Browns’ Cribbs willing to be risky on returns

BEREA, Ohio — Josh Cribbs gambled and it paid off. Next time, he might not be so daring.

Catching the ball nine yards deep in the end zone, Cribbs returned a kickoff 52 yards last week in the first half against Cincinnati, a gutsy return that sparked the Browns, who overcame a 13-point deficit before losing their home opener 27-17 to the Bengals.

The NFL’s new kickoff rules have forced returners like Cribbs, the career leader with eight kickoff return touchdowns, to risk being tackled deep in their own territory if they dare bring the ball out.

Cribbs has been critical of the league’s decision to move kickoffs to the 35-yard line for safety concerns. He said returners have weigh risk with reward every time they field a kick. Cribbs won’t shy away from taking the ball, and taking a chance.