Damage control in AFC North

Roethlisberger has concussion; Browns begin their shakeup

December 29, 2008|Associated Press

For a team that supposedly couldn't lose, the Steelers nearly sustained the worst possible setback going into the playoffs. The Browns ended a miserable season with an embarrassing loss that may lead to another today, that of Romeo Crennel's job.

Ben Roethlisberger gave playoff-bound Pittsburgh a major scare by sustaining a concussion during a 31-0 home rout of the Browns yesterday, a game notable only in that it likely was Crennel's last as Cleveland's coach.

Roethlisberger, expected to play a half to stay sharp before a two-week break, lay on the turf for nearly 15 minutes after being leveled by Willie McGinest and D'Qwell Jackson while delivering a pass late in the second quarter. Hospital tests revealed no other injuries, and the quarterback probably will be ready when the Steelers (12-4) play at home Jan. 10 or 11.

"We are optimistic of where he's going to be," coach Mike Tomlin said. "Again, it is encouraging."

Roethlisberger's injury highlights the risk NFL coaches take by playing regulars once a team's playoff positioning has been determined. Tomlin didn't want his key players sitting for three weeks, and most lobbied to play.

Rusty doesn't begin to describe a Cleveland offense that ended the season by failing to score a touchdown for six games, an NFL record. The Browns had never been shut out in successive games.

Cleveland (4-12) threw for only 26 yards, tying for the second fewest in club history. The only offense came from Jamal Lewis, who ran for 94 of their 126 total yards while becoming the first Browns running back since Mike Pruitt in 1980-81 to gain 1,000 yards in successive seasons.

Owner Randy Lerner will meet with Crennel in Cleveland today, almost certainly to fire him, and general manager Phil Savage's fate is equally tenuous. A person with knowledge of the decision told the AP last night that Savage has been fired with four years left on his contract.

"We're going to leave here, go back and have a final meeting tomorrow, but we'll go into the offseason seeing what we can do better and get more competitive," said Crennel, evading questions about what he expects to happen.

Panthers 33, Saints 31 John Kasay's 42-yard field goal with one second left lifted Carolina over host New Orleans, locking up the NFC South title and the second seed in the conference for the Panthers.

Carolina (12-4) will get a first-round bye and then a chance to extend its perfect record in Charlotte in the divisional round.