BEREA: Browns rookie left tackle Joe Thomas doesn't worry about how many sacks he's allowed this season.

Perhaps that's because Cleveland has surrendered only 16 and the former Wisconsin All-American could take the blame for less than a handful.

But Thomas received some surprise recognition Thursday when he was named NFL rookie of the month. He is the first Brown to earn the award since quarterback Tim Couch in October 1999.

''It's a nice thing. I didn't know they voted on a rookie of the month, to be honest,'' Thomas said.

Thomas said he ''was a little shocked'' that a lineman was selected, but agreed it was a product of the Browns' offensive success under quarterback Derek Anderson. Going into Sunday's road game against the New York Jets, Cleveland ranks fourth in the league with an average of 28 points per game and sixth with 353.5 yards per game.

Asked if this was a particularly good November, he said, ''I think I'm playing pretty solid. I don't know if November was any better than the month before. It apparently was, I guess.''

Thomas might get some rookie of the year votes, but said he's never given it any thought because he didn't think a lineman had ever won. The leading candidates are Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (the NFL rushing leader despite missing two games with a knee injury) and 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (the league's leading tackler, who has had 36 in the past two games).

Browns coach Romeo Crennel said it usually takes three years for a rookie to become a very good player.

''I think he has a chance to be a good tackle for a long time in this league,'' Crennel said. ''If he keeps working the way he has been working, he'll play for a long time.''

Cribbs tabbed

It was also a good day for Browns' returner Joshua Cribbs, named the AFC's special teams player of the month. As Cleveland went 3-1 in November, Cribbs averaged 35 yards on 19 kickoff returns and scored one touchdown, averaged 10.8 yards on 11 punt returns, totaled six special teams tackles and one forced fumble.

The Browns successfully lobbied to have Cribbs listed on the Pro Bowl ballot as a kickoff returner and as a special teamer. He plays on every special teams unit and leads the Browns with 17 tackles.

Players and coaches vote next week and the results will be announced on Dec. 18. Players cannot vote for teammates and Cribbs could not be selected in both slots.

Injury update

After seven players sat out Wednesday, Crennel was elated that number was cut to three Thursday. They were tight end Steve Heiden (ankle) and linebackers Antwan Peek (knee) and David McMillan (knee). Limited were Ethan Kelley, Orpheus Roye, Kevin Shaffer, Robaire Smith and Eric Wright (all with knees). The Jets' biggest issues are receivers Jerricho Cotchery (finger, sat out) and Laveranues Coles (ankle, limited).