Browns' Crennel still fighting; Quinn punched by teammate?

"That's part of being in a household, everybody trying to establish their turf. But that's part of it. You deal with it and you move on."

That would be the case on most teams. But the Browns seem to have more than their share of unusual incidents with Kellen Winslow's spat with management over his staph infection and Savage's profane e-mail to a fan among the most noteworthy this season.

Now they're dealing with a player smacking the franchise quarterback, another sticky issue for Lerner to review once the season ends.

None of the Browns was available for comment since Crennel gave his players the day off. The only ones who reported were those needing medical treatment, and that's quite a few.

Quarterback Ken Dorsey sustained injured ribs and a mild concussion Sunday, and may have to sit out the season finale. If he can't play, recently signed Bruce Gradkowski will have to start against the Steelers, who will likely rest most of their starters to get ready for the AFC playoffs. Return specialist Josh Cribbs may also play more quarterback than just in a special package designed to utilize his unique skills.

As for Crennel, he's confident that because of his relationship with Lerner that he'll have an opportunity to outline why he should return for a fifth season. That doesn't mean he will be back, though.

"He's got a lot of different things he's got to consider and look at," Crennel said of Lerner. "He will make that determination in January after the season's over. At that time, when I get the chance to sit down and talk with him, then I can make my case. He's going to have to decide whether I've made a good enough case or whether he wants to stay with me in this job."

Crennel has never used injuries as an excuse, and he's not about to start. He is certain, however, that without them, the Browns would be much better.

"People don't want to hear excuses," he said. "They want to know why you didn't win. If you win, sometimes you can play poorly and win and everybody is OK with it. And when you lose, they want to know why you didn't win and that's the nature of this business and you have to understand that coming in.

Crennel feels despite not getting the Browns into the playoffs that his stay in Cleveland has included some success.

"I think we have made some progress here, but you cannot discount wins and losses and I haven't won enough," he said. "I have said that since Day 1, that I will be judged on the wins and losses. That's what you're judged on as a coach."