BEREA: Browns coach Pat Shurmur used a bye last weekend to evaluate his team’s first four games and how he can help it improve.
Shurmur found rookie wide receiver Greg Little and tight end Evan Moore at the heart of his conclusion. Both need to be more involved in the offense, beginning Sunday when the Browns (2-2) visit the Oakland Raiders (3-2).
“I think we need to find a way to start fast in all our games, and we looked at some of the areas [in which] we can do better,” Shurmur said. “We looked at some of the specific personnel issues.
“We’ll get [Little] in there and get him starting as the ‘X,’ and then typically he plays in the slot when we go to three-receiver sets. … Evan Moore needs to be in there more.”
As the “X,” Little will line up on the opposite side of fellow receiver Mohamed Massaquoi. Josh Cribbs and Brian Robiskie have each started twice in the spot Little is expected to fill.
Little has 14 catches for 131 yards. Cribbs has 12 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown, and Robiskie has three catches for 25 yards.
“It’s good to have confidence and [be] well supported by coach Shurmur,” said Little, whose lone start this season took place in Week 3, when the Browns opened in a three-receiver set. “[He has] that same kind of confidence in me to want to get me more balls. I just have to come out and prepare well as I’ve been doing in the previous weeks, and [executing] on Sunday is what really matters most.”
Moore has seven catches for 85 yards and two touchdowns, but his opportunities have been scarce. Moore has been targeted only 12 times.
“I’ve just gotta make plays when it comes my way,” Moore said. “That’s what’s in my control, and however much [Shurmur] wants to use me, I’ll be ready to go.”
Injury updates
Center Alex Mack, who had an appendectomy on Oct. 3, attended practice Monday but only as a spectator. Mack did not wear a helmet or pads as he watched the action from the sideline.
Meanwhile, cornerback Joe Haden did not practice either after spraining his left knee Oct. 2 against the Tennessee Titans. Instead, Haden rehabilitated inside the team’s training facility, Shurmur said.
“It’s too early to tell” whether Mack or Haden will be able to play against the Raiders, Shurmur said.
With Mack sidelined, Steve Vallos took reps at center with the first-team offense. John Greco worked at center with the second unit. Dimitri Patterson continued to fill in for Haden, practicing opposite Sheldon Brown with the first-team defense.
“If Alex can go, he can go,” Vallos said. “If not, I’ll be ready. We had a similar deal [when I played for] Seattle. Our [starter] got hurt my second year and my third year, so I got to start a handful of games. It’s nothing new. I’ll be ready.”
Cribbs (sprained knee) practiced, but he was limited. Massaquoi (shoulder) and Brown (groin) practiced and fully participated. Backup middle linebacker Titus Brown (ankle) warmed up with the team, but he watched the rest of practice without wearing a helmet or pads.
Inspired opponent
Shurmur acknowledged the Raiders could have some extra motivation when they host the Browns. It will be the Raiders’ first home game since their longtime owner Al Davis died on Saturday. The Raiders defeated the host Houston Texans 25-20 on Sunday.
“I’m sure it’s been a very emotional weekend for the Oakland Raiders organization,” Shurmur said. “Al Davis is the Oakland Raiders. I didn’t know the man all that well — I met him once early in my career — but I’m sure it was a very emotional weekend for them in Houston.
“I had a chance to watch the game on TV, and you could tell by the reactions from the coaches and the players that they were very happy about the victory, I’m sure with Al’s memory [in mind]. I don’t know how that’s going to affect this week, but I do know that he’s meant so much to that organization, and I’m sure they’re going to play hard.
“I have always admired their organization and what it stands for. When you think of the Oakland Raiders and really when you think of the NFL, he’s had a huge impact on both that organization and the NFL, so it’s hard not to think of Mr. Davis.”
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at http://browns.ohio.com. Follow the Browns on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ABJ_Browns and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/browns.abj.
