Josh Cribbs: Attention Whore or Realist?

Josh Cribbs has been getting a lot of attention the past few days as free agency approaches and he makes rounds on the radio and other media outlets. For some reason, a lot of Browns fans cannot show him the door fast enough. The thinking is that his production has declined, he gave up after getting a new contract a few years ago, Travis Benjamin is a better returner at this point, and Cribbs is a diva. All ridiculous points if you take five minutes and look at the arguments that you are trying to make.

Since these people obviously won't do it on their own, I'll map out why Browns fans should be hoping that the new front office isn't in too big of a hurry to show Josh the door.

Point #1: Joshua Cribbs' production has declined

My incredibly elementary line chart refutes this. Check out these stats, and keep in mind that 2009 was the year that EVERYONE advocated paying Josh whatever he wanted.

So, when people say that Josh Cribbs isn't good at special teams anymore, that he's "lost a step," they must not be looking at the statistics that he put up last year. Sure, the touchdowns weren't there like they have been in the past. But I think most Cleveland fans got unbelievably spoiled by the

scores Josh had in the past. The fact of the matter is, he's still elite at what he does best. Cribbs' stats in 2012 matched or bested those he put up in 2009, aside from the TDs. If anything, one could even argue that the lack of TDs keep his return average numbers from being skewed by a few long-yardage plays.

Point #2: Travis Benjamin is a better returner at this point.

This is a crazy thing to say. I'm not saying it won't be true in the near future, but to say that after watching all SIX of Benjamin's returns this year he's the elite special teamer that Cribbs isn't (in the minds of these Benjamin advocates), is crazy. Yes, I'll admit he is fast as hell and showed a lot of potential last year. But six touches isn't enough for me to root for cutting ties with one of the best special teamer's ever, who is coming off of one of the best years of his career.

Point #3: Josh Cribbs is a diva with a "me first, team second" attitude.

For all the things Cribbs has said over the years, how many are all that untrue? The man speaks his mind, and is passionate. I have no problem with that if his words are justified. How can someone hold his unhappiness against him this year when he complained about his offensive role after being the second leading receiver last year? After putting up over 40 receptions and tied for the team lead with 4 TDs, people really think he can't be an effective receiver.  Look, I'm not saying the man is Calvin Johnson, but to say he can't be used effectively on offense is outrageous. And following that season, he takes a back seat to Benjamin (18 receptions), Jordan Norwood (13 receptions), and Mo Mass (17 receptions). Is his unhappiness really all that unwarranted? If you put up better numbers than all three of those players EVER have, and then all of a sudden get benched for those same players, would you be upset? If you really think Josh is a "me first, team second" player, why didn't he complain about offensive playing time in 2007? It's because he knew he wasn't as good as Braylon and Joe J. Say what you want about Josh coming out and griping in public, but he has a point. He's better, statistically better, than the wideouts who played in front of him this year.

In summation, I'm not saying the Browns need to break the bank in order to keep Josh around--every player has a cutoff. But to think he deserves to be kicked to the curb is crazy. The man is passionate about the team, the community, and most of all, he's damn good.

Two final notes:

1) Just to show how much value Cribbs has, look at how more effective the coverage units were with him in the lineup. It's an underrated facet of the game until you start giving up big plays, which the Browns did without Josh in there. He made a huge difference.

2) He said on KNR that he wants an opportunity. If he wants an incentive-laden contract when it comes to his offensive role, what's the harm in giving it to him? It's a win-win.

Say what you want about Josh Cribbs, but the man has earned everything he's gotten in Cleveland. At the very least, he's earned the fans' respect for him as well as his game.