In addition to dealing with a host of offensive problems, the Browns also have a dilemma: how much, and in what ways, to use Josh Cribbs on offense.

Cribbs, who has made his mark as a kickoff and punt returner, has sparked the offense at points this season, particularly as a runner. But he got no more than a half-dozen rushes and/or receptions on offense in any of the Browns' first seven games, a span in which they scored just four offensive touchdowns — and Cribbs alone scored a pair of TDs on returns.

"They've got one good (offensive) player — Josh Cribbs — but they don't know how to get the ball to him," opined one league source, speaking on condition of anonymity, who has seen the Browns on film and in action this season.

The Browns have played Cribbs at wide receiver, but he has not been particularly effective; he didn't have a reception of more than eight yards in September or October, and he lost a pair of fumbles.

He has been more effective as a runner. A 31-yard end-around at Buffalo in Week Five set up one of the Browns' two field goals en route to a 6-3 win, and his six carries for 45 yards vs. Pittsburgh receiving direct snaps out of a "Wildcat" set in Week Six sparked hope that the package popularized by the Dolphins could also work for a Browns offense that desperately needs something to keep defenses off-balance.

But the Browns used the "Wildcat" for just one play vs. Green Bay in Week Seven. The day after, head coach Eric Mangini indicated the team should have used it more and that it would continue to be a part of the offense going forward.

The Browns' temptation to put Cribbs behind center more often could be all the stronger given the passing game's tremendous struggles of late. Drops have been a major problem for the receiving corps, and QB Derek Anderson — whose accuracy has long been one of his weaknesses — has been off-the-mark since taking over for Brady Quinn. However, passing is not Cribbs' forte — one of his two passes vs. Pittsburgh in Week Six was intercepted by S Troy Polamalu — and bolstering the running game would seem to be his greatest strength.

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