Cribbs Status

Zombo

So who is replacing him? The RB from Philly on Kicks and Travis Benjamin on punts?

Z

Zombo

Roster spot for Oakland Raiders Josh Cribbs is in jeopardy

BY BRYAN ROSE -

AUG 19TH, 2013 AT 5:35 PM

It wasn’t that long ago that Josh Cribbs was considered to be one of the best return men in the NFL and an emerging wide receiver.

Now he’s fighting for his roster spot.

Cribbs, who was released by the Cleveland Browns earlier this year signed with the Oakland Raiders in hopes of reviving his career. Unfortunately, his sub-par play hasn’t endeared himself to the coaching staff and according to CSN Bay Area, he might not have a spot on the team when final rosters are announced.

Per Scott Bair:

After offseason knee surgery, there is some question whether he’ll get it back. Other teams passed on Cribbs this offseason, reportedly due to concerns over his knee. New York Jets GM John Idzik told local press that Cribbs’s knee wasn’t ready just two days before the Raiders signed him.

That was May 16. When asked if anything was physically hampering Cribbs’ ability on Sunday, coach Dennis Allen didn’t give Cribbs an out.

“I think we’ve got to see the burst and the explosion,” Allen said. “That’s something that we’re looking for in the next couple of games.”

Not exactly a ringing endorsement.

Despite that, the Raiders don’t have a ton of options and they might be best served hoping Cribbs can return to his former glory rather than letting him go.

Zombo

So Cribbs was allowed to leave at the right time. As were Quinn, McCoy and Hillis traded at the right time.

Take note, Poetic G.

Zombo

The Cysko Kid

I read this as well. Too bad for josh but as a Cleveland fan I don't particularly miss his presence.

JPPT1974

He left indeed as miss him a bit. But won't miss him as a whole. You have to really be a beloved player to leave and be missed!

hoorta

@jppt1974 said:
He left indeed as miss him a bit. But won't miss him as a whole. You have to really be a beloved player to leave and be missed!

Sentimentality aside, it was time for a change. Hell, the 49ers unloaded Joe Freaking Montana.Travis Benjamin has proved he was the better (and cheaper option). For those who objectively watched it was obvious Cribbs had lost at least a step or two last year. I'd bet Benjamin would beat Josh by 10 yards in a 100 yard dash now.

gftChris

Speaking of objectivity - my first season following football was last season, and it seemed like Benjamin generally got more ground on returns (and the various trick plays like reverses) than cribbs managed. The only caveat to that would be that when cribbs brought it out he tended to make the right decision, something that Benjamin may struggle with (or not).

Sheepdog

@gftchris said:
Speaking of objectivity - my first season following football was last season, and it seemed like Benjamin generally got more ground on returns (and the various trick plays like reverses) than cribbs managed. The only caveat to that would be that when cribbs brought it out he tended to make the right decision, something that Benjamin may struggle with (or not).

Making the right decisions comes with experience. Benjamin will do better this year compared to last year. Already in the preseason he has returned two punts for TDS (one was called back for a penalty that had no impact on the play).

listercat

Zombo said:

So Cribbs was allowed to leave at the right time. As were Quinn, McCoy and Hillis traded at the right time.

Take note, Poetic G.

Zombo

I must admit that when situations such as what Mingo is dealing with I almost tacitly go with the 'here we go again; horrible (draft pick, trade, FA sign, coaching hire...pick any one) and we are doomed; however, your point brings home that some good decisions are being and have been made

PoeticG

I don't know... Cribbs should have been tried at Safety IMO. Hillis should have been made to be a fullback for Richardson and Colt should have gotten a chance. The Jury is still out on these for me... LoL

However, I like Benjamin, he's fast and agile, I just hope he's smart and doesn't take too big a hit. Hillis wouldn't cooperate. I would still rather have Colt backing up Weeden than Campbell.

choco

Colts about to get cut.....cause he sucks.....really, really bad. What you just say? 49ers just signed Seneca Wallace?

Lmao...

Zombo

@choco said:

Colts about to get cut.....cause he sucks.....really, really bad. What you just say? 49ers just signed Seneca Wallace?

Lmao...

Seneca, Colt, Phil ... and "offensive consultant" Eric Mangini.

I have seen this movie.

Zombo

PoeticG

SF has some mobile horses in the QB stables!

jrb12711

I love Cribbs and always will, but it was obvious he lost a step. He still would make a great addition to a team as a 5th/6th WR and a special teams guy. People always seem to forget how he made tackles on ST too. What I always enjoyed about him too is even though he may not bust one, he was great about getting upfield quickly. I hope Benjamin understands this too, getting 15 yards can help a team just as much as a return TD.

Zombo

Report: Raiders release WR/KR Josh Cribbs

By Ryan Wilson | CBSSports.com

August 25, 2013 2:44 pm ET

Josh Cribbs couldn't catch on with the Raiders. (USATSI)It's too bad Josh Cribbs can't play offensive line because he would have been guaranteed a spot on the Raiders' 53-man roster. Instead, the wide receiver and kick returner was released Sunday, according to multiple reports.

Cribbs signed a one-year deal in May, but lingering knee issues may have ultimately sealed his fate.

According to Yahoo.com's Brian McIntyre, Cribbs received $225,000 of a one-year, $1.25 million contract. He was due $865,000 in base salary in 2013, with $160,000 in per-game roster bonuses.

An undrafted free agent out of Kent St. who played eight seasons with the Browns, Cribbs never developed as a pass-catching threat, but he was one of the league's best return men. He led the league in return yards in 2007, and though he hadn't played to that level in several years, Cribbs was coming off a solid 2012 season.

choco

But but but...he was top 5 last year in return yardage!!!

He's a playmaker!!! This FO is stupid for letting him go!!!!!

Great guy...time to hang it up.

The Gipper

I guess we have to ask this question: Did they cut him because he didn't give him what they wanted as a WR....or because he Special Teams skills were also diminished.

Based on last years performance...ok, not a force at WR...but he ST skills still seemed to be intact.

Has that changed?

Because....I gotta tell you guys, the Browns need something more on Special teams. While Benjamin seems to be it at the PR spot, the Browns NEED a kickoff returner. Bademosi seems good at STs....but not as the KR. (maybe the #2 KR) And I think they need a gunner on coverage.

Now, I am not saying that they should reacquire Cribbs...especially if he is diminished. But they need someone to give us what Cribbs gave us over the last couple of years.

Zombo

@the-gipper said:

I guess we have to ask this question: Did they cut him because he didn't give him what they wanted as a WR....or because he Special Teams skills were also diminished.

Based on last years performance...ok, not a force at WR...but he ST skills still seemed to be intact.

Has that changed?

Yes, he had off-season knee surgery and isn't the same.

Zombo

cdl15

Cribbs cut by Raiders. So ends the Josh Cribbs era. Swear to god every return i was sick of hearing "the ever dangerous Josh Cribbs"

jrb12711

Another player we let loose at the right time. He sure did give us some exciting plays on otherwise terrible teams though.