BEREA — Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski had an extra item on his to-do list this week, and it was an important one. Fix the goal-line offense.
“We’ve talked quite a bit about it. Obviously it was something that was disappointing,” he said Friday.
The Browns have reached the opponent’s 1-yard line three times in the fourth quarter the last two games and have managed one touchdown. They were stopped once in Washington on four downs, then needed a fourth-down pass on the next possession to score. In Jacksonville on Sunday, they had to settle for a field goal to break a tie.
“We’ve stressed being able to run the ball in that situation,” Chudzinski said, putting the onus on the line. “You need leverage and to get movement and to execute in those situations. This week we’ve put more emphasis on it.”
In Jacksonville, a penalty gave the Browns first-and-goal from the half-yard line — and they still couldn’t punch it in.
“You figure, come on, just crawl it in,” left guard Eric Steinbach said. “But you’ve got four or five 330-pound men on the other side charging up, too. There are a lot more stalemates on the goal line than out in the open field. For whatever reason we haven’t had that oomph.”
Running back Jamal Lewis has been stuffed on all four of his carries from the 1 in the past two weeks, although he did score a touchdown against the Jaguars from the 2. When the run doesn’t work, coaches are forced to turn to the pass. Derek Anderson has thrown four incompletions and completed a pass that lost 2 yards.
“Obviously the best way to take a team’s will is to run it in,” Steinbach said.
Lewis agrees, but doesn’t mind a play-action pass — if it works.
“If I can go in there for the fake and jump over the top and they can hit Kellen (Winslow) or somebody out there, as long as it’s in the end zone, I don’t care,” Lewis said. “It’s all about throwing things off and loosening up the defense.”

Glad to have him

The Browns are 2-0 without Winslow in the lineup, but Chudzinski disagrees with those who say they’re a better team without the Pro Bowl tight end.
“Kellen’s one of our best football players,” he said. “We’re a better offense, a better football team with Kellen certainly.
“The guys have done a great job playing without Kellen, but that doesn’t really say anything about Kellen being there or not being there. It’s just a credit to the guys picking up the slack.”
Chudzinski said the Browns run the same plays with or without Winslow.

Injury report

Right tackle Ryan Tucker (knee) was listed as out on the injury report, and fullback Lawrence Vickers (ankle) as doubtful. Kevin Shaffer will continue to start at right tackle, while fullback Charles Ali will likely make his first career start.
“I’ve been preparing all week,” said Ali, in his second year. “Every week I prepare like I’m going to start.”
• Defensive end Corey Williams (shoulder) practiced Friday for the first time this week and was listed as questionable, but said he’ll play Sunday. Williams hurt the shoulder in training camp, then aggravated it Oct. 19 against the Redskins. It bothers him during games, but he fights through the pain.
“I have a high pain tolerance,” he said. “It’s gonna hurt regardless. I don’t even think about it.”
• Safety Sean Jones (knee surgery) was listed as questionable, but said he’s definitely going to play.
“I’m feeling good,” Jones said. “I’m getting better and better each week. It’s the normal wear and tear of football games. We’re just taking precaution.”
• Backup safety Mike Adams (hamstring) is questionable, but said he’ll play and be eased back into the rotation. Defensive end Shaun Smith (hand) and receiver Donte Stallworth (quadriceps) were also questionable, but are expected to play.

Eye of the beholder

In the first meeting against the Browns, Ravens running back Willis McGahee left the game twice after getting poked in the eye. The Ravens asked the NFL to look at tape of the plays, but the league didn’t find the Browns at fault.
Linebacker Andra Davis was the subject of the Ravens’ anger but denied any wrongdoing. He said he doesn’t see it being an issue Sunday.
“Not at all,” he said. “I hope they’re hanging onto it, because that means they’re not focusing on the game.”
“I’m not even thinking about that,” McGahee told Baltimore reporters. “If he meant to do it or not, it’s football. It’s part of the game.”

Extra points

Nose tackle Shaun Rogers was named defensive player of the week in voting done on NFL.com. He was overlooked for the league’s official award, which went to Tennessee safety Chris Hope. Rogers had five tackles, a sack and a blocked field goal.
• The Browns will host a food drive Sunday to benefit the Cleveland Foodbank. All fans in attendance will receive a team photo. The Browns are asking fans to donate a non-perishable food item and/or money.
Contact Scott Petrak at 329-7253 or spetrak@chroniclet.com. 

---

Print this story
Report an inappropriate comment

---

In order to comment, you must agree to our user agreement and discussion guidelines.

Need help? Email Us.

---