Injury Report

Cleveland: Did Not Participate in Practice: LB Antwan Peek (ankle), DE Orpheus Roye (knee); Limited Participation in Practice: WR Joe Jurevicius (knee), DE Robaire Smith (neck), DL Shaun Smith (biceps), TE Kellen Winslow (knee).

San Francisco: Out: QB Trent Dilfer (concussion); Did Not Participate in Practice: QB Shaun Hill (back); Limited Participation in Practice: WR Arnaz Battle (ankle), RB Frank Gore (ankle), WR Jason Hill (groin), CB Marcus Hudson (knee), RB Michael Robinson (shoulder), LB Derek Smith (shoulder), CB Shawntae Spencer (quad); Full Participation in Practice: LB Jeff Ulbrich (ankle).

News and Notes

Joining Elite Company: Browns RB Jamal Lewis, who has rushed for 8,977 yards in his career, is 23 rushing yards away from becoming the 26th running back in NFL history to surpass the 9,000-yard mark. In the Browns Week 15 win over the Bills, Lewis went over the 1,000-yard plateau for the season, becoming the eighth Browns RB to rush for 1,000 yards in a season and marking the 21st time in Browns history that a RB has rushed for 1,000 yards or more. Lewis has now rushed for 1,000+ yards in six of the eight seasons he has been in the NFL. With 1,176 rushing yards on the season, Lewis ranks fifth in the AFC and seventh in the NFL.

NFL Rushing Leaders

Player Team Yards
LaDainian Tomlinson SD 1,418
Willie Parker Pit. 1,316
Adrian Peterson Min. 1,305
Brian Westbrook Phi. 1,291
Willis McGahee Bal. 1,207
Fred Taylor Jac. 1,202
Jamal Lewis Cle 1,176

In addition, Lewis currently has nine rushing touchdowns on the year. In 2006, Lewis finished the year with nine touchdowns and his season-high total is 14 set in 2003.

NFL Rushing TD Leaders

Player Team rushing TDs
LaDainian Tomlinson SD 15
Adrian Peterson Min. 12
Joseph Addai Ind. 12
Earnest Graham TB 10
Marion Barber Dal. 10
Jamal Lewis Cle 9

Maurice Jones-Drew (Jac.) and Clinton Portis (Was.) have nine rushing TDs.

Home Sweet Home: With a win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17 at Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Browns would establish a franchise high with seven home wins in one season. Thanks to H Thanks to their 8-0 win over the Bills in Week 15, the Browns marked their sixth consecutive victory at home. The last time the Browns won six-straight home games was in 1994. The six home wins also tie the franchise-record for home wins in a season and marks the 11th time in team history the Browns have won six games at home.

Double-Digit Delight: In addition to being able to set a franchise record for home wins in a season with a victory over the 49ers, the Browns would also finish the year with 10 victories. With a victory on Sunday, the Browns would reach double-digit wins for the first time since returning to the NFL in 1999 and for the first time since finishing 11-5 in 1994.

Getting His ‘Phil’: Browns K Phil Dawson needs four points in the Week 17 contest with the 49ers to set the franchise record for most points in a season by a kicker. Dawson is also 15 points away from breaking Jim Brown’s franchise record of 126 points in a season (1965).

Dorsey Three-Year Extension: The Browns signed QB Ken Dorsey to a three-year contract extension on Wednesday. Dorsey has been the third quarterback for the Browns in each of the last two seasons. Dorsey appeared in one game for the Browns in 2006 and has appeared in 12 career games, including ten starts, during his five year career with Cleveland and San Francisco. During his career, Dorsey is 171-of-317 passing for 1,712 yards with eight touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Roster Tidbits: On Wednesday, the Browns announced that they signed DE Bobby Hamilton, signed DE Melila Purcell from the practice squad to the active roster, and have signed DE Zach West to the practice squad. Hamilton is a 12-year NFL veteran and has played in 164 career games, including 102 starts, with the N.Y. Jets, New England and Oakland. Hamilton was a member of the 2001 and 2003 New England Super Bowl championship teams. Purcell was a sixth-round, 200th overall, draft choice of the Browns in the 2007 NFL Draft and has spent the entire season on the club’s practice squad. West spent two weeks this season on the New England Patriots practice squad. West is an undrafted rookie out of Texas El-Paso.

From The Locker Room

Head Coach Romeo Crennel

(On whether it will be devastating if they don’t get the help they need Sunday night because of all they have accomplished this season)- “If we don’t make it, we’ll be disappointed that we didn’t make it. But what we’ve been able to accomplish this year has been a lot of positive things for the community, for the team, for the organization and I don’t think you can take that away because – particularly if we win on Sunday – even if we don’t make it, it’s a 10-win season and a 7-1 home record. All of those things are tremendous accomplishments.”

(On whether he got the response he was looking for from his players yesterdays as they prepare for this weeks game)- “Morale was good. I didn’t see a hangover. I think guys are disappointed that we were not able to wrap it up when we had it our hands. Now they know that it’s somebody else’s hand and when you don’t have control you’re disappointed about it. But I think that they’re going to go play a good football game on Sunday and the attitude was good yesterday trying to get ready for it.”

(On how QB Derek Anderson has played this year)- “He’s played really good. When you think of what he has been able to do and where this team has come, he’s had a good year. Last week, he would like to have done a little bit better and I think this week he will do better. Overall, when you look at the total picture, it’s been a good year for him.”

Injury Report

Cleveland: Did Not Participate in Practice: CB Leigh Bodden (back); Limited Participation in Practice: LB Antwan Peek (ankle), DL Orpheus Roye (knee), DL Robaire Smith (back), DL Shaun Smith (back).

Cincinnati: Did Not Participate in Practice: HB Rudi Johnson (hamstring), CB Deltha O’Neal (illness); Limited Participation in Practice: S Dexter Jackson (calf); S Madius Williams (Quad);  Full Participation in Practice:  OT Willie Andrews (knee), G Stacy Andrews (knee), WR Chris Henry (ankle), DT Domata Peko (ankle).

News and Notes

Big Days Against the Bengals: Despite his record setting rushing performance with the Baltimore Ravens against the Browns earlier in his career, RB Jamal Lewis has more 100-yard rushing performances and rushing TDs against the Bengals than any other team in the NFL.  During his seven years with the Ravens and after one game against the Bengals as a member of the Browns, Lewis has played in 12 games against Cincinnati and totaled 1,459 yards rushing on 263 carries (5.5 avg.) and 10 rushing TDs.  Earlier this season, Lewis rushed for a season-high 216 yards on 27 carries and one rushing TD in the Browns 51-45 win over the Bengals on Sept. 16, 2007.  In those 12 games, Lewis rushed for nine 100-yard games, including seven consecutive games from 2000-04.

During his career against the Browns, Lewis set the NFL record with 295 yards rushing on Sept. 14, 2003.  In his 12 career games against the Browns, Lewis rushed for 1,524 yards on 271 carries (5.6 avg.) and 8 rushing TDs. Lewis had six 100-yard rushing performances in his 12 games against Cleveland.

Date: Att-Yards-TD (avg)
9-24-00: 25-116-1 (4.6 avg)
11-5-00: 22-109-0 (5.0 avg)
11-10-02: 21-135-2 (6.4 avg)
12-1-02: 22-121-0 (5.5 avg)
10-19-03 19-101-0 (5.3 avg)
12-7-03 30-180-3 (6.0 avg)
9-26-04 18-186-1 (10.3 avg)
11-6-05: 15-49-0 (3.3 avg)
11-27-05: 23-113-1 (4.9 avg)
11-5-06: 24-72-1 (3.0 avg)
11-30-06: 17-61-0 (3.6 avg)
9-16-07: 27-216-1 (8.0 avg)
Career: 263-1459-10 (5.5 avg)

The Century Club: Browns offensive lineman Ryan Tucker will be making his 100th career start in the NFL. Tucker has played in 12 games this season and has started six contests at right guard.  Tucker has contributed to an offensive line that ranks tied for second in fewest sacks allowed (17) and has paved the way for a 1,000-yard rusher (Jamal Lewis).

Going for the Sweep: The Browns are attempting to complete a season sweep of the Cincinnati Bengals for the first time since the 2002 season.  That year, the Browns defeated the Bengals 20-7 on Sept. 15, 2002 at Cleveland and 27-20 on Nov. 17, 2002 in Cincinnati.  Earlier this season, the Browns survived a 51-45 win over the Bengals in Week 2.  This season the Browns have already swept another AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens.  The Browns currently have a 3-2 division mark and are looking to finish with a division record above .500 for the first time since returning to the NFL in 1999.

Cleveland Browns Division Record (since 1999):
1999:  1-9*
2000:  2-8*
2001:  5-5*
2002:  3-3
2003:  2-4
2004:  2-4
2005:  1-5
2006:  0-6
2007:  3-2
* Jacksonville and Tennessee were in the AFC North prior to realignment for the 2002 season.

Aloha Braylon, Aloha Joshua: Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards and kick returner Joshua Cribbs were  named to the 2008 AFC Pro Bowl roster, the league announced on Tuesday.  Edwards and Cribbs are the first Browns players selected to the Pro Bowl since LB Jamir Miller was named during the 2001 season (2002 Pro Bowl).

Edwards leads the Browns with 1,170 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns and ranks second on the club with 69 receptions.  Edwards is currently fifth in the NFL with 1,170 yards receiving and his 13 touchdowns rank third in the league.

Cribbs has totaled 53 kickoff returns for 1,637 yards (30.9 avg.) and two touchdowns and has added 24 punt returns for 243 yards (10.1 avg.).  Cribbs leads the league with 1,637 return yards and a 30.9 kickoff return average.  His 10.1 punt return average ranks seventh in the league.  Cribbs is also tied for the team lead with 18 special teams tackles.

In addition, four Browns players were named as first alternates for the Pro Bowl:  QB Derek Anderson, LG Eric Steinbach, LT Joe Thomas and TE Kellen Winslow.  Browns FB Lawrence

Vickers was named second alternate and K Phil Dawson was named third alternate at their respective positions.

From the Locker Room

Head Coach Romeo Crennel

(On whether he would be surprised if the game with the Bengals is similar to the Week Two game and becomes a high-scoring shootout)- “Every Sunday is a different Sunday and you never know what’s going to happen. I know that they can score and they’re a dangerous team because of the weapons they have. [Bengals WR T.J.] Houshmandzadeh just got voted to the Pro Bowl. [Bengals WR] Chad [Johnson] is a Prow Bowl player. [Bengals QB Carson] Palmer is a Pro Bowl player. I know [Bengals RB] Rudi [Johnson] has a little injury deal he’s working with, but they’ve got a stable of running backs that are good. They’ve got a huge offensive line. And as I mentioned before, they seem to match up pretty good against us. We’re expecting their best. If it develops into a shootout and we can score 51 and they can score 45, I’ll take it.”

(On how much of an impact Steinbach joining the Browns and leaving the Bengals has had on both teams)- “I’m not able to speak to their offensive line, but it has helped up tremendously and he’s done a nice job since he’s been here. I think that kind of ability helped solidify the line along with adding [OL] Joe [Thomas] to that side. Those guys have  developed into a pretty good left side.”

QB Derek Anderson

(On what it has meant to his season to have OL Eric Steinbach and Joe Thomas protecting his left side)- “It’s been great. Those guys have kind of anchored the whole deal, but they’ve all been playing great and are really the reason we’ve had success on offense. Without that we really can’t do anything. It showed last week with the way we were able to run the ball because of those guys and [TE] Steve [Heiden] and [WR] Joe Jurevicius getting that extra guy in the box for us.”

(On his progress this season)- “It’s been alright. It’s had some ups and downs, but overall I’m happy with where we are right now. We’re in a good position to finish the season strong.”

RB Jamal Lewis

(On having Pro Bowl numbers but not even being named an alternate) – “It doesn’t matter.  It’s individual efforts.  I know I wasn’t going to be in it anyways.  The guys that are going, they’ve earned it and they had the numbers for it.  Congratulations to them.”

(On what it has meant to his season to have Steinbach and Thomas on the left side) – “They mean a lot.  You have a great free agent come in – Steinbach – and then Joe Thomas being drafted and jumping right in there, not giving up sacks, not having a lot of mental errors and going out there handling his business.  Both of those guys are a great duo on that left side.”

(On them not playing a typical 5-9 team with what’s at stake) – “The Cincinnati Bengals are in our division and it’s going to be a fight pretty much every time we play them, just like last time was a fight.  We just have to go out and control things that we can control.  We have to try and execute the plays that we put in this week in practice.  Every game is important and this is the next one.  We want to come out with a win.”

TE Kellen Winslow

(On whether it’s nice to know that they control their own destiny with the playoffs) – “All we know is that we have to win out and we’re in. We don’t care about other people losing.  We just have to take care of our business and we’re in.”

Injury Report

Cleveland: Did Not Participate in Practice: TE Steve Heiden (ankle), LB David McMillan (knee), LB Antwan Peek (knee); Limited Participation in Practice: DL Ethan Kelley (knee), DL Orpheus Roye (knee), RT Kevin Shaffer (knee), DL Robaire Smith (neck), CB Eric Wright (knee); Full Participation in Practice:  DE Simon Fraser (illness).

New York Jets: Did Not Participate in Practice: WR Jerricho Cotchery (finger); Limited Participation in Practice: WR Laveranues Coles (ankle), TE James Dearth (foot), C Nick Mangold (calf), DL Dewayne Robertson (knee); Full Participation in Practice: TE Chris Baker (back), WR Chris David (shoulder), TE Joe Kowalewski (shoulder), WR Brad Smith (back), WR Wallace Wright (thigh).

News and Notes

The Century Club: Browns center Hank Fraley played in the 100th game of his NFL career last week in Arizona. This Sunday he will be making his 100th career start in the NFL. Fraley was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles eight days before the start of the 2006 season and went on to start in all 16 games for the Browns last season, while starting in all 12 in 2007.

Century Club, Part 2: Browns K Phil Dawson has 98 points through 12 games in 2007 – needing two points to reach the 100-point mark for the fourth time in his career.  Dawson reached the 100-point mark (his career-high for points in a season) in 2002, 2004 and 2005. Dawson, who moved into third-place on the Browns all-time scoring list earlier this season, needs three points to set a new career-high, 18 points to pass Browns Hall of Fame K Lou Groza (115 points in 1964) for most points in a single season by a Browns kicker and 29 points to surpass Browns Hall of Fame RB Jim Brown and set a new franchise single season record for points in a season (126 in 1965).

In addition, if Dawson reaches the 100-point plateau, he will become the first player in Browns history to have four seasons of 100 points or better. Brown is the only other player in franchise history to have had three seasons with 100 points or more (1958, 1962, 1965).

Honor Roll: Browns KR/WR Joshua Cribbs was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month.  Cribbs currently leads the NFL with 1,560 kickoff return yards and a 31.2 kickoff return average, ranks sixth in the NFL with an 11.6 punt return average and leads the Browns with 17 special teams tackles.

During November, Cribbs had 19 kickoff returns for 664 yards (35.0 avg.) and one touchdown, 11 punt returns for 119 yards (10.8 avg.), with six special teams tackles and one forced fumble as the Browns were 3-1 in those contests. Cribbs is the franchise all-time leader with 4,148 kickoff return yards and 156 kickoff returns.

Additionally, Browns LT Joe Thomas was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month.  Thomas is part of an explosive offensive unit that currently ranks fourth in the NFL with an average of 28.0 points per game and ranks sixth in the league with an average of 353.5 yards per game.

Thomas helped the Browns to a 3-1 record in the month of November as he and the offensive line provided QB Derek Anderson time to throw for 364 yards and RB Jamal Lewis to rush for four touchdowns in a 33-30 overtime win over Seattle on Nov. 4. They also aided Lewis to rush for 92 yards and one touchdown in a 33-30 overtime win at Baltimore on Nov. 18, and Lewis to rush for 134 yards and one touchdown in a 27-17 win over Houston on Nov. 25. Through 12 games this season, Thomas has helped QB Derek Anderson to throw for 3,062 yards and 24 touchdowns and RB Jamal Lewis to rush for 803 yards and eight rushing touchdowns.

Browns sign Bockwoldt: The Browns placed LB Kris Griffin on Injured Reserve and signed free agent LB Colby Bockwoldt (BACH-walt).

Griffin appeared in 12 games this season for the Browns and was a key member of the special teams unit as he was fourth on the club with 14 special teams tackles.  Griffin suffered a right knee injury last Sunday at Arizona on the opening kickoff and did not return.

Bockwoldt is a three-year NFL veteran and has played in 48 career games, including 24 starts with New Orleans and Tennessee.  Originally a seventh-round draft choice of New Orleans in 2004, Bockwoldt started 16 games with the Saints in 2005 and had a career-high 93 tackles.  Last season with Tennessee, Bockwoldt led the club with 20 special teams tackles.

In the Community

Shop with a Jock: On Monday, Dec. 10th at 5:30 p.m. at the Wal-Mart in Strongsville, Willie McGinest and many of his teammates will host a group of 50 children from Beechbrook for a shopping trip filled with fun.  During the event, McGinest will provide spending money to help the children shop for gifts throughout the store.  This is the second consecutive year McGinest has hosted the Shop with a Jock event.

United Cerebral Palsy Holiday Party: On Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 11:00 a.m., Antwan Peek will host a special holiday party for the United Cerebral Palsy.  His financial contribution will provide the opportunity for the holiday party and for the children to receive a present from Santa.

From the Locker Room

Head Coach Romeo Crennel

(On the importance of getting the running game going in the last four games)- “I think everybody in the NFL throws the ball. I think you have to have the capabilities of being able to run the ball and I think that we have that. I think we have a good, big back that can run. Our offensive line, they’re better. I think that we can do what we need to do to win the games in December.”

(On the biggest differences with this year’s offense) – “It’s a different offense for one. The offensive line is better for two. We’re getting more consistent play from our playmakers, three. And I think the quarterback is playing pretty well for four. Those four things, you can harp on those.”

(On whether it will be difficult to play at the Meadowlands) – “The big thing about the Meadowlands is the wind. You’re always going to have wind down there. Being able to deal with the wind is the biggest thing you need to be concerned with.”

QB Derek Anderson

(On whether he is the type of player who can put a tough loss behind him pretty quickly)- “You have to. We came in, watched it and I was still disappointed. When I left the building I said, ‘It’s over.’ You can’t let what happened last week carry over to this week.”

(On how confident he is that he can correct the mistakes that were made early in the Cardinals game)- “We’ll be fine. We’ve bounced back before and we’ve had bad games. I think guys are willing to come in and keep preparing to correct those mistakes.”

(On what they can do to start fast on offense)- “Just pay attention to detail and go out and execute our assignments. Slowly, methodically, get it going and one small play leads to bigger plays and the next thing you know we get it going a little bit.”

WR/KR Joshua Cribbs

(On whether he is surprised that it ‘took 11 games for someone to realize not to kick to him’)- “Well, you have a confident – not cockiness – ego sort of thing that goes on in the league. It’s not very disrespectful to me, but kickoff teams will feel disrespected if they feel like they can’t kick it to a certain player. But enough is enough. Certain teams – when they see what happened against Baltimore – they basically took that factor of making plays out of the game. Eliminating the kickoff return for us, they’re just giving us the ball on the 30, 40-yard line. We’ll take that.”

RB Jamal Lewis

(On the weather at the Meadowlands possibly meaning an increased workload for him)- “That’d be great. I hope it’s windy. I hope it’s cold. It just makes my job – I’m not going to say easier, but guys don’t want to tackle sometimes and it’s just tough, hard sledding. I think that’s the running backs game. This is running back weather when it’s cold and windy.”

Injury Report

Cleveland: Limited Participation in Practice: DB Leigh Bodden (back); LB D’Qwell Jackson (ankle), LB Willie McGinest (hamstring), LB Antwan Peek (knee) and DE Shaun Smith (knee).

Baltimore: Out: QB Steve McNair (shoulder), CB Samari Rolle (illness), WR Demetrius Williams (ankle); Did Not Participate in Practice: TE Todd Heap (thigh), S Gerome Sapp (thigh), TE Daniel Wilcox (foot); Limited Participation in Practice: CB Chris McAlister (knee), S Ed Reed (back); Full Participation in Practice: RS Yamon Figurs (knee), FB Le’Ron McClain (shoulder), LB Gary Stills (knee).

Something Special

Browns WR/KR Joshua Cribbs had a record setting afternoon against the Steelers in Week 10. Cribbs began the day in the first quarter with a 90-yard kickoff return down to the Pittsburgh three-yard line to set up the Browns second touchdown of the day, and followed it with a career-best 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter (tied for the fourth longest return in franchise history). Cribbs finished the day with a career-high 204 kickoff return yards, the second-highest single-game total in franchise history. The 100-yard return also marked his fourth career kickoff return for a touchdown, setting a Browns franchise record surpassing Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell (3).

In addition, Cribbs’ 1,230 kickoff return yards on the season rank first in the NFL. Cribbs, already the Browns record holder for most kickoff return yards in a season, needs 265 kickoff return yards to break the franchise record of 1,494 kickoff return yards in a single season, which he set last year.

Kickoff Return Yards 

Joshua Cribbs – Cle 1,230 yards
Glenn Holt-Cin 938 yards
Leon Washington – NYJ 837 yards

Cribbs’ 32.4 yards per return average currently ranks second in the NFL.

Winning the battle for field position: The Browns, thanks in large part to the efforts of Cribbs, have the highest average starting field position in the NFL.

CLEVELAND                        33.9
New York Jets                       32.7
New England Patriots          32.0

The Wrigth Stuff

Browns DB Eric Wright leads the team with seven PBU on the season and has recorded a PBU in each of the last five games. Wright is also fourth on the team with 59 tackles (45 solo, 14 assists) and has contributed six special teams tackles. He recorded his first career interception in the Browns Week Six victory over the Dolphins before getting his first career sack last week against the Steelers.

The Century Club

Browns RB Jamal Lewis will play in his 100th career game this Sunday when the Browns travel to Baltimore. Lewis was originally drafted by the Ravens in 2000. In his seven seasons in Baltimore he rushed for 8,052 yards on 1,860 carries and 46 touchdowns. This will mark the first time Lewis returns to Baltimore donning another team’s colors.

Browns add Eslinger

The Cleveland Browns signed OL Greg Eslinger, the club announced Tuesday. Eslinger, 6-3 and 290 lbs., was signed off the Denver Broncos practice squad.  Eslinger spent the first ten weeks of the regular season on the Broncos practice squad.  Eslinger was a sixth-round draft choice by Denver in 2006 out of Minnesota and spent last season on Injured Reserve.

In the Community

On Monday, Nov. 19th from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., Browns TE Darnell Dinkins will be distributing Thanksgiving baskets, complete with a turkey and all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal, to 87 families that are a part of the University Settlement, a neighborhood center serving families in the Broadway/Slavic Village neighborhood.

Several Browns players will be on hand on Tuesday, Nov. 20th from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. to distribute turkeys to families in need at the Empowerment Zone at East 93rd and Cedar Avenue.

From the Locker Room

Head Coach Romeo Crennel:

(On whether he is confident the team will bounce back and have put last week behind them)- “Well, I hope they have. That’s what we have to do. We have to put it aside because if you don’t put it aside, then we’re going to lose to Baltimore. We need to win that game.”

(On what KR/WR Joshua Cribbs has meant to the team this year)- “The thing is that he has gotten to the point where the opponent is concerned about him and they don’t want him to have the ball in his hands. They’re beginning not to kick the ball to him. We’re gaining field position that way. He’s still helping the team, even though he doesn’t have the ball in his hands. When he does get it in his hands he has the opportunity to help the team more because he gets it to mid-field, he gets it on the plus side or into the end zone. That’s a big swing. That really does help your team. Even though they’re not kicking to him he is still helping the team.”

QB Derek Anderson

(On what makes them confident that they can bounce back)- “We’ve done it before, done it all year. We’ll just keep plugging away. Obviously, we did some good things last week, but we’ll just keep moving along, coming in and do the things we’ve been doing.”

(On facing a tough defense)- “It’s a great defense. They’ve been making plays all season and that front seven – they’re beasts. They’ve got [S] Ed Reed – in the back end – who can make plays and roams the field. It’s a good challenge for us.”

WR Braylon Edwards

(On whether he’ll get more opportunities with the Ravens starting corners injured) – “I think so.  I think I’ll get some more looks and things like that.  But I think this whole team is salivating.  After coming off last week, I think we’re ready for this one.  I wish we could have played again on Sunday.  To come against Baltimore we’re ready.  We’re happy it’s another big game, in the sense of a conference game and a rivalry game.  It’s a game the city can get up about.  We’re excited and eager to play.”

RB Jamal Lewis

(On what it will be like to go back to Baltimore after spending seven seasons there) – “I look at it like any other team.  We need to win on the road.  This is a game that we really need.  It’s in our division and that’s all I really look at.  I’m not caught up in the Baltimore thing and it’s my old team.  We’ve played them one time and we’ve dealt with that.  Now I think it’s all about trying to put together a package and try to win the game.”

WR/KR Joshua Cribbs

(On whether it’s frustrating when opposing teams kick away from him) – “It’s very frustrating.  We’re forced to revamp our game plan on special teams.  We’re no longer expecting deep kicks.  We have to prepare for sky kicks and squib kicks all the time now.  (Teams) are sacrificing field position just to stop me.  That just lets us know that our kick return unit is doing a great job.”

(On whether he feels that every time he touches the ball he can score) – “Yes. I feel that every runner, every guy should feel that way about their self.  A winner wants the ball in their hand.  Everybody feels that they can bring something to the table and I feel that way.”

Chewing up some clock: During their three-game winning streak, the Browns offense has put together drives of six minutes or longer in all three triumphs. Against the Dolphins in Week Six, the offense had two six-plus minute scoring drives, both resulting in TDs. Against the Rams in Week Eight the offense had two drives of six-plus minutes, resulting in a field goal and TD. In the victory over the Rams, the Browns had their most time-consuming drive of the season, taking 7:51 off the clock on a crucial second half drive that resulted in a field goal that provided the final 27-20 outcome. The offense provided another six-plus minute drive in the Week Nine win over Seattle when they went on a 14-play, 89-yard TD drive that provided the Browns their first lead late in the game. The 14-play drive against the Seahawks also marked the most plays the offense has had on a drive this season.

Time of Possession; Opponent; (# plays, yards, result)

6:53 vs. Miami 10/14 (12-play, 66-yard, result: TD)
6:08 vs. Miami 10/14 (10-play, 67-yard, result: TD)
7:51 at St. Louis 10/28 (12-play, 45-yard, result: FG)
6:16 at St. Louis 10/28 (12-play, 80-yard, result: TD)
6:03 vs. Seattle 11/4 (11-play, 69-yard, result: TD)
5:38 vs. Seattle 11/4 (14-play, 89-yard, result: TD)

Under the century mark: The Browns defense has had back-to-back games in which they have not allowed a 100-yard rusher. In their Week Nine victory over the Seahawks, the Browns defense limited Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander to 32 yards rushing on 14 carries.

D.A. leads the way: Browns QB Derek Anderson made the first start of his NFL career at Pittsburgh last season, throwing for 276 yards, including a 45-yard TD to WR Braylon Edwards. Heading to Pittsburgh again, Anderson enters the game 2-0 against the AFC North as a starter this season. Against the AFC North this year, Anderson has 8 TDs (3 INTs) and a 103.1 passer rating. In the Browns five wins he has completed 95 of 149 passes (63.8 pct.) for 1,389 yards with 13 TDs (3 INTs) and a 114.8 passer rating.

Anderson enters Week 10 with the fourth most passing TDs (17), fourth highest yards per completion average (8.2), sixth most passing yards (2,108) and the ninth highest QB rating (91.7) in the NFL. In addition, Anderson is on pace to surpass 4,000 yards passing for the season.

Make-A-Wish: Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 13 year-old Nick Wagner was granted his wish of meeting his hero Brady Quinn. Additionally, Wagner was able to visit the Training Facility to catch practice November 2nd, and afterwards, he played catch with Quinn and also received a special surprise from his hero – a locker custom made for Wagner, complete with a game jersey and more clothes than he knew what to do with. Wagner and his family finished their visit to Cleveland by attending the Browns vs. Seahawks game November 4th – a game the Browns won in overtime, 33-30.

Shaun Smith school visit: Defensive lineman Shaun Smith will visit AJ Rickoff School in Cleveland November 13th as part of his “Lining Up with Shaun Smith” program. Smith donates tickets each home game to students at AJ Rickoff who do well in school. Additionally, Smith provides each of his guests with custom shirts and food vouchers for the game. This was the second of three visits to the school this year as part of his “Lining Up with Shaun Smith” program.

From the Locker Room:

Head Coach Romeo Crennel

(On how QB Derek Anderson handled the Steelers blitzes in Pittsburgh last year and how he handled the Ravens blitz packages earlier this year)- “I thought that early on last year that he did okay. He was putting the ball where it needed to be and we didn’t catch it. Then the game got out of hand. Against Baltimore he seemed to handle that pretty good. We won the game. If he can handle the Pittsburgh blitz this time as well as we did the Baltimore game, then we might be able to win.”

(On being slated to have CBS’ number one game and number one announcing crew for the game and the excitement surrounding the game)- “Well, I didn’t know we had the number one broadcasting crew. It’s no different. We still have to go down and play and we have to play good football. I think, as I mentioned before, that because of where we are – and we haven’t been here in several years here in Cleveland – that people are excited about the possibilities. With that being said, we still have eight games to play. We have to play them one at a time and if we don’t play good, then it won’t be good. If we play good, I think that we’ve shown that we have enough ability that we can make some plays and get some things done if we play good.”

QB Derek Anderson

(On why he didn’t appear to be intimidated when he started at Pittsburgh last season)- “They put on their pants just like we do. Obviously, they’ve been playing well, but you just have to go in there with confidence and continue to do the same things that you’ve been doing. If you go out there intimidated then you’re in for a long day.”

(On whether he feels the offense is gaining confidence each week)- “Yes, I do. We go out on the field and I feel guys are confident in not only what we’re doing, but what we have been doing, knowing that if it doesn’t happen right away not to panic.”

(On whether there is a sense of how big this game is in the locker room)- “Everybody is excited about the things that we’ve been doing and we’re just going to keep working. I don’t think we’re over anxious and we’re just going to keep preparing the way we have.”

(On the perception that people have that he is the biggest difference on the team from game one until now)- “I think we’ve done some good things. We’ve moved on and continued to improve. I don’t think it’s me by myself. I think it’s the whole deal.”

Washington on IR: The Cleveland Browns claimed DB Ricardo Colclough (COKE-lee) via waivers from Pittsburgh and have placed NT Ted Washington (left knee) on Injured Reserve, the club announced on Wednesday.

Colclough was originally a second-round draft choice by Pittsburgh, 38th overall, in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played in three games this season for Pittsburgh and added one special teams tackle before being waived by the Steelers on Oct. 30, 2007.

“Ted (Washington) has been working through some knee issues that finally have caught up to him,” said Head Coach Romeo Crennel. “We appreciate his effort to this point and know he will continue to help us anyway he can going forward.”

Washington appeared in five games this season, including one start, and totaled nine tackles, including seven solo. Washington was inactive for two contests this season, at New England on Oct. 7, and at St. Louis on Oct. 28.

Dynamic Duo: Six receiving duos are on pace for each player to reach 1,000 yards, which would tie for the second most in NFL history (seven in 1999).

Among those six duos are Browns WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow. Edwards and Winslow are on pace to become the first duo in Browns history to each record 1,000 yards receiving.

“The opposing defense has to pick their poison, double either myself or Braylon,” said Winslow. “Braylon is good to have as a catalyst on this offense because he is getting open and beating his man. Opposing defenses have to account for both of us on the field and then it creates opportunities for other players.”

The Browns duo has the third-most combined total receiving yards on the season.

NE: Randy Moss (779), Wes Welker (613) = 1,392 yards
CIN: Chad Johnson (731), T.J.Houshmandzadeh (629) = 1,360 yards
CLE: Braylon Edwards (669), Kellen Winslow (532) = 1,201 yards
DAL: Terrell Owens (556), Jason Witten (540) = 1,098 yards
SD: Antonio Gates (639), Chris Chambers (450) = 1,089 yards
KC: Tony Gonzalez (506), Dwayne Bowe (499) = 1,005 yards

From the Locker Room:

Head Coach Romeo Crennel

(On the importance of this game and whether it could be a ‘signature’ win for the franchise if they were to win)- “Like I told you about these games, you don’t know until after the season is over. This is the next game. That’s why it’s the most important one, because it’s the next one. It would help us to win this game, so we’re going to do everything we can to win it. The impact that winning this game will have is that it would put us two games above .500, if that’s the case. It doesn’t put us into the playoffs. It doesn’t make us world-beaters or anything like that. But it would be a good game to win. So far guys have been playing good at home. It’s a home game and I know our fans are going to be excited. I know we’re going to be excited and we’re going to try and do everything we can to try and win it.”

(On whether QB Derek Anderson isn’t forcing as many passes) – “I think he’s taking what the defense gives him. He knows he has guys who can make plays. If they are covered, he doesn’t try to get it to them. He’ll get it to the guy who is open or the guy who has a single on him. Those guys have been making plays and that’s how we can get the chains moving.”

QB Derek Anderson

(On what it means to have receivers like WR Braylon Edwards, TE Kellen Winslow and WR Joe Jurevicius)- “It’s good. Obviously, Joe made some huge plays for us. [WR] Tim [Carter] has been stepping up, making some big plays for us. Those other two guys [Edwards and Winslow], we know what they can do. It makes it so that teams understand that we’re not just going to throw it to Braylon every play. We’re not going to throw it to Kellen every play and it makes them defend the entire field.”

(On whether he is getting more respect from opponents because of the way he has been playing)- “This team is. The more games we win and the more we go out there every week and prove to everybody that we’re a better football team, then the team as a whole will gain respect.”

(On whether it has been a point of emphasis to not force balls the last couple weeks)- “It has been the whole season. I just have kind of had time, haven’t had to be rushed in the reads and, like I said, guys have been making plays.”

RB Jamal Lewis

(On whether he has to take it a little easy after coming back from the foot injury) – “I think (the coaches) are taking extra precaution. I’m feeling good and I’m healthy. Everything is good. The foot is great. It feels good. I’m sure they are going to manage everything the way they feel will keep me fresh and ready to go.”

(On whether he could get the ball a little bit more) – “I’m not complaining at all. As long as we keep putting up points, winning football games, the quarterback is playing well and the wide receivers are catching the ball then I can’t complain. We’re doing our job as running backs just getting those yards. We’re doing pretty good.”

– from Browns Backers ‘Brownie Bits’ Newsletter

Come out to Willie’s on November 11 to celebrate the Browns season with the Greater Cincinnati Browns Backers. Beer, pop, and snacks are on the club as we watch the Brownies seek revenge for the  opening day debacle against the Steelers.

Cleveland signed defensive back Nick Sorensen to take the roster spot of Gary Baxter on Wednesday. Baxter was placed on IR Tuesday.

Sorensen played previously for the St. Louis Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars. Mostly a special teams participant, Sorensen has played in 75 career NFL games.  Sorensen graduated from Virginia Tech.

Another possible defensive move would be to look into signing the recently released Grady Jackson. Jackson, an 11-year veteran, was let go by the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday. While the Browns could use some youth upfront on the defensive line, they could also use some bodies. Cleveland has allowed six consecutive 100-yard rushers so far this season.