OWINGS MILLS, Md. — It wasn’t a full-scale mutiny inside the Cleveland Browns’ locker room, but controversial tight end Kellen Winslow’s critique of the offense definitely got under coach Romeo Crennel’s usually thick skin.
Following a lopsided loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Winslow complained about not being included in offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon’s third-down packages. The winless Browns went 2-for-10 in those situations. “I think we’re being a little too conservative right now, and we just need to unleash it," Winslow said. “We’re 0-2, so we’ve got nothing to lose.
“Some of the coaches might be holding us back a little. I don’t mean to try to go behind their backs or whatever, but we’re 0-2. Let’s air it out. Let’s make plays. Let’s be exciting.”
By not going to Crennel first and disclosing dirty laundry in public, Winslow’s remarks were met with a predictable response. The team wants him to be quiet, and he complied Wednesday after a private meeting with Crennel where he apparently apologized.
“Kellen is a young, fiery kind of player that hasn’t been on the field for two years and he’s excitable,” Crennel said. “I told Kellen that rather than air his complaints to the media, he should come and talk to me about any dissatisfaction he might have.
“We discussed the mater and what we decided was that it’s best for this team that everybody involved do their best to try to win this game.”
Browns quarterback Charlie Frye was understandably reluctant to take sides in a combustible situation between one of his most talented downfield targets and the coaching staff.
"He’s a real intense, high-energy type of guy, so he’s going to want the ball because he thinks he’s a playmaker and that he can move the chains for us," Frye said. "Maybe he should have gone to coach before he went to the media. So, we are supportive of the coaches, but we understand Kellen, too."
ROOKIE STANDOUT: Rookie safety Dawan Landry has drawn all the right kind of attention for a once-unheralded fifth-round draft pick. Already, Landry has gotten national recognition on ESPN for separating Oakland wide receiver Alvis Whitted from his helmet. He ranks third on the team with 14 tackles.
“The draft is for the so-called experts and Dawan Landry is a great football player that was overlooked,” safety Ed Reed said. “I’m glad he’s here.”
With his outspoken style, Landry is fitting in with a veteran-laden defense known for its brashness.
“We’re in the bottom of the pile and he’s talking trash and I’m like, ‘OK, you’re kind of catching on now,’” middle linebacker Ray Lewis said. “He’s really flying around making plays and he’s only going to get better.”
TRAINING ROOM: The Ravens filed an eight-man injury report Wednesday, listing six starters as questionable. Cornerback Samari Rolle (sprained foot) didn’t practice, but stressed that he would be available Sunday. Offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden (hyperextended knee) missed part of practice, but indicated that he felt better and isn’t worried about his playing status.
The other six players listed includes: Ray Lewis (neck), defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (back), linebacker Adalius Thomas (foot), running back Jamal Lewis (hip), running back Musa Smith (knee) and defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin (thigh).
The Browns ruled former Ravens cornerback Gary Baxter (pectoral) as doubtful along with former Baltimore tight end Darnell Dinkins (hamstring), wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (ribs) and defensive end Orpheus Roye (shoulder). Running back Reuben Droughns (shoulder) is questionable.
TRANSACTION: The Ravens signed offensive tackle Chris Pino to the practice squad after terminating the contract of outside linebacker Junior Glymph.
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times in Westminster, Maryland.
