Thursday, July 14, 2011

Josh Cribbs pleased by teammates' 'rapport' with new offense

AUSTIN, Texas -- Josh Cribbs has watched the Browns' new offense start to come together during the four players-only lockout camps. Josh Cribbs Practice

"It was almost mandatory that we do this with the new West Coast offense," the receiver said before leaving the Travaasa Resort, where Camp Colt IV took place. "I feel like we've been able to develop a nice rapport between our receiving group and Colt McCoy."

Cribbs said the offense has already gone through the introductory phase that would've occurred during organized team activities and minicamps and they'll be well-prepared when camp opens.

"We won't have to start from scratch," he said. "We already have some of the terminology and timing down. We're heavily into the playbook and we think the coaches will be surprised."

Cribbs said it helped that most of the key players on offense have attended all or some of the camps.

"We've had all of the key receivers and tight ends here and Peyton Hillis has attended," he said. "Our new [rookie] fullback Owen Marecic attended this camp and the other rookies have been coming."

Cribbs praised rookies such as Jordan Cameron for attending most of the camps and receiver Greg Little for attending the last two.

"Just the fact that they're here shows a lot about their character," said Cribbs. "Jordan Cameron has a lot of athletic ability and we're all excited to see what he can do with the pads on. Greg Little adds great size to our receiving corps and we're going to be able to beat up the smaller defensive backs this season."

Cribbs said his weight ballooned to about 240 at the beginning of the lockout, but that he did two-a-days with Ben Watson and quickly shed 25 pounds. He's down to his playing weight of about 215-220.

Another camp? Cribbs and linebacker Scott Fujita said the Browns are prepared to hold another lockout camp if need be. Both said Kent State would be under consideration as a possible site. Kent has said it would roll out the red carpet for the players.

"Ideally we won't need to do another one," said Fujita. "But if it keeps dragging, I'm sure we'll discuss it."

Fujita, a member of the NFL Players Executive Council, said he cautioned the players to be patient but also to stay in top physical condition. He told them not to put too much stock in reports of when the lockout might end.

"No one really knows except for the people involved in the negotiations," he said.

Little catching on: Little, who looked good catching the ball during team drills, said he's quickly adjusting to the offense.

"It's been easy for me to pick it up having played in the West Coast throughout my college career," he said. "It's also been fun getting to know the other receivers. They're a lot of fun. It reminds me of the rapport I had with my college teammates."

Little said teammates have been ribbing him about the 93 parking tickets he received at North Carolina. "They have been paid," he said. "I guess there's been speculation about who paid them, but I definitely paid my own parking tickets."

Little said he's developed some chemistry with McCoy during the two camps he's attended.

"We definitely have a relationship outside of Austin," said Little. "He's showing his tremendous leadership ability here. You can just see how easy it is for him to command the respect of the team and lead people."

Brown on track: Cornerback Sheldon Brown is on schedule in his recovery from rotator cuff surgery in February. He was able to do all of the on-field drills (non-contact in shorts and T-shirt) and hopes to be back to 100 percent soon.

"I'm on track to be back on the football field when I'm supposed to be," he said. "I go my doctor Friday for another checkup and then I'll know more."

Brown has been impressed with what he's seen from McCoy.

"Colt's done a tremendous job, not just on the field, but in organizing this whole thing," said Brown. "He's very bright, wise beyond his years. I can see him being very successful in this league for a long time."

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