Trotter's Takes

Jim Trotter

November 26, 2007

The contribution of Josh Cribbs (right) to the Browns' 6--4 start can't be overstated. His 39-yard kickoff return on Sunday at Baltimore set up the field goal that forced overtime, and his 41-yard return to open the extra period helped position Phil Dawson for the winning three-pointer. This after returns of 90 and 100 yards against the Steelers and an 85-yarder against Cincinnati.... The season's most underrated player might be Jaguars QB David Garrard. He wasn't named the starter until the week before the opener, but in five of his last six starts he's had a passer rating of 100 or higher. He also has yet to throw an interception—he has eight touchdown passes—for the 7--3 Jaguars.... New Orleans coach Sean Payton is no longer publicly protecting Reggie Bush. After Sunday's loss at Houston, Payton criticized the former Heisman winner for blown assignments, dropped passes and a lost fumble. "It wasn't good enough," the coach said. "I think he'd tell you that as well." Ouch.