So which is the back to have, Jennings or Cribbs? (1 Viewer)

[Hoss_Cartwright]

With the recent news that Cribbs may become the feature back, how much truth is there to it?

Forget Chris Jennings or Jerome Harrison. It's been evident lately (and especially on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers) that the Cleveland Browns' most explosive offensive weapon is jack of all trades Josh Cribbs. In the past two weeks, he has gained 125 yards on just 12 rushes. Now comes news that head coach Eric Mangini is willing to explore using Cribbs more in a traditional running back role. Cribbs also returns kickoffs and punts, plays gunner on special teams and lines up sometimes at wide receiver.

Analysis: I think this move had to come after what happened in Thursday's game. Cribbs carved up the Steelers' top-ranked run defense; his 37-yard run that night was probably the most exciting play of the game. Cribbs is 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, so he's not the biggest guy in the world (and he'll still have to share the ball with Jennings and Harrison); however, if the team gives him some more touches down the season's final stretch, he may become starter-worthy. Considering that the Browns end their season with the Chiefs, Raiders and Jaguars, Cribbs may be worth your consideration in the final weeks. Although, it is worth noting that Cribbs has fumbled five times this season.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

No opinions?

 

[fantasysharkctb]

I honestly think it's a guessing game right now... Harrison looked like a lock last week and you saw what happened.

 

[thatguy]

Short term it really depends on your team's needs. If you are in need of a WR, Cribbs is the add/play given that he could produce RB numbers as a WR on your fantasy team. That's a pretty valuable commodity. If you are set at WR and in need of a RB, Jennings is probably the add/play, since Cribbs will likely not start for you regardless of what happens. If you're looking for a flex starter, I'd go with Cribbs. Long term (dynasty), I would go with Cribbs as well regardless of immediate needs.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I think the scarey thing is if Jennings or Harrison or Cribbs get hot Mangenius will stick with that and ignore the others.

Good luck figuring out who that will be.

----> On the other hand that all requires a Browns RB to get "hot" in the first place.

 

[Fiddles]

i could be wrong but it seemed like in the steeler game when harrison missed a blocking assignment he was yanked and it was all jennings after that

 

[Ridgelake]

I do wonder if Harrison's flu last week was a material reason for his ineffectiveness above and beyond normal Brown ineptitude....

 

[menobrown]

With the recent news that Cribbs may become the feature back, how much truth is there to it?

What news? I've heard Cribbs say he'd like to be a feature back and Mangini say he would consider using him as a traditional back but that's pretty far from him being a feature back.

 

[Colts Win]

With the recent news that Cribbs may become the feature back, how much truth is there to it?

Forget Chris Jennings or Jerome Harrison. It's been evident lately (and especially on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers) that the Cleveland Browns' most explosive offensive weapon is jack of all trades Josh Cribbs. In the past two weeks, he has gained 125 yards on just 12 rushes. Now comes news that head coach Eric Mangini is willing to explore using Cribbs more in a traditional running back role. Cribbs also returns kickoffs and punts, plays gunner on special teams and lines up sometimes at wide receiver.

Analysis: I think this move had to come after what happened in Thursday's game. Cribbs carved up the Steelers' top-ranked run defense; his 37-yard run that night was probably the most exciting play of the game. Cribbs is 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, so he's not the biggest guy in the world (and he'll still have to share the ball with Jennings and Harrison); however, if the team gives him some more touches down the season's final stretch, he may become starter-worthy. Considering that the Browns end their season with the Chiefs, Raiders and Jaguars, Cribbs may be worth your consideration in the final weeks. Although, it is worth noting that Cribbs has fumbled five times this season.

Isnt that pretty average size for a RB?

 

[creeps1313]

I like Cribbs this week because he is listed as a WR. Im hoping to get him today when our waivers go through and if I get him he will be in my lineup. I have had a ton of injuries with my WRs so every week Ive been picking a new one to be my WR2....this week Im hoping its Cribbs.

I also hope that they dont use him as a true tailback and only use him at WR and in the Wild Dawg. I can see him breaking off a decent length TD out of the Wild Dawg....

 

[Man In The Box]

Starting him in my WR/TE flex for the injured Burleson. My other options are Malcom Floyd, Donnie Avery, John Carlson, and Eddie Royal.

 

[amnesiac]

With the recent news that Cribbs may become the feature back, how much truth is there to it?

What news? I've heard Cribbs say he'd like to be a feature back and Mangini say he would consider using him as a traditional back but that's pretty far from him being a feature back.

Mangini also mentioned that one of the reasons that Cribbs is so sucessful out of the wildcat is that he essentially has an extra blocker that he would not have if he were lined up at RB in a traditional set.

 

[Ned]

With the recent news that Cribbs may become the feature back, how much truth is there to it?

What news? I've heard Cribbs say he'd like to be a feature back and Mangini say he would consider using him as a traditional back but that's pretty far from him being a feature back.

Mangini also mentioned that one of the reasons that Cribbs is so sucessful out of the wildcat is that he essentially has an extra blocker that he would not have if he were lined up at RB in a traditional set.

So their WRs don't traditionally block for the RB on running plays? This makes no sense.

 

[Philo]

With the recent news that Cribbs may become the feature back, how much truth is there to it?

What news? I've heard Cribbs say he'd like to be a feature back and Mangini say he would consider using him as a traditional back but that's pretty far from him being a feature back.

Mangini also mentioned that one of the reasons that Cribbs is so sucessful out of the wildcat is that he essentially has an extra blocker that he would not have if he were lined up at RB in a traditional set.

So their WRs don't traditionally block for the RB on running plays? This makes no sense.

QB hands off to the RB, then the QB stays far away so he doesn't get hurt, RB is running with 9 other guys against 11 blockers. QB stays on the sidelines, RB and his blockers match up man-for-man with the other team. Maybe that's what he meant?

 

[Mookie Blaylock]

With the recent news that Cribbs may become the feature back, how much truth is there to it?

What news? I've heard Cribbs say he'd like to be a feature back and Mangini say he would consider using him as a traditional back but that's pretty far from him being a feature back.

Mangini also mentioned that one of the reasons that Cribbs is so sucessful out of the wildcat is that he essentially has an extra blocker that he would not have if he were lined up at RB in a traditional set.

So their WRs don't traditionally block for the RB on running plays? This makes no sense.

QB hands off to the RB, then the QB stays far away so he doesn't get hurt, RB is running with 9 other guys against 11 blockers. QB stays on the sidelines, RB and his blockers match up man-for-man with the other team. Maybe that's what he meant?

Same as any other wildcat situation, no?

 

[Philo]

What news? I've heard Cribbs say he'd like to be a feature back and Mangini say he would consider using him as a traditional back but that's pretty far from him being a feature back.

Mangini also mentioned that one of the reasons that Cribbs is so sucessful out of the wildcat is that he essentially has an extra blocker that he would not have if he were lined up at RB in a traditional set.

So their WRs don't traditionally block for the RB on running plays? This makes no sense.

QB hands off to the RB, then the QB stays far away so he doesn't get hurt, RB is running with 9 other guys against 11 blockers. QB stays on the sidelines, RB and his blockers match up man-for-man with the other team. Maybe that's what he meant?

Same as any other wildcat situation, no?

Yes. This doesn't mean it's not the first time Mangenius actually realized it.

 

[CravenM]

I like Cribbs this week because he is listed as a WR. Im hoping to get him today when our waivers go through and if I get him he will be in my lineup. I have had a ton of injuries with my WRs so every week Ive been picking a new one to be my WR2....this week Im hoping its Cribbs. I also hope that they dont use him as a true tailback and only use him at WR and in the Wild Dawg. I can see him breaking off a decent length TD out of the Wild Dawg....

With my league starting 2 RBs and 3 WRs and no flex, I'm strongly considering him as my 3rd WR in place of Steve Smith (Car), Hines Ward, and Santa Moss.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

Looks like playing any of them is risky, especially during the fantasy playoffs.

 

[amnesiac]

Same as any other wildcat situation, no?

yes. i believe his point was that Cribbs' wildcat stats wouldn't really translate to Cribbs lining up at RB in a traditional set.

 

[bweiser]

Looks like playing any of them is risky, especially during the fantasy playoffs.

We have a winner. I understand sometimes you have injuries and you're left grasping at straws, but seriously, folks, go with what got you there. Now isn't the time to go looking for the newest flavor of the week. Any of these guys could be a good play this week. Odds are, though, you have better, more certain options.

 

[thecardiackid]

Cribbs should be a solid WR3 / flex play this week, but I seriously doubt he's going to be lining up in the I formation as traditional RB. The reason he's getting nice RB yardage #s is the play design & calling (IMO) - where he's either coming around in motion around the end, or in the CLE version of the wildcat. Add in some receptions, and he's probably good for about 80-100 combined and maybe a .3 TD

I read this in another tread, but don't feel like looking it up (it was a D/ST thread), but often times when 2 bad teams have a game, the scoring can actually get interesting. And both coaches are in their proverbial hot seats @ this point. Harrison just can't figure out how to pass protect, so he's looking like the odd man out now. Though I do agree, anyone playing any of these 3 guys in the CLE backfield runs the risk of a less than expected performance.

At this point I'm considering Jennings or Beanie as a RB2 in place of J Stew who's gimpy now. I think Jennings has a good chance for a decent game @ KC if Brady can keep it together @ arrowhead. Maybe 70 and a score.

 

[Birdie048]

Going into the 2nd round of playoffs with Kevin Smith & Tim Hightower as my primary RB's (start 2). Picked up Ganther, Maurice Morris, Mike Hart, L Weaver and J Cribs. Gotta pick 2 of them to start!

Cribbs is listed as WR in MFL so he is not an option.

My WR's are Wayne, Fitz, Rice, Meachem & Miles.

Jennings will be the primary RB as he handled the role well vs Pitt.

I don't see a lot for Cribbs yet.

 

[zamboni]

As mentioned, I think Cribbs could be very valuable depending on your league scoring. In my league, a WR gets a point per touch (i.e., reception or carry), so if he touches the ball a combined 15 times (say 10 carries and 5 receptions), that's the same scoring as if he caught 15 balls.

 

[Lascelle]

Here's hoping that Cribbs (listed as "questionable" to play Sunday) takes himself out of contention so we'll know the answer to this fantasy riddle before game time.

I've got Jennings scooped in 2 leagues, facing Cribbs in one other and would like to not have my playoff fate decided by a game between the Browns & Chiefs.

 

[Ridgelake]

I do wonder if Harrison's flu last week was a material reason for his ineffectiveness above and beyond normal Brown ineptitude....

I should have listened to my gut on this. I dropped him to pick up Foster. Yeah, that worked out well.