Cribbs can get behind defenses on vertical routes, run inside-breaking routes and make an impact on special teams. In a way, he's exactly the type of player that teams look for.
You wouldn't have guessed that last year in Cleveland, however.
Cribbs was a non-factor with the Browns last season, registering a measly seven receptions for 63 yards and no touchdowns. He wasn't used properly and appeared to fall out of favor with the coaching staff, which followed him out the door this offseason.
In 2011, he was a factor, though. He snagged 41 passes for 518 yards and four touchdowns, looking like he was going to finally break out and become a regular in the lineup. He was used properly, running the aforementioned routes and picking apart defenses.
Against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17 of 2011, he ran a wonderful crossing route, making an adjustment based on the defensive coverage.
It was 2nd-and-9 and the Browns had the ball at their own 35-yard line. Cribbs was lined up to the right of quarterback Colt McCoy as the single receiver. His assignment was to run a curl route, a route that is run a dozen or more yards downfield and requires the receiver to come back to the quarterback.
The route was simple, but the adjustment he would go on to make wasn't. Cribbs was double-covered ("bracketed") before the snap by cornerback William Gay and safety Troy Polamalu. The double coverage would be broken up by tight end Jordan Cameron, however.
Cameron, the in-line tight end opposite of Cribbs, ran a deep crossing route at the snap that split the se...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
