Winslow frustrated with Browns coaching staff
 

http://www.cleveland.com/sportsflash...ist=brownsnews

Frustrated Winslow wants Browns to use him more
9/18/2006, 5:02 p.m. ET
By TOM WITHERS
The Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Kellen Winslow didn't let any passes slip through his hands on Sunday in Cincinnati. On Monday, he dropped a bomb.

Frustrated and confused at not being on the field during some key third-downs in a 34-17 loss to the Bengals, Winslow claimed he should have been a bigger part of Cleveland's game plan and blamed Browns coaches for a lack of imagination on offense.

"Some of the coaches might be holding us back a little bit," Winslow said. "We have nothing to lose. I don't mean to try and go behind their backs or whatever, but we're 0-2, we have nothing to lose, let's go.

"Let's air it out. Let's run the ball. Let's make plays. Let's be exciting."

Winslow, who finished with four catches for 42 yards, didn't identify any coaches, but the tight end's pointed comments appear to be directed at second-year offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon, whose play calling has come under fire.

Winslow said he has spoken to Carthon about not being included in certain passing packages, and can't figure out why the Browns aren't keeping him in for all of them.

"The Giants run the same system as we do," Winslow said. "The Cowboys run the same system as we do, (Jason) Witten and (Jeremy) Shockey are on the field on third down, and I just don't understand why I'm not on the field sometimes. ... It's very frustrating. We're losing and I'm not on the field. I just don't get it."

Winslow's critical comments came as the Browns were assessing their second shoddy performance in a row while awaiting MRI results on cornerback Gary Baxter (pectoral muscle) and running back Reuben Droughns (shoulder).

Against the Bengals, the Browns were victimized by dropped passes by wide receiver Braylon Edwards, two interceptions and a supposedly improved defense that failed to slow quarterback Carson Palmer and Cincinnati's offense.

The Bengals racked up 27 first downs, 160 yards rushing and another 321 in the air.

Before Winslow matter-of-factly gave his opinion on what's ailing the Browns, Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel said the team would "cut back" on assignments for certain players this week in hopes of getting better consistency from them.

"Part of my job is to try to figure out what we can do to be successful," Crennel said. "I feel like if I cut back and limit some of the stuff that we are trying to get done, that might help us. It might not be the total answer, but it might help us be a little more consistent and figure out the problems on game day."

Cutting back is not something Winslow wants any part of. His solution to Cleveland's problems is very simple: Get him the ball.

"We have to do a better job of getting the ball in our playmaker's hands," he said. "Basically that's it and we've got to execute, and when the ball comes we've got to make a play. I think we're being a little too conservative right now and we just need to unleash it. Why wait? It was a division game and we're 0-2, so there's nothing to lose. ... I'm a competitor. I want the ball. Everyone wants the ball."

Winslow was playing just his second game after missing nearly two full seasons with serious leg injuries. The 2004 first-round pick, who was nearly killed in a motorcycle accident last year, returned as confident as ever, and his assuredness received a big boost when he caught eight passes and a touchdown in Week 1.

But on Sunday, the Browns inexplicably took him out for several passing situations. On a third-and-8 in the third quarter with the Browns trailing 17-3, Winslow was replaced, and as he ran from the huddle to the sideline, he raised his arms to his sides to show his puzzlement.

Winslow said he spoke with Crennel about not being used more.

"He said he'll take care of it," Winslow said, "so I'm pretty sure it's going to be taken care of."

Winslow was asked if he expected his role will change.

"Yeah," he said. "It has to, if we want to win. We need our playmakers on the field and I'm just a playmaker. I just want to make plays and win."

I hate guys like him...just shut up and let your game speak.

Like he has room to talk after his first 2 incredible seasons...

so you hate tony, is that what you are saying? heh

Another "me" guy.

What a soldier.

He's a motherfuking solider.

yeah, another ME guy that wants his team to win and give them a chance to make plays.

I say we get rid of tony...we need to trade him for 3 new O-lineman....dunn has proved he can drop the ball just fine on his own.

You can hate Winslow for saying it, but let's face it, he's right! He is a great weapon on a team that lacks talent.

I smell T.O. part two...with half the talent.

Let's see how much he's talking after his ass gets to face the Ravens D next weekend.

He's still a tool for saying it to reporters.

Almost as great a weapon as Charles Rogers? Joey Harrington? Cedric Benson? Ron Dayne? Maurice Clarett?

Winslow is another piece of s**t punk b**ch who was good in college and hasn't shown jack crap in the pros. He's not living off of what he's done, he's living off of what the media THOUGHT he would do.

Tell you what jackhole, actually make some f**king plays for a year or two, THEN come bitching to me. Until then go ride your motorcycle.

The coach should tell him to go ride a motorcycle again and try another Evil Knievel stunt with the curb. Perhaps it will break his jaw again and shut him the hell up.

Why is it ALWAYS the WR who are the biggest A-holes? The me, me, me guys.

I mean, a really good WR touches the ball 10% of his team's offensive plays. What is it with them?