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The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Cleveland Browns 24-20 despite losing the turnover battle six to one. When a team gets six turnovers they should win the game.
The Browns seemed content to play it safe instead of going for the kill shot…
In Cleveland’s first preseason game, the talk of the town wasn’t about first round selection Joe Haden, nor was the theme centered around hopeful future signal-caller Colt McCoy.
The rookie who stole the show was T.J. Ward.
Playing three quarters in his first action as a member of the Cleveland Browns, T.J. Ward racked up seven tackles, two special teams tackles, and a QB hurry.
He displayed great open-field tackling with the ability to close quickly on the ball carrier. Cleveland Browns analyst Reggie Rucker is even quoted as saying, “The guy is like a cobra. He attacks anything that moves.”
Not everything was peaches and cream for the rookie though, as Ward went one-on-one with Greg Jennings and was beaten over the top for a touchdown during the first quarter by Aaron Rodgers.
Joe Haden came on a cornerback blitz, leaving Ward on an island with one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
How’s that for some on-the-job training?
Despite the typical rookie mistake, Ward never seemed timid and showed that he had a short memory as he went on to make plays all over the field.
He put a solid hit on veteran receiver Donald Driver, who then jawed back at him. Ward later made a great play on third-and-six where he read the quick-pass, made contact with Driver at the line of scrimmage, lifted him up and then drove him into the turf.
Needless to say, Driver didn’t have much to say after that.
His NFL introduction was so impressive, a highlight video of his first preseason game has recently surfaced on YouTube. Although he‘s starting to catch the eyes of some people, things weren’t so easy in the beginning.
When the Cleveland Browns drafted T.J. Ward in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, some fans may have said to themselves, “Who?”
Most were expecting a wide receiver or a defensive lineman, while some thought that if the Browns would go after a safety, then it would have been highly-recognized prospect Taylor Mays.
Not so fast.
Ignoring the pre-draft rankings, Cleveland stood pat and decided to draft the player they really wanted…much to the chagrin of most Browns fans. Touted by most NFL Draft publications as a third-to-fourth round pick, the dreaded word “reach” could be heard echoing in the distance.
Some fans even argued that Ward could have been selected later in the draft.
Was it a knee-jerk reaction to the Philadelphia Eagles’ selection of safety Nate Allen right before the Browns picked? Could Ward really have been rated that high by Cleveland, and was there an interest in him by other teams?
Maybe, maybe not. We’ll never know for sure, but there are small stories behind the questions.
In the early morning hours before the second day of the 2010 NFL Draft, Michael Smith who was covering the Browns’ draft for ESPN tweeted, “I’ve been talking about the Browns going S in round 2 and RB at some point today, but they also could very well be targeting an OL.”
Soon thereafter, Smith was asked about the possibility of Taylor Mays to which he replied, “Couple of you guys have asked about Taylor Mays as a possibility for Cleveland. Very doubtful. Might be another Pac-10 safety, though.”
Since another Pac-10 safety wasn’t even selected in the draft, it’s easy to see that this was the guy that everyone in the Browns’ front office and coaching staff was on board with drafting at pick No. 38.
Michael Smith nailed it.
It seems he was their plan all along, but most fans knew little about Ward because he was nestled away on the Northwest Pacific coast.
His injury history at Oregon was a likely reason for his early pre-draft ranking, but despite that he was still ranked as the second-best strong safety by CBSsports.com and was regarded as a riser in the days leading up to draft weekend.
The Browns also got an up-close look at Ward as they, along with Baltimore and Kansas City had a private workout with him right before the draft.
Cleveland obviously wasn’t the only team on Ward’s trail.
“He’s a super tough kid, makes a lot of plays in the run game,” General Manager Tom Heckert said. “We think he can cover. We worked him out. Good athletic ability, but just a super tough kid”.
At the combine, he ran a 4.54 forty-yard dash only to top it at Oregon’s Pro Day with 4.48, which is pretty good considering his thick stature at 5’10” 211 lbs.
He also ranked near the top in both the bench-press (19) and 20-yard shuttle (4.12) for all safeties at the combine displaying his strength and ability to change direction.
His measurables add up, his on-field play adds up, and given his recent play in the preseason he definitely has the chance to be a special player. He may very well be one of the steals of the draft.
How long has it been since Browns fans have been able to say that?
Going by his debut and productivity in training camp, using the word “reach” to describe T.J. Ward now seems to have become a reach…if that makes sense.
In an interview after playing against Green Bay, Ward was asked what his first NFL action felt like.
“It was like a dream come true at first, but I just had to realize that this is the same game I’ve been playing for my entire life,” Ward said. “After the first couple of plays, I settled down. After the first drive, I got more comfortable and it kind of all started to flow for me.”
When asked what this could do for his confidence, Ward replied with a smile, “I’ve really never lacked confidence, but I’m just trying to build, to get better with every game and every practice—that’s my goal. So right now, we finished the game with a win against a really good team, and I feel it’s a bright future for us right now.”
Along with his great play early on, Ward is also carrying along something that very few draft picks have brought to the table for the Browns—a defensive identity.
In the preseason opener, Ward played with a passion on the field that Browns fans haven’t seen in a long time from a member of the secondary.
Cleveland hasn’t had an enforcer at safety since the days of Eric Turner, and although it was only one preseason game, early indications are that Ward can indeed become an impact player in the defensive backfield.
Throughout this season, he’ll make beginner mistakes, like all rookies do…although in just his first year, he’ll also make receivers think twice about going over the middle.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
Things never get stale for Joshua Cribbs.
The Cleveland Browns current kick returner/punt returner/special teams gunner/wide receiver/wildcat quarterback/wildcat running back obviously has plenty of job titles in the NFL.
There’s so many slashes in there, you might as well just call him slash.
Wait a second…I’m not even going there. My apologies Mr. Cribbs and fellow Browns’ fans. It won’t happen again.
Fancy schmancy nickname or not, Josh Cribbs might add yet another position to his already full arsenal—this time on defense.
Defense you ask? Who does he think he is, Troy Brown? That’s preposterous. Actually, don’t be so sure about that.
Word has it from Daniel Wolf that he was utilized as a safety during Cleveland’s Brown and White Scrimmage on August 7.
It’s difficult to tell if this is good or bad news since it all depends on how you look at it. Is Cleveland’s safety situation still that bad, or has Cribbs simply been studying in the off-season for yet another opportunity at a new position? Time will tell.
Measurables? Check.
At 6’1” 215 lbs, Cribbs has perfect strong safety size and would be a headache for opposing receivers looking to get a clean break off the line. He also does a good job of weaving through traffic when the ball is actually in his hands, so it’s safe to assume that he can do the exact same thing on the other side of the ball while blitzing.
He also plays on special teams defensively and is widely regarded as one of the best special teams gunners in the league. Tackling is not unorthodox for him—he’s actually quite good at it.
A couple of seasons ago, there was a small contingent of Browns’ fans who thought Cribbs should be given a chance at safety, myself included. With his size, speed, and physical style of play, it seemed to be a sure thing in the eyes of some folks, especially when he was being used scarcely on offense by Romeo Crennel.
It was exciting when Eric Mangini tried him out as a safety last year, but when it didn’t pan out, the situation was understandable because it was going to be a lot on Cribbs’ plate.
He would have had to learn a new offense under a new coaching staff as a WR, soak up and master plays out of the Flash package, and comprehend defensive schemes on top of that. It was just too much all at once. Something had to be cut out.
Embracing The Possibilities
After a year of absorbing all of the offensive information, Josh Cribbs looks poised to welcome his possible new role on the other side of the ball.
When asked about his time on defense during the scrimmage, Cribbs replied,
“I don’t want to put my foot in my mouth, but coach really likes me back there and wants to give me a shot. I want to take advantage of the opportunity every chance I get.”
At least he’s willing, but that is, never has been, and probably never will be the question. The issue at hand here is whether or not this is going to be overkill.
With his continued progress at WR and seeing how successful he was in the option game, it’s easy for anyone to realize that he’s the kind of guy that quite simply needs the ball in his hands. This is when he’s at his absolute best and his record-breaking ability as a kick returner is complete proof of this notion.
Simply put, the man is electric. Boogie woogie woogie.
Not So Fast My Friend
When the thought of him playing at safety full-time crosses your mind, go right ahead and cross it out.
Putting him primarily on defense will take him too far out of his current comfort zone. Even playing there part-time would only hinder his productivity on offense. He’s just become too good of a versatile weapon toting the rock.
But…and this is a big but, playing as a safety on a purely situational basis sounds like a much more intelligent and resourceful move. Think along the lines of a few plays a game.
Circle that statement, because this is what Browns fans should expect to see.
Even at the age of 27, Josh Cribbs is still learning as a wide receiver. When you take into account the fact that he was a running back growing up, a quarterback throughout high school, and a QB for four years in college, it’s easy to see why it’s taken him awhile.
A large portion of the receivers in the NFL have played the position for three to four years collegiately, then it usually takes two to three years until they put up breakout-type numbers in the NFL.
If those same players were also receivers in high school, then they have even more overall experience. In other words, they had plenty of time to learn all the nuances and memorize certain tricks of the trade—something Cribbs never got a chance to do.
These types of guys have had probably six to seven years of receiving experience before they even enter the NFL…maybe more.
Cribbs had zero, zilch, nada.
Don’t Pick The Fruit Before it’s Ripe
As a rookie wide receiver back in 2005, Cribbs was…well…basically fresh out of the crib. He was a baby learning to crawl.
During his tenure in Cleveland, Romeo Crennel used Cribbs very sparingly at WR, so he didn’t get much experience early on in his career. This is the most critical stage of a baby’s development! How could Crennel neglect an infant like that? He’s pure evil!
All joking aside—that’s meant to be a semi-serious statement.
So, when overall receiving experience is factored into the equation, 2010 is going to be Cribbs’ sixth total season as a WR, which should be the year that he gets this receiver thing down. This of course is said with absolute optimism, but the statistics regarding receiving production are fairly distinct.
It sounds strange, but when it comes down to the potential of being a legitimate NFL receiver, it’s still too soon to write him off.
Prosperity Still on The Horizon
Speaking of which, in terms of being an all-around productive WR, Cribbs is getting noticeably closer to perfecting his craft. The word from various sources is that Cribbs’ route-running and overall ability at the position has looked much better and smoother than in years past.
He’s always been a very willing blocker and was a reason why the Browns had so many running plays go for huge chunks of yardage during their four-game winning streak last year.
Why blow up his progression now when he’s so close, and basically start all over with something completely new and totally foreign to him like playing on defense full-time?
Not to say he can’t play safety exclusively, it’s just the thought of Cribbs being sort of a defensive specialist from time to time is a much more tempting proposition. There are pass-rushing specialists along defensive lines and throughout linebacking crews across the league. Why not occasionally have a pass-rushing specialist on third down from the secondary?
It makes perfect sense, especially when that player is Josh Cribbs. He’s taken on every single role bestowed upon him and has run away with all of them…literally. How is this any different?
He can still do everything he’s doing now offensively, in addition to having a potential impact on defense. There’s nothing wrong with having your cake and eating it too, especially when that cake is the result of being the starting kick returner on the NFL’s most recent all-decade team.
Or would this be the icing on the cake? Nah…that would be his success as an option quarterback. Could it possibly be the side of ice cream? Let’s just call Cribbs “á la mode” from now on.
Why am I suddenly getting hungry?
Outlook Moderation
There are still a few doubts and concerns, but something in the air indicates he’ll ultimately succeed at this career venture as well. It’s definitely exciting, but overall expectations need to be tempered just a bit, because defense is a completely different ballgame. Don’t anticipate him becoming the next Eric Turner overnight, because it‘s not happening.
If there’s a future for him in the secondary, it’s most likely going to take some time and patience from both the coaches and the fan base.
Although, if he comes right in and shows great instincts in the defensive backfield, it wouldn’t be a surprise either. Nothing he does is surprising anymore.
The “What if?” Game
It’s also interesting to wonder how exactly this came to fruition.
Maybe Cribbs studied up in the off-season on defensive assignments which surprised both Eric Mangini and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Maybe this was the coaching staff’s plan all along and are hoping it stays under the radar for the season.
Or, perhaps this was a one-time thing solely being used just to perplex the Cleveland media. Wouldn’t that be ironically humorous in a “thanks for the warm welcome last year” sort of way?
Earlier I mentioned ‘icing on the cake’. Well, this scenario would take the cake.
Hearsay, conjecture, and cake talk aside, it’s something new and exciting for Cleveland fans and can further entrench Josh Cribbs as one of the best all-around football players in the league—even though he‘s pretty much earned that reputation already.
There really might not be anything Josh Cribbs can’t do.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
The first week of Browns training camp has now come to an end. With the first preseason game next Saturday at Green Bay, here are some thoughts on what I’ve seen so far.
The quarterback play has been solid if not outstanding. There’s a nice improvement over last year. Jake Delhomme has been accurate and, for the most part, has made good decisions with the ball.
Seneca Wallace has done a nice job using his feet to keep plays alive. His accuracy has also been very good. Wallace can play.
Colt McCoy is getting used to the speed of the pro game. He will be fine once he makes the adjustment from college to the NFL.
Don’t count out James Davis at running back. He has looked very good. I am impressed with his vision and quickness.
Jerome Harrison is making a strong claim to be the starter. With Hardesty not practicing, Harrison is out to prove he’s the man.
The wide receivers are catching the ball so far. Brian Robiskie is catching everything and I really like his size. Robiskie looks like he will start along with Mohamed Massaquoi.
It looks like Josh Cribbs will be earning that new contract this year. He has been lining up everywhere and has shown improvement as a receiver. Look for Cribbs to touch the ball a lot.
Evan Moore has been very impressive. At 6-6, he is very easy to spot. Moore has been lining up some at wide receiver as well as tight end. He’s another one who catches everything.
The offensive line is huge. They should be a very solid unit. Alex Mack looks very confident in his second season.
Ben Watson will be a nice weapon at tight end. He is quicker than I thought he was.
On defense, it looks like D’Qwell Jackson is rising to the challenge. He’s playing like he has something to prove.
Matt Roth is huge. I am expecting big things from him this year. I also look for Marcus Benard to play a lot in passing situations. He’s very quick and intense.
The secondary will be improved this year, no maybes about it. Joe Haden, Eric Wright, and Sheldon Brown are playing well. All the added competition seems to be having a positive effect on Brandon McDonald as he battles for a spot on the team.
At safety, Abe Elam and T.J.Ward look like the favorites right now. Both Ward and Larry Asante have the look of physical safeties. Right now they are having to think too much. When the game slows down for them, look out.
I can see why Jason Trusnik is a favorite of Eric Mangini. The guy is smart, versatile, and relentless. He plays to the whistle.
Ahtyba Rubin deserves to start at nose tackle and I’m sure he will. He might be the Browns’ best defensive lineman. At least the best one practicing right now. Rogers needs to get on the field. Set an example.
Defensive line coach Bryan Cox is intense. You can hear him all over the practice field.
Phil Dawson looks to be in regular season form after watching him boom kick after kick through the uprights. Dawson is as good as there is.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
Since becoming head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Eric Mangini has placed an emphasis on developing depth and versatility at every position.
Developing depth with players who are capable of filling multiple roles allows the coordinators to change schemes on the fly and rotate in fresh players at crucial moments in the game. It also helps ensure that there is an insurance policy in place should one of the starters miss time due to injury.
There is no doubt that this philosophy holds true for Cleveland’s young secondary, where several talented players will be competing for a chance to make their mark on the 2010 season.
Entering training camp, no position in the secondary is set in stone. New faces and returning players alike will be fighting to cement their place in the pecking order.
The following is a list of players currently on the Browns’ roster and a quick glance at what each player brings to the table in what is shaping up to be a very talented secondary.
