Where’s big-play Braylon? Edwards quiet on, off field

The Browns wideout has dropped five passes in two games, both losses.

BEREA (AP) — The only sign that Braylon Edwards was even around was a neatly stacked pile of street clothes sitting atop a chair in front of his locker.

Never one to shy from cameras or microphones, the Pro Bowl wide receiver was a no-show Wednesday when the Cleveland Browns were available for interviews. He was somewhere else in the building, perhaps breaking down film or in the team’s crowded trainer’s room getting treatment.

Right now, his hands need some work.

Edwards, who had 80 catches for nearly 1,300 yards and scored 16 touchdowns last season, has dropped at least five passes in Cleveland’s first two games, miscues in home losses to Dallas and Pittsburgh that have slowed a talented offense that has produced just one touchdown in eight quarters.

Edwards certainly isn’t the only problem. The Browns have been without wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth (strained quadriceps), and running back Jamal Lewis (hamstring) and multipurpose threat Joshua Cribbs (ankle) have been less than 100 percent because of injuries. In addition, right guard Rex Hadnot missed the opener with a bad knee.

But Edwards, who dropped a certain TD against the Cowboys and short-armed a pass inside the Steelers 5 on Sunday night, has yet to deliver the big play the Browns count on him to make.

“He’s dropping balls that we need him to catch,” coach Romeo Crennel said. “We’re trying to do everything we can to get him out of his slump.”

Edwards wasn’t available for interviews following Sunday night’s game and he wasn’t in the locker room Monday during the 30-minute period it is open to the media. On Wednesday, he walked onto the practice field with Lewis and tight end Kellen Winslow, but Edwards wasn’t in his normally playful mood as he joined his teammates.

Quarterback Derek Anderson was asked if Edwards was down after his two bad games.

“Anybody is going to be upset with themselves, as I am when I miss throws,” he said. “That’s kind of the way it goes. It just takes a few plays, get the ball in his hands a couple of times and he gets that confidence going and that momentum going, and now it turns into the old Braylon we know and the one we expect to be out there.

“I’ll keep throwing him the ball. I’ve got confidence in him that he’s going to catch it. He’s going to be all right.”