While a lot of the words out of OTAs have focused on the Kellen Winslow absence, or the pending (hopeful) return of LeCharles Bentley, the Plain Dealer has some news that should get even the most fair-weather Browns fans smile. Nope, not $1 beer night. How about Josh Cribbs on offense.
“We’re putting in a nice package just to utilize more of my skills as well as everyone else’s,” said Cribbs… “Last year, we put in one or two plays a game, but this year, it will be on a more consistent basis. It’s going to be more of an elaborate package for a change of pace.”
I’ve always pondered the lack of Cribbs’ use in the Browns offense. My initial thoughts lean towards his route-running abilities. We know he’s fast. We know he has decent awareness – as he was a quarterback. We know he can catch, as he’s no stranger to over-the-shoulder punt returns. So, it has to be the routes. Right?
Even during the few plays when Cribbs would be in the backfield, you see the opposing defenses changing up their plays. Under center? Even more defensive audibles.
Rob Chudzinski has a really special talent at his disposal this season. Cribbs only hauled in three passes last season, but he did manage 61 yards on the ground (nine carries). Putting this kid on the field will help spread the field for our other weapons, while still allowing for the occasional big play out of the Pro Bowler.
Needless to say, I can’t wait to see the ball in the hands of #16 this fall.
Author: Scott
Scott is a co-founder/editor of Waiting For Next Year who resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Feel free to follow him on Twitter or email him at scott@waitingfornextyear.com.Scott has written 1701 articles for Waiting for Next Year.
Can’t wait for Bowns season!
He’s like Kordell Stewart with talent
…and a girlfriend
Even more weapons on offense? Why the hell not
Anybody else absolutely giddy about the Browns offense this season?
count me in. can’t wait…
“…and a girlfriend”
hahaha!
What we should do is line Cribbs up 20 yards behind the line of scrimmage and hike him the ball. Like a kick off return.
#16 !!!! JC!!!
Damn.
Not sure how I missed this post.
I ran into it looking for the correct spelling of Shaun Rodgers. Didn’t keep looking once I found this article, and still think I’m spelling it wrong. lol
Cribbs is my favorite player. I wear the #16 Brown and Orange often.
I graduated from Kent State in May after 7+ years of evenings and weekend classes. One nice thing about evenings and weekends (there arent many) is allot of the athletes take these classes because of their athletic schedule. To make a long story short.
I sat next to Cribbs in algebra class. Before I knew who he was we struck up a few conversations in and around class. Around the last month of class the Kent football program came out and I’ll be damned if the guy next to me wasn’t Cribbs, the QB for Kent state.
On the way out of class that night.. He laughed when I asked him his last name. I think he knew I didn’t know who he was this whole time.
I try and take a trip up to Berea every summer and catch him coming off the field. I’ve also ran down to the sidelines (row 1) and give him a holler when I get tickets to a half empty preseason game.
He still remembers my face but I usually have to remind him where he remembers me from. He’s signed my jersey, given me his glove and usually hangs out for a minute before getting mobbed.
Also, One more cool thing. I don’t get to go to many games… but he has scored in every game I’ve attended…
I tell him that when I see him… hoping he calls me his “lucky charm” and starts sending me tickets. LOL. Kidding about the tickets.
That’s All. Figured Id share this little story about Cribbs. I REALLY feel like doing absolutely nothing at work today.
Go Browns!