New Browns ‘czar’ could affect Cribbs’ future

BEREA - It was Joshua Cribbs' play on offense that stood out in the Browns' 13-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last Thursday, but he was honored by the NFL as AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Cribbs had two punt returns for 61 yards and two kick returns for 43 yards. His first punt return covered 55 yards to the Steelers' 8, which set up a 29-yard field goal by Phil Dawson.

Cribbs had a big day at running back in the Wildcat offense. He led the Browns in rushing with a career-high 87 yards and a 10.9 average per carry. He also had a career long run of 37 yards, and he caught one pass for 9 yards.

Cribbs' value to the team was never more evident. He's hoping to get a new contract finalized, but the front office, which he said promised him a new deal when Phil Savage was the general manager, has been slow to make something happen.

Cribbs now has to be concerned about what might happen when the football "czar" is hired. There are no guarantees that the man in charge will want to give him a big deal when he would still have three years remaining on his current contract.

"It's in my mind, but at the same time as a professional I have to get ready for the next game," Cribbs said. "I have to be prepared to give my all against Kansas City."

• WARREN PRIDE: Warren G. Harding graduate David Herron is a backup linebacker and special teams performer for the Chiefs. Herron began training camp with the Minnesota Vikings but was waived and then signed by the Chiefs.

"We were excited when we were able to pick him up after the season had started," Chiefs coach Todd Haley said. "He was one of our best special teams players. He had a setback with a knee injury. He's just getting back to full speed.

"I'm looking forward to him getting back to where he was because he's a guy that works hard and studies. He hadn't had a lot of opportunities at linebacker, but on special teams he's been a bright spot for us."

• GO BUCKS: Chiefs linebacker and former Ohio State Buckeye Mike Vrabel said he'd like to get into coaching after his playing career ends. He'd like to work at Ohio State.

"If the opportunity ever presented itself, I'd love to go back to Ohio State and work in any capacity," Vrabel said. "I have a lot of friends that coach there. I've gotten to know some of the players by working out there in the offseason. If I could get into coaching, I'd probably look there first."

• GOOD JOB: First-year linebacker Marcus Benard had the game of his young career when he registered two sacks against the Steelers. Benard spent the first eight games on the practice squad. He played in three of the last five games (he was inactive twice).

"After the game I had like 60 text messages," Benard said. "There were a lot of voice mails congratulating me."

Benard had 16 sacks last season at Jackson State. The Browns signed him after no team selected him in the draft.

Benard is trying to become a complete linebacker, but he knows his calling card at this time is as a speed pass rusher off the edge.

"Hopefully, I'll be known as a pass rusher," he said. "In the end I'd like to known as a great football player, but pass rushing is my passion."

• SOFT SHOE: Defensive linemen Corey Williams honored injured teammate Shaun Rogers when he duplicated Rogers' sack dance after one of his takedowns of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

"He was happy that I got out there and had a good game," Williams said. "He was pretty excited about the celebration effort. He told me I need to work on it, but he thanked me for doing it."

• INJURY REPORT: Defensive lineman Robaire Smith (groin) and defensive back Ray Ventrone (finger) didn't practice. Limited were linebacker David Bowens (knee), defensive end Kenyon Coleman (knee), receiver Joshua Cribbs (ankle), guard Rex Hadnot (knee), fullback Lawrence Vickers (hamstring) and defensive back Eric Wright (hamstring). Players able to participate fully were linebacker Blake Costanzo (shoulder), running back Chris Jennings (shoulder), receiver Brian Robiskie (toe) and tight end Robert Royal (finger).

Limited in practice for the Chiefs were defensive linemen Glenn Dorsey (knee) and Wallace Gilberry (back), safety Jon McGraw (hand) and guard Brian Watters (hamstring).

mmclain@tribtoday.com