BEREA - Greg Little has been told to rein in his celebrations, but as of last Sunday he apparently hadn't gotten the message.
The Browns second-year receiver did a highly-conspicuous celebratory pose after both of his two receptions. He showed no concern for the fact the Browns trailed the entire game and were about to fall to 0-3 and lose their ninth straight game dating back to last season.
"I can't speak for everyone else, but I've had my conversations with him about that," coach Pat Shurmur said Monday. "Whether people see me ranting and raving on the sideline at a player; trust me I have my conversations with him about all issues."
Little indicated Monday that he will be more responsible in the future.
"I just think they don't want small first-down poses to manifest as a negative light as it's trying to become," Little said. "I don't want that, so it's easy for me to stop."
Little was selected in the second round of the 2011 draft after missing the 2010 season at North Carolina because of his involvement with an agent. He arrived in Cleveland with a reputation for being a flamboyant player.
Little irritated coaches and fans last season with inconsistent hands that led to a high number of drops. He dropped a pass from Brandon Weeden in the red zone against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he dropped a pass on a crossing route two days ago in a loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Shurmur's patience seems to be growing thin with Little's actions, but he's more concerned about the continual problem with drops.
"Greg has to be more consistent catching the football. That's it," Shurmur said.
NOT RIGHT: Punter Reggie Hodges hasn't been striking the ball as well as he did before tearing an Achilles' tendon in training camp last year. Many of his punts have had a low trajectory, allowing the return team to set up its blocking. The Bills averaged 26.5 yards on two returns, and for the season opponents are averaging 24.8 yards.
"That's something to be considered," Shurmur said of Hodges possibly being affected by the injury. "I think we need to play better at all positions, including that one."
NOT GOOD ENOUGH: One throw that quarterback Brandon Weeden has struggled with is the deep fade. Two passes intended for Travis Benjamin were intercepted by Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Against the Bills, Weeden overthrew Benjamin and tight end Jordan Cameron.
"When you get opportunities to throw the ball down the field we have to hit on them," Shurmur said. "You only get a couple of them a game. The ones you get, you have to hit on them."
INJURY REPORT: The short week leading up to Thursday's game against the Baltimore Ravens won't give the walking wounded much time to heal. Fortunately, for the Browns, they didn't suffer any injuries.
Receiver Mohamed Massaquoi pulled a hamstring in the third quarter and is day-to-day. Tight end Alex Smith missed the Bills' game with a head injury and is also day-to-day.
STEPPING UP: Cameron had a career high five receptions for 45 yards. With Smith out and Benjamin Watson not contributing much, Cameron's value is enhanced.
"He showed up and did some good things," Shurmur said. "There were some things by the way they played defense that there were some tight-end throws we thought we could make. He had an opportunity on a go ball in the red zone that would have made it a great day."
