flgreen Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Josh Cribbs looks to give Jets return game a boost By Brian Lewis October 16, 2013 | 9:09pm Modal Trigger Jets new returner Josh Cribbs has been a star in the past. Photo: Bill Kostroun Josh Cribbs is arguably the most productive return man in NFL history, but after dealing with injury and inactivity many wonder if the newest Jet still can play. Cribbs, who practiced with Gang Green for the first time Wednesday, said that’s just the way he likes it, using his doubters as motivation and their questions for fuel. “I use that. I’m trying to hear that,’’ said Cribbs, who replaced the injured Clyde Gates on the roster. “I want to hear the naysayers because I use it for motivation. “This is like a rebirth for me. It’s a fresh start. As a rookie I came in undrafted and had to prove to everybody — everybody in the NFL, everybody on my team — that I could play on this team, do well and produce. I can do that now again, just show everybody ‘He’s still got it.’ ” But there are questions. Cribbs spent eight years in Cleveland, tying NFL records with eight kickoff return touchdowns and two returns of 100 yards or more in the same game. He even made his third Pro Bowl last year, catching a touchdown pass in the game. But Cleveland released him in an offseason when he had arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus in his knee. He signed with Oakland in May, but got released after a poor preseason. Cribbs rehabbed and worked and waited for a team to call and give him a shot. That team was the Jets. Cribbs worked out for the Jets on Oct. 1, and on Monday got a call from his agent, who gave him the news with an appropriate J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets! “I’m coming in like a rookie,” said Cribbs, 30, confident he can electrify the special teams and offense. “My cup’s empty. I’m ready to be coached, ready to start over with my experience and help this team. “Definitely. I think [special teams] was one of the big reasons they brought me in. We can make a run for it. I can be a little lightning here, even on offense. I think they’re going to make teams get off balance.’’ Or downright scared. The Jets are 27th in kick returns, but coach Rex Ryan said “with that name on the back [if] he stands back there, you’re going to be a little nervous, because we’ve all been scorched by him in the past. There’s a knack for hitting those returns. It’s not just about speed. He’s certainly been there and done it.’’ Predictably, Cribbs ripped the kickoff rule changes, saying they are turning football into intramurals and were made to produce more touchbacks, thus more commercials. Cribbs also said he’s not just a return man, but insists — with the receiving corps banged-up — he can make an impact on offense as well. “Definitely,’’ Cribbs said. “I’m a guy that came in off the bench and caught 40 passes for Cleveland, third string at best, however they needed me. I think I can do the same thing here. Given an opportunity, I’m going to make a play.’’ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HessStation Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 It's a good p/u. Maybe they can work him into the offense as a slot guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JiFtheOracle Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Torn meniscus? Thats all it was? Isnt that like the easiest of tears in the knee to comeback from? That makes me feel a little better about him actually producing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#27TheDominator Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Torn meniscus? Thats all it was? Isnt that like the easiest of tears in the knee to comeback from? That makes me feel a little better about him actually producing. Usually, but doesn't that mean we should be more concerned that he still sucked in August? I'm glad he is squawking about returns. I'd be worried if he was one of those guys that thought he was going to come in and start saying how he was going to catch 100 balls (Mason, Holmes, Winslow). I don't know what he has left, but using him on kicks and punts with some WR time is good. He should be capable enough on those WR screens and Mornhinweg sure likes to run those. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleedin Green Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Usually, but doesn't that mean we should be more concerned that he still sucked in August? I'm glad he is squawking about returns. I'd be worried if he was one of those guys that thought he was going to come in and start saying how he was going to catch 100 balls (Mason, Holmes, Winslow). I don't know what he has left, but using him on kicks and punts with some WR time is good. He should be capable enough on those WR screens and Mornhinweg sure likes to run those. Seriously, just as long as he doesn't immediately fall over after catching the ball, that would have to be considered a win. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GKnight83 Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Perhaps the team will get better starting position now. That would be one small step.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyCarl40 Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Aside from Folk, the special teams this year haven't done much to write home about. With a rookie QB we know the defense needs to be stout, but a specials TD or turn of the field position in a game would be wonderful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt39 Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 KR has become almost extinct anyways. The one real electric guy left is the short kid from Denver. Kerley is fine as a PR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whodeawhodat Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 KR has become almost extinct anyways. The one real electric guy left is the short kid from Denver. Kerley is fine as a PR. fair catch Kerley is not "fine" as a PR. That is not even taking into account his head injury earlier in the year. Going full bore into oncoming punt coverage is not the in the best interest of our #1 slot receiver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonehands Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Torn meniscus? Thats all it was? Isnt that like the easiest of tears in the knee to comeback from? That makes me feel a little better about him actually producing. I think he also had a concussion issue, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green DNA Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 I'm pretty sure we will see Cribbs running the wildcat here and there also Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bitonti Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 KR has become almost extinct anyways. The one real electric guy left is the short kid from Denver. Kerley is fine as a PR. the Jets are so thin at WR right now, they need Kerley focusing on offense. Signing Cribbs frees Kerley up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Integrity28 Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Seriously, just as long as he doesn't immediately fall over after catching the ball, that would have to be considered a win. LOLZA this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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