The first word that comes to mind when you think about Josh Cribbs’ game is “versatile.”

While at Kent State, he set school records for total offense (10,839 yards), rushing touchdowns (38), pass completions (616), pass attempts (1,123), passing yardage (7,169), touchdowns scored (41) and points scored (246) – all records that still stand today.

Now a member of the Cleveland Browns, Cribbs continues to flash the versatility that made him a star at Kent. Arguably the Browns’ most explosive playmaker, Josh is a threat to take it to the house every time he gets his hands on the ball as either a returner, a receiver or a runner out of the Wildcat formation.

Oh, and the guy can given drop back as a quarterback and even spent some time in training camp at safety. You just don’t find players as versatile as Cribbs, who the Browns are lucky to employ (which is why they locked him up to a long-term deal this past March).

We were fortunate enough to catch Josh in between games and got to ask him what the secret is to being an elite kick returner. He also filled us in on two Browns to keep an eye on this year (fans will be extremely happy to hear what he said about one young player in particular), what his role will be in Cleveland’s offense over the course of the season and how he did in his acting debut for a September 30th episode of FX’s “The League,” in which he plays himself.

Enjoy the interview and for more on Josh, be sure to check out his Twitter Page.

The Scores Report: Hey Josh, how are you?

Josh Cribbs: Good, how you doing?

TSR: Doing great, thanks for joining us today. I know you’re busy during the season so we appreciate your taking the time to sit down with us.

JC: All right – no problem.

TSR: What changes now that Jake Delhomme is out and Seneca Wallace is your starter, besides the fact that Seneca is obviously more mobile?

JC: Well, I believe that since Seneca is mobile, defenses will try to do a good job of containing him but we’ll combat that. We’re going to be ready for them to try and contain Seneca, who will keep drives alive a lot more than Jake. But Jake is used to running the offense, so it’s just some minor things that change. They’re both great quarterbacks, but I know the biggest thing for defenses is to try and contain Seneca and I think they’ll have problems doing it.

TSR: I see you’re 1-for-1 passing on the year. Not that you want to see anything happen to Seneca, but are you ready to go in at a moments notice? How’s the arm?

JC: (Laughs)

TSR: (Laughs)

JC: The arm is great – I’m ready to throw some more passes.

TSR: You’re such a versatile player in that you can return kicks, you can receive, you can lineup as a quarterback in the Wildcat and you can also run the ball as well. What can fans expect out of your role over the course of an entire season?

JC: I think they can expect my role to increase. The more good I do in those roles that they put me in, the more my role will expand. Look for me to drop back as a regular quarterback, because defenses will assume that I’m going to run every single time and that’s not true. So you can expect me to throw the ball regularly…I can quarterback, run the ball, catch the ball, return and tackle.

TSR: Speaking of tackling, I saw that your coaches had you lining up at safety at times during training camp. What was that about?

JC: You know, I’m there if they need me. It’s all about being versatile. Injuries happen during the season and you know, they might want to spice it up. They may want to throw me out there to give our defense a different look. They know I’m capable of doing it and I’m ready. Whenever they give me an opportunity I’m going to shine.

TSR: I’m going to put you on the spot – I read on your Twitter page a couple of months ago that you had planned to lose 13 pounds before training camp. Did you accomplish that goal?

JC: Yes I did. We get fined if we’re overweight, so it wasn’t something that I wanted to do – I had to do it. I didn’t want to lose any money, so I lost about 18 pounds.

TSR: Good for you – I’m sure that helps during the season.

JC: Definitely. I’ve gained a lot of muscle weight, but I still wanted to keep my speed in order and losing the weight helped there.

TSR: What’s the key to having a successful kick return in the NFL and what’s your secret for being one of the best in that area?

JC: The key is watching tape and knowing that when you catch the ball, you have everyone’s livelihood in your hands. So watching tape is of great importance and in order to be an elite kick returner you have to keep watching film. You have to envision it before you do it, so I always sit there before a game and just envision myself running in for a touchdown. I watch film over and over and over on myself, as well as the team we’re about to play. That’s another thing – research. You have to research your opponent and be prepared.

TSR: I have to admit that’s one thing I didn’t even think of when it comes to being a returner – watching film. You often hear about how important game tape is for quarterbacks and defenders, but as a fan you don’t think about it as it applies to kick returners. That’s interesting.

JC: Absolutely, it’s very important – for everybody.

TSR: You have a front row seat to watch a couple of young receivers in Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie. Talk to me about their development to this point.

JC: They had excellent OTAs and training camps. They proved themselves worthy day in and day out in practice and they just make plays. And that’s what’s most important – making plays. You saw Mohamed catch a touchdown in the first game and that’s proof of what he does in practice.

TSR: The Darrelle Revis contract holdout in New York this past offseason really brought the potential lockout in 2011 to light. How crucial was it for you to get your deal done back in March?

JC: It was very crucial because I wanted to put the contract and everything behind me. I didn’t want to have it lingering on during the season and that’s why I waited until after the season last year to handle things. I didn’t want it to linger into OTAs and I didn’t want to be a problem for my team. You know, being a captain, you don’t want to be a distraction and I was able to get that done without being one.

TSR: Josh, give me one offensive player and one defensive player for Brown fans to watch out for this season.

JC: I think one guy is…let me see…just one? (Laughs)

TSR: (Laughs) Just one on each side of the ball and you can’t pick yourself!

JC: That’s really tough. You know what? Evan Moore – our tight end. He’s been a receiving tight end that is learning how to block after being a receiver in college. He’s a big guy that’s going to line up at tight end, but he’s a receiver at heart. Any time he’s lined up on a linebacker, you know he’s going to win – he does it consistently in practice. He’s a guy that we called up from the practice squad last year and I forgot how many catches he had, but he had plenty of catches in those last four games, which were all wins.

TSR: Right.

JC: And on defense: Joe Haden. This is a guy who came in and I’m like, oh man, I don’t know if they made the right pick. I don’t know how good this guy is going to be and he blew me away. He’s come a long way since OTAs to where he is now. At OTAs I’m like, okay, we don’t have equipment on so you don’t know how this guy is going to play. He’s from my area so I’m going to root for him but…training camp came around and it’s like the switch turned on. He’s going to be a great cornerback for years to come. He’s already playing above expectations and I think he’s going to be great in this defense.

TSR: Well, I’m sure you just made a lot of Brown fans happy that they’re No. 1 draft pick will probably pan out. One last question for you Josh: I hear you’re going to be on FX’s “The League” at the end of September. You’re starring yourself?

JC: Yes, sir!

TSR: (Laughs)

JC: That’s my acting debut. They gave me the opportunity to take that role and you know, I’m playing myself so it’s not really acting, but it’s directed by really great people and it was a great opportunity. Terrell Suggs is in it too and I’ve been tweeting it all day – it’s a great episode. And actually, not only the episode – the show itself is good. They sent me a couple of DVDs and now I’m hooked, and everybody who watches it because they follow my Twitter – now they’re hooked. So hopefully it’s something I can build on and have after football.

TSR: Well, I’m definitely going to tune in and maybe next time we’ll have you back so you can talk about your acting career.

JC: Thank you man, I really appreciate it!

TSR: Not a problem, Josh – thank you for joining us, we really appreciate it. Stay healthy and have a great season.

JC: All right – I like to hear that! Thank you and take care.

TSR: Thanks, Josh – you too!

Merry preseason, everyone. It’s been a long offseason, but football is finally gearing up again and to celebrate I’m rolling out a new series on TSR entitled “2010 NFL Question Marks,” where I discuss one or two of the biggest concerns that teams have heading into the new season. Granted, some teams have more issues than others, but I’ll primarily be focusing on the biggest problem areas. Today I’ll be discussing the major issues the Browns could have with their passing game this season.

Usually teams have enough skill players to make an offense work, but their line holds them back.

The Browns have the opposite problem.

Joe Thomas is one of the top pass blocking left tackles in the game and will once again anchor a solid Cleveland offensive line. While he needs to improve his pass protection, young center Alex Mack is a budding star and Eric Steinbach completes a pretty dominating left side.

Unfortunately, not even a good offensive line will save the Browns from what should be one of the worst passing games in the NFL.

I’ve never been a fan of Jake Delhomme and while he may be fooling Cleveland fans with his “veteran presence” act right now, the guy was atrocious last year. He doesn’t handle pressure well, he forces passes into coverage and even when he does have time he still turns the ball over.

Granted, he was a consistent performer in 2008 before his disaster in the playoffs against the Cardinals that year. So if he can recapture some of that magic then maybe the Browns will be okay, but 1) I wouldn’t bet on it and 2) that means other players will have to step up around him.

Mohamed Massaquoi obviously has a ton of talent, which he displayed in big games against the Bengals and Lions last year. There’s a chance this could be his breakout season, but that would require Delhomme being able to get him the ball. While he certainly has a ton of potential, Massaquoi is being counted on as the Browns’ No. 1 receiver and he only amassed 624 yards last season.

On the other side is Brian Robiskie, whom I think has a nice future as a possession receiver. But he looked incredibly lost last year as a rookie (which I realize isn’t uncommon) and needs to make strides in his development if he wants to remain a starter.

Behind Massaquoi and Robiskie are Joshua Cribbs and Chansi Stuckey. Obviously Cribbs is explosive in the return game and he’s a highlight reel waiting to happen if he can get into open space. But he was arguably the least productive Brown as a receiver last year. Stuckey is fine as a No. 3 or No. 4, although don’t expect the light to turn on for him at this point in his career.

The good news is that the receiving corps does have potential (I’m intrigued by this Carlton Mitchell kid, too) and the running game should be strong. Adding Ben Watson at tight end should also help in the passing game, although it looks like Evan Moore is going looks at the position as well.

If Delhomme can be more consistent and cut down on all of the mistakes, the Browns’ passing game might be okay. And if Massaquoi can develop into a true No. 1 receiver over the course of the year, that should help Delhomme. And if Robiskie makes strides and if Cribbs carries over his play on special teams to receiver, the Browns will be in good shape.

You can see where I’m going with this. If, if, if, if…

I don’t have a ton of faith that all of this will come together – especially Delhomme transforming back into the quarterback he used to be. Thus, I think the Browns’ passing game (among other things) will hold them back in 2010.

I hate writing intros and I don’t think many people read them anyway. There’s a good chance you’re not even reading this write now, so let’s just get on with it.

(Side Note: This list isn’t directed at fantasy football readers. If owners want to apply this information for fantasy purposes, please, be my guest. But I encourage you to check out my TSR partner John Paulsen’s work if you’re looking specifically for fantasy-related content. Just do so after you read this piece………..you’re not even reading this, are you?)

1. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs
I’m going to start off with a somewhat obvious candidate in Bowe based on offseason reports (he’s also already shown that he can be productive). But make a mental note (seriously, write it down) that I’ve been high on the former LSU product ever since his performance in the 2007 Sugar Bowl against Note Dame (even though he was arguably outperformed by Early Doucet). After spending a grueling offseason participating in Larry Fitzgerald’s football camp, Bowe is reportedly down to 210 pounds after showing up to camp last year at 240. After spending most of preseason in Todd Haley’s doghouse last year, Bowe is now running with the Chiefs’ first-team offense this summer. At 6’2 and 210 pounds, the problem with Bowe has never been about size or physical tools. His issues have always lied within his work ethic, or lack thereof. But if he’s focused, he could have a tremendous year in Haley’s offense and could go from a promising player to a Pro Bowler in one season.

2. Johnny Knox, Bears
As John wrote in his breakdown of sleeper fantasy receivers last week, it’s hard to pick out just one Bear receiver that could break out this season. That’s because in Mike Martz’s offense, they all could break out. But I’m going with Knox over returner-turned-receiver Devin Hester, whom some believe will be Chicago’s biggest breakout player. Knox has reportedly been targeted more than any receiver in Bears’ camp so far this offseason and he’s the perfect fit for Martz’s up-temp offense. That’s because he not only has elite speed, but he’s also a sound route-runner and he’s already drawing comparisons to Torry Holt in terms of how his game translates in Martz’s offense. Assuming Jay Cutler targets him in the regular season as much as he has so far in training camp, a 1,000-yard season is well within Knox’s reach.

3. Harry Douglas, Falcons
Had I written this piece last year, Douglas would have made that list, too. But after suffering an ACL injury early in camp, the third-year receiver missed the entire 2009 season after showing flashes of playmaking ability as a rookie. This year, he’s healthy again and has already drawn rave reviews from his coaching staff and quarterback Matt Ryan. While Michael Jenkins’ injury might open the door for more opportunities in the passing game, the Falcons want to keep him in the slot so his speed will be a mismatch for nickelbacks, linebackers and safeties. He’ll still be overshadowed by Roddy White in the offense, but assuming his knee doesn’t give him any more problems Douglas could turn some heads this season.

4. Laurent Robinson, Rams
I’ve been high on Robinson for a couple of seasons now and I even dropped a decent veteran last year (I won’t reveal the name so I can save myself some embarrassment) to pick up the St. Louis wideout off the waiver wire in my fantasy league last year. But just as he proved in 2009, he can’t stay healthy. He has good size at 6’2” and 194 pounds, but the key is whether or not the fibula and ankle injuries that derailed his ’09 season will return. The Rams say he’s healthy now and if he stays that way, he could emerge as St. Louis’ best weapon in the passing game. While his production might stay down due to the Rams’ quarterback situation, it’s worth noting that Robinson did catch 11 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown in his first two games last year with a bad Marc Bulger. Health remains is his biggest concern.

5. Brian Robiskie, Browns
Many people are high on Mohamed Massaquoi – and for good reason. He’s being counted on as the No. 1 receiver in Cleveland’s offense (not that that’s saying much) and is more of a deep threat than his teammate Robiskie. However, the former Ohio State product is arguably more polished at this point in his career because of his excellent route-running. He’s not an elite player by any means and Jake Delhomme could seriously hinder his production in 2010, but Robiskie has been impressive thus far during camp and that could translate into a solid regular season. He certainly has the ability to be underrated if he can put everything together this year.

Eric Mangini said Monday that the Browns’ starting quarterback job is Jake Delhomme’s to lose. Some Cleveland fans may want to throw their Jim Brown bobblehead through their office window after reading that news, while others probably shrugged and muttered, “Well, at least it’s not Derek Anderson.”

Thus far, all of the reports on Delhomme this summer have been positive. Mike Holmgren was looking to add a veteran quarterback who could help provide leadership in the locker room and he found one in Delhomme. Perhaps more importantly, the former Panther has developed a good report with young receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie.

Of course, Delhomme has been around long enough to know how to make an impression in OTAs. While his veteran presence has probably been a welcoming sight around Cleveland this summer, the real work is still ahead. This is a player that hasn’t played with confidence in the recent past and his decision-making has been downright brutal over the last year and a change. If the Browns were looking for a savior at the quarterback position, Delhomme isn’t it.

I’ve been critical of Holmgren’s decision to sign Delhomme and I won’t change my tune now. After the Panthers released him, Delhomme only had two choices as where to sign: Cleveland or New Orleans. He wanted to be a starter, so his only real option was to sign with the Browns, yet Holmgren still gave him $7 million guaranteed. That’s a ludicrous amount of money for a quarterback that couldn’t start for most flag football teams in this country.

But I also have to keep in mind what Delhomme’s role is. The Browns aren’t looking for him to be a savior; he’s merely a stopgap this season (and possibly even next season) until Colt McCoy or another quarterback is ready to take over the reins. If he provides the Browns with veteran leadership, plays a role in developing Massaquoi and Robiskie, and mentors McCoy, then Holmgren accomplishes his goal with the signing.

And hey, if Delhomme does have some success this season, then it’s a bonus. I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting on that scenario, but seeing as how the expectations will be much lower in Cleveland than they were in Carolina, anything could happen.

Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer compiled a list of five players that he believes may shine for the Browns in 2010 and of those five, I happen to agree with his selection of second year receiver Brian Robiskie.

Brian Robiskie: The second-year receiver dressed for 11 games as a rookie and caught passes in only three of them. If one OTA practice open to the media is any indication, he should at least quintuple his season total of seven catches.

Of all the receivers at last year’s scouting combine, I felt as though Robiskie was the most polished. That’s not to say he was the best, but his route running was superb (which is usually a great indication that a young receiver will make an impact right away in the NFL) and he displayed soft hands during all of the drills.

Neither Grossi nor I are suggesting that Robiskie will be a superstar, but I think the former Ohio State Buckeye could mount a career that resembles former Bill Don Beebe’s. Some of you might be thinking, “Oh, wow – Don Beebe, huh? Wow – great.” But Robiskie could do much worse than to have a Don Beebe-like career. Much worse.

Photo from fOTOGLIF
]]> http://www.scoresreport.com/2010/05/24/is-robiskie-ready-to-shine-for-browns-in-2010/feed/ 0 http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/05/06/are-the-browns-still-considering-trading-braylon-edwards/ http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/05/06/are-the-browns-still-considering-trading-braylon-edwards/#comments Wed, 06 May 2009 19:00:14 +0000 Anthony Stalter http://www.scoresreport.com/?p=17947

Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer wonders aloud if the Browns are still intent on trading Braylon Edwards after recently signing free agent Mike Furrey, who now joins a crowded receiver corps.

• Until proven otherwise, we’ve got to assume a trade of Braylon Edwards is still being explored. Surely he’s not scoring points with Mangini by missing the “voluntary” offseason conditioning workouts. Perhaps the Browns are bracing for the possibility of Edwards also skipping the two “voluntary” minicamps scheduled later this month. Securing a No. 1 pick in 2010 for Edwards now would give the Browns some comfort moving forward.

• If Edwards does not return, the Browns have a lack of speed at the wideout position. Robiskie and Massaquoi — again, they’re rookies — run decent for their size, but they won’t be getting behind many NFL corners. Furrey, 32, is a possession receiver. David Patten will be 35 when the season starts. As for the other receivers returning from last year’s roster — Paul Hubbard, Syndric Steptoe, Lance Leggett — I haven’t heard Mangini or Kokinis mention any of their names since they’ve been on the job.

• Perhaps the Browns are merely adding competition to the receiver position. But it’s odd that they aren’t doing the same at running back.

I didn’t excerpt this portion, but in his article Grossi makes a good point that it’s unrealistic to assume that both Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi (two receivers the Browns drafted in the second round of last month’s draft) will develop into starters as rookies. However, while Massaquoi was largely considering a raw prospect by some scouts, Robiskie was the most polished receivers to enter the draft so it wouldn’t be far-fetched if he turned some heads this summer and became a starter. (His father is long-time NFL assistant and current Falcons’ receiver coach Terry Robiskie, so you know Brian has had excellent training throughout his young career.)

In regards to trading Edwards, the Browns are setting themselves up for either outcome. The additions they have made to their receiving corps this offseason haven’t been spectacular, but they could at least get them through a season if they do wind up trading Edwards.

Edwards becomes a free agent after the 2009 season and it appears that he doesn’t want to re-sign with Cleveland, so the Browns would obviously love to get some kind of compensation for him if he does plan on bolting. But if they wind up hanging onto him, he is still their most talented receiver and would be their top playmaker in the passing game next season. I don’t know if I would say it’s a win-win for the Browns, but at least they seem to have a plan.