Wherefore art those Browns, Romeo? On the cusp of the playoffs

"I don't think it's an issue anymore," said Crennel, "but we all have to stay aware of it."

With Kellen Winslow (whom former Browns coach Sam Rutigliano compared to a young Ozzie Newsome), wideout Braylon Edwards (1,106 yards, 13 touchdowns) and kick returner Josh Cribbs (averaging 31 yards a return), the Browns have a buffet of offensive weapons.

The ironic hole is the defense, the hallmark of Crennel's career.

"There's no sugarcoating it, we're not very good," said Crennel. Though against the Jets the Browns forced two turnovers and held New York to 2-of-12 on third-down conversions.

Do you think the Browns have enough on both offense and defense to get to the playoffs, maybe even win a game? Their final three games are against the Bills, Bengals and 49ers, and any combination of a Browns win, plus Tennessee and Denver losses, would launch Cleveland into the postseason.

"We haven't had much excitement here in football in a long time," said Crennel. "I think we can make something happen."

Like a mini-Boston, Cleveland is on a roll, with the Cavaliers advancing to the NBA Finals and the Indians to the ALCS. But those who know football in Northeast Ohio know that the Browns, since 1945, have had a passionate hold on the people of greater Cleveland.

Crennel said he doesn't wear any of his five Super Bowl rings, not even to motivate his players.

"I'd like one from Cleveland for myself," he said. "That's motivation enough."