AFC North: Josh Cribbs

Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

Bengals linebacker Dontay Moch has been suspended four games for using a banned substance, pending an appeal, according to NFL.com's Jason LaCanfora.

Moch, a third-round pick in 2011, didn't play in a game as a rookie last year. After recovering from a broken foot in the preseason opener, he missed significant practice time with migraines.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello declined to comment on the report to the Cincinnati Enquirer. After the news broke, Moch posted on Twitter: “Mistakes happens! Learn [and] move forward.”

Hensley's slant: The Bengals need more of a pass rush presence opposite Carlos Dunlap, but Moch's development is being repeatedly slowed down. If Moch loses his appeal, this will mark the third straight year that a Bengals player has been suspended for using a performance-enhancing substance. Defensive end Antwan was disciplined for four games in 2010 and guard Bobbie Williams received the same punishment last season.

BROWNS: This could be Josh Cribbs' final season with the Browns, according to the News-Herald in Northern Ohio. Because new NFL rules have diminished kickoff returners, Cribbs might have to take a pay cut from his 2012 salary ($1.4 million) if he wants to remain on the team, the paper reported. Also, in a legal update, Cribbs reached a plea agreement in his speeding case. He was charged for driving 103 mph in a 60-mph zone. The charge was reduced to driving 89 mph in a 60-mph zone, which put two points on his license and carried a $302 fine. Hensley's slant: Cribbs ranked fourth in the AFC in kickoff returns, led the Browns' wide receivers with four touchdowns and a 12.6-yard per catch average and topped the team in special teams tackles. It looks like the Browns are getting a good value out of Cribbs at $1.4 million, and a paycut should not be a requirement to stay. But the drafting of Travis Benjamin does threaten Cribbs' place as a returner and receiver.

RAVENS: There have been no internal discussions within the Ravens' front office to reduce Terrell Suggs' 2012 salary after he tore his Achilles away from team headquarters, according to the Baltimore Sun. Baltimore has the right to put Suggs on the Non-Football Injury list and not pay him for the games he will be sidelined. Based on his $4.9 million salary in 2012, the Ravens could save $2 million if Suggs missed seven games on the Non-Football Injury list. Hensley's slant: As I previously wrote, trying to take money away from Suggs would be a bad idea. Whether he was injured in a conditioning test or a basketball game, he was keeping in shape, which hasn't always been the case with Suggs. Plus, it wasn't like he was racing on a motorcycle or cliff diving.

STEELERS: Wide receiver Mike Wallace and the team's top two draft picks will be absent when the Steelers open their organized team activities Tuesday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Wallace has yet to sign his restricted free-agent tender of $2.7 million and won't be required to attend. Guard David DeCastro and offensive tackle Mike Adams, who were drafted in the first two rounds in April, will miss the offseason workouts until their schools have completed final exams, the Post-Gazette reported. Hensley's slant: Wallace likely won't return to the team until training camp. The Steelers could reduce his tender to $577,500 if the doesn't sign his tender before June 15, which is one day after the full-team minicamp ends. Pittsburgh, though, isn't expected to make such a move. Also, it is believed that DeCastro could attend the OTAs because he has already graduated Stanford.
Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

The Bengals' Carlos Dunlap is looking to unseat Robert Geathers, Cincinnati's starting left defensive end for the past six seasons.

Dunlap, the Bengals' top pass-rusher, has recorded 14 sacks in two seasons. He participated in 43 percent of the team's defensive snaps last season because of a hamstring injury and wants to boost his participation to 60 percent this year.

"I'm looking to start," Dunlap told the team's official website. "I know Uncle Geathers isn't going to give it away. That's why I have to earn it in training camp."

Hensley's slant: You get the feeling that Dunlap is only scratching the surface of his potential so far. The Bengals should get Dunlap on the field more as long as it doesn't diminish his effectiveness as a pass-rusher. He had 13 quarterback hits and 29 quarterback pressures last season to finish as a top-five defensive end in the Pro Football Focus ratings.

BROWNS: Travis Benjamin, the only receiver drafted by the Browns this year, provides a different look at that position for Cleveland because he is smaller and quicker. The challenge for the 175-pound Benjamin is to get stronger, according to George McDonald, who served as the Browns’ wide receivers coach in 2009-10 before coaching Benjamin at the University of Miami. “[He needs to] get in the weight room just to develop that strength to take some of the hits that he’ll take there,” McDonald told the Akron Beacon Journal. “I think the biggest [adjustment] that most college receivers have to deal with when they come to the NFL is just to continue to work on their route-running skills and creating separation at the top of their breaks, because everything happens a little bit faster there.” Hensley's slant: Benjamin has a good chance to contribute immediately as the Browns' slot receiver as well as help out Josh Cribbs on returns. There's no question that he can stretch the field. You just have to wonder how his small frame will hold up when he takes some hits.

RAVENS: Cornerback Cary Williams told the team's official website that he's 80 percent recovered from offseason hip surgery. He expects to be fully recovered in time for the team's minicamp, which starts June 11. "That's already set in stone," Williams said. "I'm eager to get out there and run with the guys. My body is saying, 'Yeah, it's that time.' But I just can't. I'm just trying to stay within the limits and take it slow." Hensley's slant: Williams, who started all 16 games last season, knows he can't afford to miss too much time this offseason. Jimmy Smith, the team's first-round pick from a year ago, is expected to move into a starting role this season. Williams has to be on the field to compete if he wants to remain starting opposite Lardarius Webb.

STEELERS: The Steelers aren't voicing any concern over weight issues for rookie nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu, the team's fourth-round pick. Ta'amu weighed in at this past weekend's rookie minicamp at 346 pounds and has been as low as 320 pounds. “Here, with the nutrition plan we have in place and with working every day, that’s not going to be a problem,” defensive line coach John Mitchell told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “It doesn’t bother me.” Hensley's slant: Ta'amu probably wants to lose about 10 pounds to get down to his playing weight at Washington. One of his strengths is a burst off the snap. Extra weight could slow him down in that regard.

Browns: One big question

May, 4, 2012
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What are the Cleveland Browns doing at wide receiver?

The short answer: nothing. That is, unless you believe fourth-round pick Travis Benjamin is the next Steve Smith. The Browns ignored wide receivers in free agency and didn't address the position in the draft until the 100th pick (that was Benjamin).

What Cleveland is left with is perhaps the worst wide receiver group in the NFL with Greg Little, Mohamed Massaquoi, Josh Cribbs, Jordan Norwood and Carlton Mitchell. There are simply no elite playmakers in this group. Some of the wide receivers' ineffectiveness last season can be blamed on Colt McCoy and his lack of arm strength. But the Browns' wide receivers didn't help him out, either. Cleveland had the most drops in the NFL last season (33) and ranked second-to-last in average yards after the catch (4.4), according to ESPN Stats & Information. Little, who led the team in receptions, also averaged one drop for every five passes thrown his way, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Browns wanted to address wide receiver this offseason, but they didn't want to overspend on free agent Pierre Garcon, and all of their coveted draft prospects (Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd and Kendall Wright) were gone by their second first-round pick. Team president Mike Holmgren insisted the Browns aren't panicking and stressed that the wide receivers will catch the ball better. If not, rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden will have a rough initiation into the NFL.
Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

To those Bengals fans who want the team to draft a wide receiver, you are not alone.

A.J. Green, the team’s first-round pick from a year ago and current No. 1 wideout, isn’t opposed to Cincinnati bringing in another target in the passing game.

“I hope so,” Green told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “It would be nice to get someone else in here but if we don’t there are guys here who can step up. Whatever the team needs.”

The Bengals haven’t re-signed No. 2 wide receiver Jerome Simpson and have yet to add a wideout this offseason. Simpson received a three-game suspension from the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Hensley’s slant: Michael Floyd probably won’t slide into the bottom half of the first round, but the Bengals will have a chance to take a wide receiver with their second first-round pick (Kendall Wright or Stephen Hill) or their second-round one (Alshon Jeffery, Rueben Randle).

BROWNS: Wide receiver-returner Josh Cribbs was cited for driving 103 mph in a 60-mph zone last month, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cribbs addressed this on his Twitter account: “Yes I was pulled over for speeding, going too fast, luckily the police were on the job. Wasn't going that fast the entire time obviously but wrong is wrong, gotta face the music just like anyone else:(." Cribbs added, “Much Respect to the police officers who pulled me over! I will lead better on the road now as well as on & off the field!!!" Cribbs is scheduled to appear in court May 4. Hensley’s slant: Cribbs is the latest NFL player to go well over the speed limit (you should read about the reported high-speed caravan that included running back Brandon Jacobs). What Cribbs did was dangerous, but you have to be impressed with how he took responsibility for his actions.

RAVENS: The team believes it learned a lesson in drafting a wide receiver after finding success with Torrey Smith, a second-round pick from a year ago. “I think with Torrey, one of the biggest things is that he’s wired right,” director of player personnel Eric DeCosta told the team’s website. “Mentally, this is a guy who grew up in a tough environment. He grew up under difficult circumstances.” The oldest of seven children, Smith helped raise his siblings while his single mother attended community college during the day and worked at night. Before his last season at Maryland, Smith was once again parenting his younger siblings because his mother was locked up for six months after a family dispute turned violent. Hensley’s slant: Drafting productive wide receivers have been tough over the years for the Ravens, who have missed on such high picks as Travis Taylor, Patrick Johnson and Mark Clayton. The Ravens will see if they truly have learned about that position because they should take another wide receiver in this draft. I could see them taking a wide receiver-returner in the middle rounds.

STEELERS: General manager Kevin Colbert said 98 percent of the Steelers’ work for the draft is complete. He wouldn't discuss specific players but did speak to the team's draft philosophy. "Need is not a good word," Colbert said at the Steelers pre-draft press conference, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "It's 'want.' We want players. We don't necessarily need. We try to add from within. The subtractions we made were substantial from a leadership standpoint. We talked about that before. That will be replaced -- we don't know by whom or how long [it will take]. Coach [Mike] Tomlin will make a final decision of when a guy plays, but, quite honestly, there are not a lot of players in this draft that can come in and be immediate impact guys for us." Hensley's slant: Like it or not, the Steelers need offensive linemen, linebackers and cornerbacks. It would be surprising if Pittsburgh's first-round pick didn't address one of these positions.
There's no debate that the Cleveland Browns need to upgrade significantly on offense in this draft.

The Browns ranked 29th in total yards (288.8 per game) and 30th in points (13.6). The St. Louis Rams were the only other team to rank in the bottom four in the NFL in both those categories.

SportsNation

What is the biggest draft need for the Cleveland Browns?

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Discuss (Total votes: 5,364)

But what is the Browns' biggest need heading into this year's draft? Here are the top choices:

Quarterback: The Browns failed in their attempt to trade up in the draft to get Robert Griffin III. Now, they are left with Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace. In his first full season as a starter, McCoy ranked 26th in completion percentage (57.2), 25th in passing yards per game (210.2), 32nd in yards per attempt (5.9), 25th in passer rating (74.6) and 25th in QBR (39.8).

Running back: Cleveland didn't re-sign Peyton Hillis, their starting running back for the past two seasons who went to Kansas City. The Browns' remaining backs -- Montario Hardesty, Brandon Jackson and Chris Ogbonnaya -- totaled 600 rushing yards and one touchdown last season. Hardesty and Jackson missed a combined 22 games last season because of injuries.

Wide receiver: This group produced a lot of drops and few big plays. Greg Little, Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi combined for 20 catches over 20 yards, averaged 12.1 yards per catch and scored eight touchdowns.

Offensive tackle: The Browns cut starting right tackle Tony Pashos and didn't re-sign backup Artis Hicks. If the season started today, Cleveland would go with Oniel Cousins, a Ravens castoff who has started five games in four seasons.

Go ahead and register your vote, or let me know what you think in the comments section below. I'll follow up by Monday.

All-AFC North team: Special teams

January, 25, 2012
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It's time to unveil my All-AFC North team, which is based on performance this season, and not past reputation. Let's start with special teams this morning and continue with the coaching staff this afternoon. Defense will come out Thursday, and offense will wrap it up Friday.

Of course, tell me who I left off, who should have been on and any other opinions in the comments section below.

SportsNation

Who was the best returner in the AFC North this season?

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Discuss (Total votes: 2,925)

Kicker: Phil Dawson, Browns. The only consistent offensive weapon on the Browns, he hit seven field goals of 50 yards or longer, which tied San Francisco's David Akers and Oakland's Sebastian Janikowski for most in the NFL. It is also tied for the third-most in NFL history. The pick here was going to be Bengals' Mike Nugent (33 of 38, team record 132 points) until he missed four field goal attempts in the last three games (which includes one miss in the playoff game at Houston). Dawson's conversion rate (82.7, 24 of 29) wasn't the best in the division, but his percentage was hurt by struggling long snapper Ryan Pontbriand. The bad news here for the Browns is Dawson is a free agent this offseason.

Punter: Sam Koch, Ravens. This was an extremely mediocre season for AFC North punters. No one from the division ranked in the top nine in punting average or in the top 13 in net average. Koch gets the nod over the Bengals' Kevin Huber. Koch's career-best 46.5-yard average led the division. But he wasn't the clear-cut selection. His 21 punts inside the 20-yard line ranked third in the AFC North.

Returner: Antonio Brown, Steelers. This was one of the toughest calls on the entire All-AFC North team. You could make a legitimate argument for Brown or the Browns' Josh Cribbs. On kickoff returns, Brown (27.3) had a better average than Cribbs (25.0). On punt returns, Cribbs (11.3) had a better average than Brown (10.8). They both returned one punt for a touchdown. What put Brown over the top is the fact he's the only player in NFL history to have 1,000 yards returning and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season.
Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

Browns players said they're not looking for revenge in Sunday's reunion with Steelers linebacker James Harrison.

It was three weeks ago when Harrison delivered the infamous helmet-to-helmet blow on Cleveland quarterback Colt McCoy, who suffered a concussion and hasn't played since. Harrison was suspended without pay for the hit.

Asked if the Browns "owe" Harrison, Cleveland wide receiver Josh Cribbs said via The Associated Press, “I would say so. But we’re not going into this game thinking about getting even with him. We’re going into this game trying to win it. It’s nothing personal with him. We’d like to knock their guys out as well, but within the whistle, according to the rules."

Harrison has been fined six times in the past three seasons. Two of those fines came as a result of delivering concussions to Browns players.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur shot down the notion that his players are looking to retaliate.

"Do you mean start a fight? A bench-clearing brawl?" Shurmur said, via The Cleveland Plain Dealer. "No. What I want my guys to do is play fast and physical from the snap until the whistle. I think I understand where you guys are going with this, but I think it's very important you play fast and physical within the rules."

Hensley's slant: There should be a lot of pushing and shoving after the whistle based on the bad blood between the teams. But it would be surprising to see the Browns cross the line. After the fallout from the Harrison hit, everyone knows the league will be watching closely and isn't going to tolerate misconduct in this game.

BENGALS: Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis hinted that the scores from the Chiefs and Raiders games won't be posted during the Bengals' game, according to the team's website. If the Jets lose (the result of their game should be known before the Bengals take the field), Cincinnati would make the playoffs if either one of those AFC West teams lose. Asked if he's made a decision on whether to allow the scores from the Chiefs and Raiders games to appear in the stadium, Lewis said, "That's my business." Hensley's slant: It's hard to argue with Lewis, who seemingly has made all the right moves with this young team (nine starters are 25 or younger). If he believes those scores would distract his players, the Bengals shouldn't show them. Of course, Lewis wants his players to focus on one scenario: If they win, they're in.

RAVENS: Baltimore players said they don't care that the Bengals sold out Paul Brown Stadium for the second time this season. "It doesn’t matter,” Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis said, via The Cincinnati Enquirer. “We don’t have to worry about selling out. We have to worry about trying to keep people out and things like that. We have a different vibe in Baltimore, and that’s a credit to our city, that’s a credit to our fans. So, that’s something they have to worry with, not us.” Hensley's slant: What the Ravens should really be concerned about is winning in Cincinnati, which has been their trouble spot for years. Baltimore has lost on five of its past six trips there including the past two. And, with all the playoff ramifications surrounding this game, this Sunday could be the most hostile environment that the Ravens have faced yet at Paul Brown Stadium.

STEELERS: Pittsburgh cornerback Ike Taylor told The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that the Pro Bowl snub will fuel him going forward. "Obviously, I am not doing enough," he said. "I am going to continue to ask coach to put me on the team's best receiver. My teammates, my coaches, they know what I can do." Hensley's slant: There's no doubt that Taylor has been impressive this season. As the Tribune-Review pointed out, Taylor has only allowed 41 catches all season. Still, I would have given the Pro Bowl nod to Cleveland's Joe Haden over Taylor, even though more players from the NFL's top-ranked defense deserved to be on the team.

AFC North Stock Watch

December, 27, 2011
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» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

FALLING

[+] Enlarge
Cedric Benson
AP Photo/Tony TribbleBall security has been an issue of late for Bengals running back Cedric Benson.
1. Cedric Benson's ball security: The Bengals running back had been one of the most reliable players in the NFL this season when it came to holding onto the ball. That was until Benson lost his first two fumbles of the season Saturday. And both came at a costly time -- in the fourth quarter. Fumbling has been a disturbing trend lately for Benson, who has put the ball on the ground five times in the past two weeks. Benson hadn't fumbled in his first 12 games this season, which totaled 222 carries.

2. Browns' football intelligence: The low point of coach Pat Shumur's rookie season came Saturday in Baltimore, where the Browns looked more like a Pop Warner team than an NFL one with mental gaffes at the end of the first half and at the end of the game. Veteran backup QB Seneca Wallace cost Cleveland three points when he decided to run the ball in the red zone with 11 seconds left in the first half and no timeouts. Then, rookie first-round pick Phil Taylor jumped offside on fourth down with two minutes left when it was obvious the Ravens were looking to draw the Browns offside.

3. Ravens coverage teams: Special teams is supposed to be the expertise of coach John Harbaugh, but the Ravens have been struggling in that area all season. The latest lapse came when the Ravens allowed the Browns' Josh Cribbs to return a punt 84 yards for a touchdown. It jumpstarted Cleveland's second-half rally and underscored Baltimore's problems in covering kicks. This marked the third time this season the Ravens have given up a return for a touchdown (two on punts and one on a kickoff). The Ravens hadn't allowed multiple touchdowns off punt returns since 2002.

RISING

1. Ravens' dominance in the AFC North: A week after finishing perfect at home for the first time in franchise history, the Ravens are looking to go undefeated in the division for the first time in their existence. Baltimore, which is 5-0 in the division, is looking for the third AFC North title in team history when it wraps up the regular season at Cincinnati. Since realignment in 2002, only three teams have finished undefeated in AFC North play: the 2002 Steelers, 2008 Steelers and 2009 Bengals.

2. Steelers' pass defense: Pittsburgh roughed up Rams quarterback Kellen Clemens, who was held to 91 yards passing on nine completions. While crushing Clemens won't impress many, the Steelers have been shutting down quarterbacks for the past two months. The NFL's top-ranked pass defense has given up two touchdown passes in the past six games. The Steelers haven't allowed a quarterback to record a passer rating over 87 since Tom Brady on Oct. 30. The amazing part is pass-rushers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley haven't played a full game together since Sept. 25 at Indianapolis.

3. Bengals' pass rush: Few defenses have pressured quarterbacks like Cincinnati recently. Over the past three games, the Bengals have recorded 13 sacks and 29 quarterback hits. The problem for offenses is that you can't shut down the pass rush by shutting down one player. During this three-game span, 11 players have recorded at least a half sack. The only player with more than 1.5 sacks is defensive end Jonathan Fanene (three sacks). The Bengals rank third in the NFL in sacks with 44.

AFC North injury impact

December, 23, 2011
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Here are the major injuries in the division and what they mean:

BENGALS: WR Andre Caldwell (groin, doubtful) isn't expected to play after missing practice all week. Andrew Hawkins and Ryan Whalen will replace Caldwell in the slot. Eight others are probable, including WR A.J. Green (shoulder). RT Andre Smith (ankle) will start after missing two games.

BROWNS: QB Colt McCoy (head) is out and won't make the trip to Baltimore. Seneca Wallace will start for the second straight week. Four starters are questionable: WR Josh Cribbs (groin), CB Joe Haden (thigh), Mohamed Massaquoi (foot) and RT Tony Pashos (ankle). All practiced Friday and are expected to play.

RAVENS: WR Anquan Boldin (knee) is out for at least the next two games. Lee Evans will start with rookie Torrey Smith. K Billy Cundiff (left calf) is doubtful, which means Shayne Graham will kick for the Ravens. DE Cory Redding (ankle, questionable) is expected to play.

STEELERS: QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) is listed as questionable but he reportedly won't play. Charlie Batch is expected to start. Pro Bowl C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) is out again and will be replaced by Doug Legursky. LB LaMarr Woodley (hamstring) is questionable after being limited the past two days in practice. He sat out Wednesday's practice. WR Emmanuel Sanders (foot) is out after not practicing Friday.

AFC North injury impact

December, 16, 2011
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Here are the main injuries around the division and what they mean:

BENGALS: Cincinnati could be starting two backups on the right side of the offensive line. Mike McGlynn is taking over at RG for Bobbie Williams, who has been placed on injured reserve. RT Andre Smith (ankle, questionable) didn't practice Thursday and Friday. Anthony Collins would replace Smith, who has been among the most-improved players on the team. DE Carlos Dunlap (hamstring), who has been out for four of the past five games, is probable after being limited in practice all week. RB Cedric Benson (back), CB Nate Clements (hamstring), S Chris Crocker (knee) and LB Manny Lawson (ankle) are all probable.

BROWNS: Cleveland finally made it official and ruled out QB Colt McCoy (concussion), who hasn't practiced since getting hit in the head by Steelers LB James Harrison. Seneca Wallace makes his fifth start for the Browns. TE Ben Watson (concussion, placed on injured reserve), FB Owen Marecic (concussion) and SS T.J. Ward (foot) are also out. WR Josh Cribbs (groin) and RB Montario Hardesty (calf) are questionable. RB Peyton Hillis had full practices all week and wasn't listed on the injury report.

RAVENS: CB Lardarius Webb (toe, questionable) is considered the most serious after not practicing all week. Jimmy Smith and Cary Williams are expected to start for Baltimore at cornerback. LB Ray Lewis (toe, questionable) is expected to return after being sidelined for four weeks. DE Cory Redding (ankle, questionable) returned to practice after missing Wednesday and Thursday. DT Haloti Ngata (back, questionable) has been limited all week but should start. K Billy Cundiff (left calf, questionable) didn't practice this week but that was considered precautionary because he kicked last Sunday with the same injury.

STEELERS: Official designations will come out Saturday because the Steelers play on Monday night. QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) practiced for the first time this week, although it was on a limited basis. SS Troy Polamalu (hamstring), C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) and WR Emmanuel Sanders (foot) all didn't practice.

Cribbs says players hide concussions

December, 14, 2011
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Cleveland's Josh Cribbs says quarterback Colt McCoy returning to the game with a concussion isn't an isolated incident.

“A lot of guys don’t report concussions,” the wide receiver told The Canton Repository.

Cribbs said players are willing to take the risk of playing with a head injury because they don't want to get labeled as injury-prone, which could hurt their chances of staying in the league. “Guys are thinking they’ve got to support their families,” Cribbs told the paper.

This serves as the perfect example of why independent neurologists are needed on the sidelines to make the decision as to whether a player can return to the game or not after taking a shot to the head.

The NFL and NFL Players Association sent doctors to Cleveland to speak with the Browns' medical staff about how the situation with McCoy was handled. On Tuesday, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wrote an email to The Cleveland Plain Dealer that stated: "We can't speculate on [possible club discipline]. The commissioner will want to hear the facts from the review, which includes consulting with members of our Head, Neck and Spine committee."
Days after seeing James Harrison's helmet-to-helmet blow to Colt McCoy, it was time for Browns players to take their shots at the Steelers linebacker.

Offensive tackle Tony Pashos referred to it as a "cheap shot," and wide receiver Josh Cribbs called the hit excessive.

"I feel like he didn't have to make that hit," Cribbs told The Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I feel like he's trying to make a play, but on that one, there's no play to be made on the quarterback."

Cribbs knows Harrison better than anyone on the Browns because they were teammates at Kent State.

"I feel like he's trying to put people out of the game," Cribbs told the paper. "As a linebacker, that's what his job is. That's why he's been so successful in this league. That's also why he's been highly fined in this league as well, but also successful."

This marks the second straight year that Harrison has caused a Browns player to suffer a concussion. Last year, Harrison was fined $75,000 (later reduced to $50,000) for his hit on Cleveland wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi.

"It's hard for us to say we're just going to let the league take care of it, because Colt's our guy ... obviously all of us aren't very happy about it," tight end Evan Moore said, "but I don't think the best way for us to respond is for us to start breaking the rules and lower ourselves to that level."
Browns quarterback Colt McCoy missed Monday's practice, which doesn't come as a surprise. The Browns have to be extremely careful with McCoy's head injury after reports say the organization mishandled the situation.

It also wouldn't be a surprise if the Browns decided to sit McCoy in Sunday's game at Arizona because of the intense scrutiny surrounding this situation. Seneca Wallace would replace McCoy, who has made 21 straight starts.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur maintains his team's medical staff followed NFL guidelines when quarterback Colt McCoy was cleared to go back in Thursday's game at Pittsburgh despite a concussion. But a union source told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that the team didn't administer the proper tests until Friday morning.

The controversy surrounding McCoy's concussion has been the latest off-the-field distraction in a season to forget, from Peyton Hillis' contract situation to Josh Cribbs' unhappiness with his role on the team.

Upon Further Review: Browns

December, 9, 2011
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Revisiting the Cleveland Browns' 14-3 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers:

Colt McCoy proved he can take a scary hit to the head. He proved he can get the ball downfield against one of the NFL's best defenses (well, at least early in the game).

What McCoy failed to prove was the ability to finish off a division rival in the fourth quarter, which is what franchise quarterbacks do. It was the difference between getting the biggest victory of his young NFL career and falling to 0-8 against AFC North teams.

Returning from a shot to the head, McCoy took over with the Browns at the Steelers' 5-yard line late in the fourth quarter and down 7-3. On second down, McCoy was called for intentional grounding to push the Browns back to the Pittsburgh 16. On third down, he made a weak throw to the end zone that got picked off by William Gay.

"They pressure us, the pocket kind of collapsed and I wasn't able to completely step into the throw," McCoy said. "I saw [Mohamed Massaquoi] one-on-one and I just tried to give him a chance to make a catch. I just didn't get enough on it, underthrew it and Gay made a nice play. Basically, that was the game."

STAT THAT STICKS: 4 -- Number of goal-line stands by the Browns' defense this season. In addition to Pittsburgh on Thursday night, the Browns have stopped San Francisco, Jacksonville and Cincinnati at the 1-yard line this season.

OVERHEARD: "The guys battled unbelievably. I felt the fear that the Steelers had. They didn’t want to lose to us.” -- Browns wide receiver-returner Josh Cribbs

INJURY LIST: The physical game took its toll on the Browns. Cribbs (groin), tight end Benjamin Watson (concussion), fullback Owen Marecic (concussion) and safety Eric Hagg (eye) all left the game and didn't return.

WHAT'S NEXT: The last-place Browns (4-9) travel to play at Arizona (5-7), the second game of a three-game road stretch for Cleveland.
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin verbalized his concern in facing Cleveland Browns returner Josh Cribbs in a very unique way.

Cribbs
"We cannot let Josh Cribbs do what he's done to us time and time again in the past," Tomlin said Monday. "We've been dead Indians in his cowboy movie enough."

While the Steelers have dominated this series with the Browns, Cribbs has hurt Pittsburgh on special teams. His 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at Pittsburgh in 2009 increased his total to three career kickoff returns for scores against the Steelers. That's tied for an NFL record for the most kickoff returns for touchdowns against a single opponent.

The St. Louis Rams' Tony Horne (against Atlanta) and the Chicago Cardinals' Ollie Matson (against Pittsburgh) also had three each against one team.
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