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Josh Cribbs News & Rumors

Josh Cribbs enters not guilty plea on charge of going 103 mph on I-71
May 5
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Cleveland Browns ace kick and punt returner Joshua J. Cribbs pleaded not guilty to a speeding ticket Friday afternoon in Cleveland Municipal Court. Cribbs, 28, of North Royalton was ticketed by Cuyahoga County sheriffs at 8:45 p.m. April 20 for driving his 2010 Bentley 103 mph in a 60 mph zone northbound on Interstate 71 near Fulton Road, Cleveland Municipal Court records show."
Browns WR Josh Cribbs charged with driving 103 mph in 60-mph zone, addresses incident via Twitter
April 24
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs was given a speeding citation last week for driving 103 mph in a 60-mph zone, court records indicate. Cribbs was driving a two-door 2010 Bentley northbound on Interstate 71 when he was pulled over at 8:45 p.m. Friday near Fulton Road in Cleveland, according to the records. He was charged with speeding and is scheduled to appear in Cleveland Municipal Court at 1:30 p.m. May 4."
Cardinals' Patrick Peterson has Josh Cribbs' attention
December 16
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Josh Cribbs is regarded as one of the premier return men in the NFL, but it has been two long seasons since the Browns' speedy and powerful threat has run a kick or a punt back for a touchdown. These days, one of the best return men in the game just might be a rookie on the Arizona Cardinals squad the Browns will face Sunday. Patrick Peterson has already dashed off four touchdowns on punt returns for the Cardinals, which ties an NFL record. Peterson averages 16.3 yards per return. He is the kind of player that Cribbs is eager to square off against while he's on punt coverage for the Browns. "I wish to have lots of tackles on him, personally," Cribbs said Thursday. "Guys are anxious to"
Ravens all too familiar with Browns' Cribbs
December 3
Baltimore Sun
 
"Meeting a divisional foe twice a year has a way of building up a familiarity with a player's strengths or a coach's schemes. That may be the most positive result of the Ravens having faced Cleveland Browns return specialist Joshua Cribbs. Since being signed as an undrafted rookie in 2005, Cribbs has tried to weave his way through the Ravens' coverage units in 12 career meetings, and Cribbs has posted some memorable performances. Cribbs has registered three of Cleveland's highest kick return totals with two of them occurring against the Ravens. His seven-return, 245-yard display on Nov. 18, 2007 ranks second only to his six-return, 269-yard, two-touchdown outburst against the Kansas City"
Peyton Hillis, Josh Cribbs say they want to stay in Cleveland
December 2
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Browns running back Peyton Hillis erased all doubt as to where he believes his future lies. "I love Cleveland. I know there's always been some questions there," he said Thursday after practice. "I've always been a Clevelander in my heart. I love this place. I enjoy this team and I hope to be here." Seemingly at ease and adorned with campaign gear from presidential candidate Ron Paul — at the request of teammate Tony Pashos — Hillis appeared ready to take on the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. After missing five consecutive games due to a hamstring injury, the workhorse from last season gained 65 yards on 19 carries in last Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He confessed to some"
Josh Cribbs trying to keep a low profile after Sunday outburst
December 1
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"If Josh Cribbs were given a little truth serum or maybe some holiday eggnog, he'd probably let loose about how he thinks he can be doing more to help the Browns win. He started to go there after the Bengals game, but stopped before he went too far. Wednesday, he was asked if he cared to elaborate beyond Sunday's statement that "I'm trying to take advantage of the opportunities, the little ones that I get." Specifically, he was asked if he's happy with the way he's being used. "Uh ... I just won't answer that," he said."
Cleveland Browns WR Josh Cribbs hints he might appear in backfield vs. Rams
November 10
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs hinted that his long-awaited appearance in the backfield might happen Sunday against the Rams. "I can't give nothing away, but they put something in that's special to me and that's all I can say about that,'' said Cribbs today. "Coach is really trying to target me and the coaches are really making an opportunity for me to get the football more.''"
It's a quiet day for special-team stars Josh Cribbs and Ted Ginn Jr.
October 31
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"With the sun sparkling through a clear, blue sky at Candlestick Park on Sunday, the air still and light by the bay, it was the kind of afternoon when a punter like Brad Maynard would love to boom his kicks as far as possible. Except that Ted Ginn Jr., punt returner extraordinaire, was waiting at the other end of the field every time the Browns' Maynard took the snap. Instead, Maynard and kicker Phil Dawson stuck to their plan of kicking "high and wide" against Ginn and the 49ers, allowing their coverage team to race down the field and pin Ginn in the corners."
49ers notes: Browns' Cribbs welcomes shot at big punt returns
October 27
Sacramento Bee
 
"When facing Cleveland Browns return man Josh Cribbs, most NFL punters go through a conversion. "Kickers who are not normally directional punters – when we play them, they become directional punters," Cribbs, acknowledged as one of the league's best returners, said on a conference call Wednesday. Cribbs, however, doesn't expect 49ers punter Andy Lee and special-teams coordinator Brad Seely to shy away from him Sunday. Cribbs said he's looking forward to the matchup because the combination of Lee's booming punts and the 49ers' excellent coverage units means he'll likely get a few chances to return the ball."
Cribbs ready to scrap receiver role and Shurmur should listen
October 17
Akron Beacon Journal
 columnist Marla Ridenour
"Josh Cribbs is ready to return to his roots. The Browns' seven-year veteran said after Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Oakland Raiders that he's willing to scrap his role as a wide receiver and go back to playing on every special team because he wants to make an impact. And he wants to win. "I've been playing special teams for years now and now that I'm not on it, I'm not being used to the point where I can really help this football team," Cribbs said. "I feel like I'm a dynamic special teams player and I want to refocus back onto how I got in the league, special teams, making tackles, helping the guys out, doing my part." Cribbs said he didn't want to ignite a controversy. He genuinely seemed"
Lacking a 'fifth gear,' Josh Cribbs just keeps motoring on
September 26
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"During pre-game warmups, Josh Cribbs struggled with his pulled groin muscle, unable to coax his body into that much-needed fifth gear. He told the coaching staff he didn't think he could play. They had just sent running back Peyton Hillis home with strep throat. Surely, they couldn't go without two of their biggest playmakers -- and their special teams dynamo. "At that point, they instructed me just to run a little more, warm up a little more and I started to loosen and feel a little better," said Cribbs, the reigning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. "But as the morning went on, I said 'I'm not going to be able to run a full-out sprint from the back of the end zone to the"
Browns' Josh Cribbs is still beating the odds
September 20
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 columnist Bill Livingston
"Josh Cribbs was not supposed to be a star. Not by pedigree, as an undrafted free agent out of Kent State. When he overcame that, he wasn't supposed to be one anymore. Not by economics, after the Browns redid his contract before last season. And certainly not by rule, as the NFL this season instituted safety regulations to take the kickoff out of the game, or at least reduce it to inconsequence. Cribbs has overcome it all, becoming the most exciting player on the Browns' roster. Maybe rebuking the stuff about his ragamuffin draft status and how he would handle the big money should have been expected. Cribbs always has seen himself as an outsider, driven as much as quarterback Colt McCoy to"
'Thirsty' Josh Cribbs quenches his thirst with big plays vs. Colts
September 19
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"For the second straight week, Josh Cribbs ignited a sluggish Browns offense with a long kickoff return to set up a touchdown. But this week, he took it a step further and added a long blast on a punt return to set up the score that put the game out of reach. Last week, he fielded a kickoff eight yards deep in the end zone and churned out 51 yards. This week, he fielded one seven yards deep and raced 52 to the Browns' 45. It led to Evan Moore's 16-yard TD catch that put the Browns ahead, 7-6, in the second quarter. "I love being the spark on the team whenever I can," said Cribbs. "Certain guys have certain roles on this football team. That's my role. I've accepted that role. I'm embracing"
Cleveland Browns' new look deserves a long look from fans
September 7
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 columnist Terry Pluto
"I can tell you that Pat Shurmur is the fifth man to coach the Browns on opening day since 1999. That Colt McCoy is the 10th opening day starting quarterback since 1999. That the Browns have not employed this form of the West Coast offense since 1999, while the new 4-3 defense hasn't been used for six years. But I can't tell you much about the Browns. That's because we really haven't seen the Browns with even most of their key players in a preseason game. Think about it. It's great that Joe Haden and Sheldon Brown return at cornerback, but T.J. Ward and Usama Young are projected to start at safety. They never played together before this season, and both have battled hamstring injuries"
Josh Cribbs latest Brown sidelined by injury bug
August 22
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Three weeks into training camp, first-year Cleveland coach Pat Shurmur has yet to see his full team practice. That's because the Browns are black and blue. Injuries, several of them to key starters, have deprived Shurmur and the team's top decision makers from evaluating what the Browns have and what they need to contend again. And just when it seems the team is about to get healthier, wide receiver and star return specialist Josh Cribbs injured his hamstring near the end of Sunday's practice. "I'm going crazy," team president Mike Holmgren said of the injuries. "I can imagine how Pat's feeling.""
Josh Cribbs as a receiver? It's catching on
August 14
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"It didn't take long for Josh Cribbs to try to prove his critics wrong, the ones who insist he's not a bona fide NFL receiver. Cribbs streaked down the right side of the field and caught a perfect pass from Colt McCoy over cornerback Pat Lee on the Browns' opening drive. It put them up, 7-0, against the defending Super Bowl champion Packers. "It was just a simple throw and catch,'' said Cribbs. "There was great blocking up front and a great throw by Colt. He laid it up there real nice and I went and got it. I guess I can catch.'' On the third play of the drive, Cribbs also caught a 10-yarder over the middle to convert a third down. He was a major reason McCoy looked sharp in his West"
Josh Cribbs leaves practice with a knee or leg injury, will undergo exams
July 31
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns receiver Josh Cribbs suffered a left knee or leg injury in practice this morning when a defensive back came down on his leg in one-on-one drills. He sat out the rest of the practice and wore an ice bag on the knee for some of it. He was heading in to see the doctors and will probably undergo and MRI. He might miss some practice, but should be okay for the first preseason game Aug. 13. "I didn't want to press through it and risk missing a preseason game,'' said Cribbs. "If I was a young guy trying to make the team, maybe I wouldn't have come off, but I don't reallly know what's wrong. It's strained.'' Cribbs said the defensive back landed on the knee and he felt something right away."
Browns third 'Camp Colt' is June 9-11 at University of Texas, Josh Cribbs says
May 28
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Browns third "Camp Colt'' is June 9-11 at the University of Texas, receiver Josh Cribbs told The Plain Dealer. The camp is being organized again by quarterback Colt McCoy, who hosted the first one at his alma mater April 21-23. The second one was two weeks ago at Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea. Cribbs, who attended the first two sessions, will miss this one because of a prior commitment -- his birthday bash back home in Washington, D.C. Some of the other players attending the second camp were receivers Mohammed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie, tight ends Ben Watson and rookie Jordan Cameron, and quarterback Jake Delhomme. Cornerback Joe Haden also made an appearance even though it was"
Cribbs goes to work again; T.J. Ward and Jordan Norwood join him
April 27
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"In an interview with "Mike"
Browns receiver Josh Cribbs will keep showing up for work
April 27
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns receiver Josh Cribbs said today that he'll keep showing up for work at the Browns' facility even though he's not permitted to work out there. Cribbs, appearing on the Mike and Mike show on ESPN, said he and other players have to do continue going to the facility if they want to prove they're eligible for their workout bonuses. Cribbs, tight end Ben Watson and punter Reggie Hodges all showed up Wednesday and were met by security. They were permitted to visit their lockers, but got the unspoken message they weren't to work out."
Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs, several others, plan to go to Browns facility Tuesday
April 26
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns receiver Josh Cribbs told the Plain Dealer Monday that he and several other players will go to the team facility in Berea Tueday morning now that the lockout has been lifted by Judge Susan Nelson. "We're going to go to work tomorrow to see if they'll let us in the building at 10 a.m. to test the waters al ittle bit,'' said Cribbs in a text. Browns President Mike Holmgren said Monday night at the National Football Foundation banquet that he was happy the lockout was lifted. He said the Browns facility is always open. Asked if he though players would show up, he said, "we'll see.'' The NFL Owners are appealing the ruling and are confident a stay of the lockout will be ordered. NFL"
Cribbs cries foul over NFL's new kickoff rules
March 23
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"NFL owners say they're making football safer. Browns return man Joshua Cribbs says they're corrupting it. Owners voted to modify kickoff rules Tuesday during their annual meeting. Kickoffs will take place at the 35-yard line instead of the 30, meaning touchbacks are expected to become more frequent and returns will probably decrease. Players covering kickoffs will also be limited to a 5-yard running start instead of a 10- to-15-yard start. The changes will take effect in the 2011 season, if games are played despite the league's labor dispute. Cribbs is frustrated, to say the least. ''The more they change it, the more that it almost corrupts the game of football,'' Cribbs said in a phone"
Josh Cribbs and Cleveland disapprove of new kickoff rules
March 23
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"NFL players and management don't agree on much during this period of labor strife. But the Browns and return specialist Josh Cribbs agree the changes to the kickoff rules stink. Owners approved modified changes to kickoffs at league meetings Tuesday that will lead to more touchbacks and minimize the impact of Cribbs and other explosive kick returners. Almost immediately upon the news breaking that the changes were official, Cribbs sounded off on his Twitter account and in multiple interviews with news organizations. "It's just eliminating a lot of the opportunities for returners to make their names in the NFL," Cribbs said on ESPN. "It was already tough for a lot of guys like me. This is"
Josh Cribbs and Cleveland disapprove of new kickoff rules
March 23
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"NFL players and management don't agree on much during this period of labor strife. But the Browns and return specialist Josh Cribbs agree the changes to the kickoff rules stink. Owners approved modified changes to kickoffs at league meetings Tuesday that will lead to more touchbacks and minimize the impact of Cribbs and other explosive kick returners. Almost immediately upon the news breaking that the changes were official, Cribbs sounded off on his Twitter account and in multiple interviews with news organizations. "It's just eliminating a lot of the opportunities for returners to make their names in the NFL," Cribbs said on ESPN. "It was already tough for a lot of guys like me. This is"
Josh Cribbs defends Eric Mangini -- 'One man can only do so much'
January 3
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Josh Cribbs spoke out strongly in support of Eric Mangini after Sunday's 41-9 Browns loss to the Steelers. "I feel like one man can only do so much," said Cribbs. "This is the biggest team sport there is. You're asking one man in two years to turn a football team that hasn't been winning into one of the greatest football teams. I mean, it takes some time. "We want to win now. It's just impossible to put all the weight and give one guy all that responsibility and call him the fall guy for the way we've been playing. It's always all on the coach, but we can't make players play." Cribbs said he'll be disappointed if team president Mike Holmgren fires Mangini Monday morning. "I believe in what"
Cribbs, Browns plan on knocking out title plans for Steelers, Harrison
December 30
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"If the Browns have their way, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison's homecoming will be spoiled when he returns to Northeast Ohio on Sunday. Harrison, an Akron native, knocked wide receivers Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi out of the Steelers' 28-10 win over the Browns on Oct. 17 at Heinz Field. Both players left the game in the second quarter after suffering concussions at the hands - or helmet - of Harrison. Now the Browns (5-10) are hoping to play the role of a spoiler against the Steelers (11-4), who can capture the AFC North title and a first-round postseason bye with a win in the regular-season finale at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns insist their rivalry with the"
Browns fans show support for injured Cribbs
December 25
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Josh Cribbs has a reputation in Cleveland of reaching out to Browns fans. This season, the fans are reaching out to him in return. Continuing to play despite a painful injury to his right foot, Cribbs hasn't been his usual highlight-reel self this season as the Browns' explosive kick returner. In fact, he has yet to score a touchdown on special teams this season, like he has in every other of his six NFL seasons. But that didn't stop fans from voting him as their leading choice at kick returner in early AFC Pro Bowl voting this week, a show of support that touched Cribbs. ''It means I've done enough in my NFL career to prove myself,'' said Cribbs, a Kent State product who joined the Browns"
Ravens wary of Browns' Cribbs
December 25
Baltimore Sun
 
"Cleveland Browns return specialist Joshua Cribbs is on pace to complete his first season without registering a touchdown on either a kick or punt return, which would be the first time in his six-year career. Cribbs ranks 31st in the NFL in kick return average (20.8 yards), and he isn’t listed among the top 22 in punt return average because he hasn’t reached 20 returns yet. Since dislocating four toes on his right foot in Week 10, Cribbs doesn’t appear to be the same returner who ranked third in kick returns (27.5) and fourth in punt returns (11.9) last season. But the Ravens aren’t sleeping on Cribbs’ big-play potential."
Fans show support for injured Cribbs
December 24
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Josh Cribbs has a reputation in Cleveland of reaching out to Browns fans. This season, the fans are reaching out to him in return. Continuing to play despite a painful injury to his right foot, Cribbs hasn't been his usual highlight-reel self this season as the Browns' explosive kick returner. In fact, he has yet to score a touchdown on special teams this season, like he has in every other of his six NFL seasons. But that didn't stop fans from voting him as their leading choice at kick returner in early AFC Pro Bowl voting this week, a show of support that touched Cribbs. ''It means I've done enough in my NFL career to prove myself,'' said Cribbs, a Kent State product who joined the Browns"
Cribbs still a threat on returns despite injury struggles
December 11
Buffalo News
 
"When you think of the Cleveland Browns' special teams, the first name that comes to mind is Josh Cribbs. The All-Pro return specialist has terrorized many teams since joining the team as an undrafted rookie out of Kent State in 2005. But he has yet to flash his big-play ability this season. Cribbs is averaging 21.4 yards on 27 kickoff returns and 8.3 yards on punt return, ranking 32nd and 17th in the NFL, respectively. That pales in comparison to last year when he was third in the league on kick returns (27.5) and fourth on punt returns (11.9). However, Cribbs' decreased numbers do not make him any less of a concern for the Buffalo Bills, who host the Browns on Sunday. "Josh Cribbs is one"
Cribbs' mind set on full return
December 10
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"As Josh Cribbs gets closer to being healthy, he hopes to return to his role in the Browns' offense. That's what Browns coach Eric Mangini would like to have happen Sunday against the Bills in Buffalo as Cribbs continues to recover from four dislocated toes on his right foot. He suffered the injury in a game against the New York Jets on Nov. 14. ''This is the first week where [Cribbs] practiced on Wednesday,'' Mangini said. ''Last week was Thursday, the week before it was Friday. It's not 100 percent by any stretch, but it's important for him to be out there and to help.'' Cribbs is hoping to play more at wide receiver this week and ultimately to return to running the Wildcat. ''The goal is"
Cribbs hopes to break down more barriers with Browns' version of the Wildcat
December 5
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"It's too bad Josh Cribbs has four dislocated toes on his right foot, courtesy of a Jets defender stepping on him three weeks ago. With a healthy Cribbs in the Browns' lineup — and he is expected to play significant time despite being listed as questionable — Sunday's game against the Dolphins could mark a memorable showdown between two of the NFL's best Wildcat attacks. The Dolphins have re-energized their direct-snap diversion in recet weeks, piling up a season-high 47 yards with it against the Titans on Nov. 14 and running it a season-high 12 times (for 34 yards) in last Sunday's win at Oakland. They also trotted out the "Wild Thig" for the first time, inserting backup quarterback Tyler"
Cleveland Browns make Josh Cribbs active v. Panthers
November 28
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns return specialist and receiver Josh Cribbs is active for today's game against the Panthers. How effective Cribbs can be in the offense and kicking game remains to be seen. He missed the entire practice week because of four dislocated toes on his right foot. In other pre-game news, cornerback Eric Wright was made inactive with a knee injury. That means rookie Joe Haden will make his first NFL start in the base defense. Technically, Haden was on the field for the first play of the season opener in Tampa, Fla., because the Browns opened in their nickel defense. As expected, rookie quarterback Colt McCoy was made inactive. McCoy was not ruled out during the practice week by coach Eric"
Cribbs still questionable for Sunday; Mangini still optimistic he'll play
November 27
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns receiver Josh Cribbs, hobbling around in one of those omnipresent gray walking boots, is battling to play Sunday against the Panthers, but admitted he's a longshot. Share Tweet 17 Comments "I'll be honest, it's not looking good," he said Friday. "I'm trying to make a push for it and I'm not off the table yet, but I haven't practiced all week." Cribbs, who suffered four right dislocated toes and a foot injury during the Jets game two weeks ago, sat out again Friday and is listed as questionable, meaning there is a 50-50 chance he'll play. He was questionable last week and sat out the 24-20 loss to the Jaguars. "I'm just moving around, doing stuff off the grid so to speak, trying"
Eric Mangini "pretty optimistic'' Josh Cribbs will vs. Panthers
November 26
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns coach Eric Mangini said he's "pretty optimistic'' that receiver Josh Cribbs (foot) will play Sunday against the Panthers. Cribbs suffered four dislocated toes against the Jets and sat out last week's game in Jacksonville. He's been wearing a walking boot to protect his swollen toes. Mangini said if Cribbs plays, he might not be able to handle his usual full load, which includes returning kicks, playing out of the Wildcat, and playing receiver."
Cleveland Browns rule Josh Cribbs, Mike Adams out for Jaguars
November 21
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns receiver Josh Cribbs (toes) and defensive back Mike Adams (abdomen) have both been ruled out for Sunday's game in Jacksonville. Both players missed practice all week. In anticipation of their absence, the Browns on Tuesday signed Pro Bowl kick returner Clifton Smith and cornerback Eric King. Smith returned both punts and kickoffs all week in practice and King worked in the nickel and on special teams."
Cribbs' injury hurts playbook
November 20
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Wide receiver Josh Cribbs' availability for Sunday is in question, and so is at least 10 percent of the Browns' game plan on offense. Cribbs missed practice all week after dislocating toes on his right foot at the end of his 37-yard catch and run in the second quarter last Sunday against the New York Jets. If he can't play Sunday when the Browns (3-6) visit the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4), several plays will need to be removed from offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's call sheet. Cribbs is listed as questionable on the team's injury report, meaning there is a 50-50 chance he will play. Browns coach Eric Mangini estimated about 10 percent of the offensive plays are designed specifically for"
Josh Cribbs forced to sidelines with four dislocated toes
November 15
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Josh Cribbs stood on the sidelines for most of Sunday's game after dislocating all of the toes on his right foot except for his big toe, a source told The Plain Dealer. Cribbs was one of three key Browns lost in the first half. The others were cornerback Sheldon Brown, who will undergo an MRI Monday to determine the extent of his shoulder/neck injury and linebacker Scott Fujita, who suffered a knee injury. Cribbs dislocated the toes after a sensational 37-yard catch and run in the second quarter that led to a field goal for a 13-10 Browns lead. He went to the locker room for X-rays and came back out after halftime, but there was never any chance he was going back in. "I just couldn't get"
Cribbs' trick play conjures up touchdown
November 8
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Here in Cleveland, the play is called ''Brownie.'' But when Josh Cribbs was a quarterback at Kent State, the most famous play in the Golden Flashes' playbook was dubbed ''Gamecock'' — a trick play that made an appearance once a year or so, but always proved effective. ''Gamecock'' initially got its name from Kent State coach Doug Martin, who devised the play while coaching at East Carolina against in-state rival South Carolina. Martin ran it several times for scores over the years, the Gamecocks never quite figuring it out. When Martin served as Kent State's offensive coordinator in 2003, he rolled it out again — this time for Cribbs to run it. Earlier in the season, the Browns"
Josh Cribbs cracks open his college playbook for trick play
November 8
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The play that seemed to break the New England Patriots' backs was one that Josh Cribbs ripped out of his old Kent State playbook and handed to his coaches. At Kent, it was called "Gamecock," because head coach Doug Martin had used it effectively against South Carolina when he was offensive coordinator at East Carolina. Here, the Browns changed the name to "Brownie." Whatever it's called, it was wildly effective against the Patriots as Chansi Stuckey scored on an 11-yard run out of it to increase the Browns' lead to 17-7 with 3:23 left in the first half. "I was trying to get [Patriots receiver and fellow former Kent quarterback] Julian Edelman's attention," Cribbs said. "I ran that play at"
Cribbs back, defends Harrison hit
October 23
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Kent State will host ''Joshua Cribbs Day'' on Oct. 30. The Browns held their own version Friday. All eyes were on Cribbs as he practiced for the first time since suffering a concussion this past weekend. All cameras were also on him as he held court in the locker room, defending the helmet-to-helmet hit he absorbed from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison and analyzing the ensuing widespread debate. ''He plays to knock people out,'' Cribbs said of Harrison, an Akron native and fellow product of Kent State's football program. ''Wouldn't you want a linebacker like that on your team? I mean, honestly, a guy that you know is going to play and try to knock people out - try to knock"
Josh Cribbs will play Sunday, defends hit by Steelers linebacker James Harrison
October 23
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Josh Cribbs on Friday defended Steelers linebacker James Harrison for his vicious style of play and the fact he tries to knock players out of games.

In fact, he may have helped talk Harrison -- his good friend and fellow former Kent State Golden Flash -- out of retiring this week by urging him to continue playing his bone-rattling brand of football. "He plays to knock people out," said Cribbs, who will return to action Sunday in New Orleans after Harrison's helmet- to-helmet hit knocked him out of the game against the Steelers last week with a concussion. "Wouldn't you want a linebacker like that on your team? Honestly, a guy that you know is going to try to knock the key players out"

Josh Cribbs will practice Friday, expected to face Saints Sunday
October 22
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns receiver Josh Cribbs has been cleared from his concussion to practice Friday and will play Sunday against the Saints, coach Eric Mangini said today. Mangini said it's great news for the Browns because Cribbs does so many things for the team in terms of the Wildcat, receiver and as a returner. On the other hand, receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, who also suffered a concussion in Pittsburgh on a hit delivered by James Harrison, did not practice Friday and will probably be doubtful for the Saints game."
Harrison's rep grows with hits
October 18
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Steelers linebacker James Harrison owns a reputation in the NFL for being one of the league's hardest hitters. But the Coventry High School standout may have taken his nasty reputation to new levels Sunday in the Browns 28-10 loss at Heinz Field. Harrison hit Browns receivers Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi so violently on separate plays during the first half, neither was able to rejoin the action. ''Legal hits, not finable hits,'' Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said of Harrison's play. ''James is always ready to deliver for his teammates.'' On the Browns' first possession of the second quarter, Cribbs lined up in the Wildcat formation and kept the ball on a quarterback keeper. As he dived"
Cribbs and Massaquoi knocked from game by injuries in loss to Steelers
October 18
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"The Browns don't have a surplus of weapons to begin with, so they simply can't afford to lose their top playmaker against ultra-talented opponents like the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not even rookie quarterback Colt McCoy's solid NFL regular-season debut could compensate for the loss of wide receiver/return man Josh Cribbs. When Steelers linebacker James Harrison knocked Cribbs out of the game with a helmet-to-helmet hit in the second quarter, he also eliminated the Wildcat offense from the game plan. To make matters worse, Harrison, an Akron native, delivered another devastating tackle, causing the removal of wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi late in the first half. The Browns did enough to hang"
James Harrison says fines for his hits on Josh Cribbs, Mohamed Massaquoi would be a 'travesty'
October 18
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"James Harrison knocked Browns receivers Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi out of Sunday's 28-10 Steelers victory with crushing blows to the head about seven minutes apart in the second quarter. Afterward, Harrison showed no remorse and his teammates praised the hits. "I thought Cribbs was asleep," said Harrison, the 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. "A hit like that geeks you up -- it geeks everybody up -- especially when you find out that the guy is not really hurt -- he's just sleeping. He's knocked out, but he's going to be OK. The other guy, I didn't hit that hard, to be honest with you. When you get a guy on the ground, it's a perfect tackle." Both Cribbs and Massaquoi were"
Two Browns knocked out by Harrison
October 18
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Steelers linebacker James Harrison knocked two Cleveland Browns players out of Sunday's game with crunching hits to their helmets. First came Josh Cribbs, his Kent State University teammate and friend playing wildcat-formation quarterback, who was injured when the crown of Mr. Harrison's helmet smacked into the left side of his helmet. Then came receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, who, after a catch over the middle, was felled by forearms to the face. "I kind of laid off on him," Mr. Harrison said. Both came within seven minutes in the second quarter. Both Browns players promptly left the game groggy and later bused back to Cleveland with their team for what could well become dual diagnoses of"
Cribss, Massaquoi both knocked out of Steelers' game
October 18
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The night before his NFL debut against the defense that was supposed to tear him from limb to limb, Colt McCoy used the final team meeting to ease everyone's mind. "Most guys sit down when they talk to the team. He stood up and looked everybody in the eyes," said tight end Evan Moore. 23Share 252 Comments "And he just said to have confidence in him 'cuz he has confidence in us," added receiver Chansi Stuckey. McCoy's poise and command of the offense were evident in the Browns' 28-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in loud, foreboding Heinz Field. He didn't win the game, but he won a lot of respect. The rookie from Texas completed 23 of 33 passes for 281 yards and a 12-yard touchdown to"
Josh Cribbs looks to break out against Pittsburgh
October 16
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns receiver Josh Cribbs has had many happy returns against the Steelers, but will have to take it up a notch if he's going to break one Sunday. Three of his NFL record eight kickoff returns for touchdowns have come against the Steelers -- which is tied for an NFL record against a single opponent. One of those was a 98-yarder last October in Pittsburgh. But this season, with teams kicking away from him and pop-kicking, Cribbs has mostly been a non-factor in the return game. He is ranked 51st in the NFL with a 20.2-yard average -- a far cry from the 27.5-yard average he finished with last season for No. 3 in the NFL. "I have to pick up my return yardage and try to help this football"