I watch and somehow have an advantage of what you see. We watch the same film.

[Brown Warrior]

I just feel like it's a lot of hope and dreams and fairy dust for the Browns at WR, including Cribbs. We have people using Haggarty as a reason not to pursue free agents. It's a little nutty.

[Bronx Cheer]

Moore and Watson got open just fine and made plays when targeted. The problem everyone has with Cribbs, Momass and Robiskie is that they didn't do anything even when targeted. Make a play, for cryin out loud. Yes, there has been some crappy QBing. But these three have done relatively little to inspire confidence.

[YtownBacker]

Originally Posted by Brown Warrior

I just feel like it's a lot of hope and dreams and fairy dust for the Browns at WR, including Cribbs. We have people using Haggarty as a reason not to pursue free agents. It's a little nutty.

I wrote this post because I also think Cribbs is suspect as a WR, especially in the WCO unless they can coach him up to be a solid slot guy. But, I do think he still has value on special teams because there will still be kickoff returns and still be punt returns. there is still a need For a gunner of kickoffs. I also continue to scratch my head to understand why he isn't the answer as a 3rd down back or receiver out of the backfield.

That said, his trade value is close to nil because of his contract. Nobody will want to take on a contract like his for a player with his limitations.

Continually pissing on our WR corp is what is nutty not hoping a guy who showed potential in last years camp be given a fair shot. Heaven forbid that a UDFA ever be given a shot to make it, but then again that's what you have professed by asking that the team bring in a UDFA WR to compete with the guys we have. I mean a 3rd year WR who takes the step up to realize his potential is unheard of, isn't it....................or a UDFA like Haggerty ever making a team and becoming a star WR is never going to happen is it? Aren't first round picks WR the only guys who ever make it big in the NFL.

Maybe, just maybe that an offense ranked near the bottom of the league in every catagory isn't the fault of it's WRs. Maybe having a thirst quenching fetish for WRs from other teams has clouded your judgement because I know that our WRs have been given every chance to show their wears in a well developed NFL pass offense.

Maybe you are right, cut the cord and let MoMass and Robo walk. Everybody knows they are failures and they will never reach their potential..................right?

Give me a fuckin break. this was a thread about Cribbs and not another thread for you to turn into another WR fetish. Do you really have to ruin every fuckin thread with your bullshit about FA WRs and how ours suck.

[Bronx Cheer]

Also, put me in the "Cribbs stinks as a WR, but we should try him as a 3rd down back" camp.