Browns have to adjust on D

By NATE ULRICH

Akron Beacon Journal

BEREA

Browns linebacker Eric Barton began hearing voices. Well, actually it was only one voice, but it was loud and vulgar.

Linebacker Scott Fujita uses an audio headset in his helmet to relay defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s orders to other players on the field. But when Fujita suffered a knee-ligament injury in the second quarter of the Browns’ 26-20 loss to the New York Jets this past Sunday, Barton had to become Ryan’s messenger.

“You have Rob yelling in your ear,’’ Barton said with a chuckle, “which I could deal without.’’

Barton’s mood wasn’t as light when he reflected on Fujita’s injury. Fujita, perhaps the Browns’ top defensive player during the first half of this season, will be sidelined for “a little while,’’ Browns coach Eric Mangini said.

“We had to shift some things around, and when one of your leaders goes out, everyone has to play better,’’ Barton said. “We’re all praying and hoping he’s all right.’’

Mangini said it’s too early to know whether or not Fujita will be placed on injured reserve. Either way, the Browns (3-6) know they need to replace him for their upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4).

“With Scott, he calls the plays, gets calls from Rob, makes the calls,’’ Mangini said. “He works so well with Eric [Barton], [linebacker] Chris [Gocong] and the rest of the group, getting the adjustments. He plays in every single group, plus his ability in the passing game [helps]. I think he’s got outstanding ability in both man-to-man and zone coverage.’’

Fujita has started every game this season. He leads the Browns with three takeaways (two forced fumbles and an interception), and he’s second on the team with 51 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Linebackers David Bowens and Jason Trusnik will likely receive more playing time with Fujita out. Of the two, Bowens played the most Sunday, finishing with eight tackles and a quarterback hit.

Fujita and defensive end Robaire Smith were named the Browns’ defensive captains at the beginning of this season. Smith is on injured reserve with a back injury.

“We might have to go to the captain bullpen and pull somebody out,’’ Mangini said.

The Browns had to do it in 2009. Bowens became a captain after Barton and linebacker D’Qwell Jackson were sidelined with season-ending injuries.

“He’s a leader for us and seeing a guy like that go down is hard,’’ tight end Evan Moore said of Fujita. “When you lose players like that, it’s tough. But it’s just an opportunity for other guys to step up.’’

In terms of becoming the new “quarterback of the defense’’ in Fujita’s absence, Barton remains the top candidate to relay Ryan’s calls in the huddle.