by Sports Xchange

"I think there are things that we can improve offensively," Mangini said. "Carl Smith is a guy that has a lot of experience. That's one of the reasons I wanted Carl to be part of the staff -- I think it was 11 years at New Orleans as the offensive coordinator -- is to have a guy who's called a lot of plays in the NFL.

"Obviously there are things from a play calling perspective, from a scheme perspective, from a coaching perspective that we can improve, but that goes hand in hand with execution and individual performances as well."

The Browns have yet to get a touchdown from one of their wide receivers or a rushing touchdown by one of their running backs.

PLAYER NOTES

--LB Eric Barton did not practice Tuesday or Wednesday. He suffered a neck injury in the game against the Bears. Doctors are conducting tests to determine the severity of the injury.

--RB Jamal Lewis is healthy but did not practice Tuesday or Wednesday.

--K Billy Cundiff was released after kicking in five games. He was 6-for-6 on field goal tries, but he became expendable when Phil Dawson recovered from a calf injury.

--RB-KR Josh Cribbs might get more work at running back when the Browns return from their bye.

--WR Brian Robiskie, the 36th overall pick, has one catch through eight games.

INJURY IMPACT: The Browns will be scrambling for inside linebacker help if Eric Barton's neck injury knocks him out for the season. They already are without D'Qwell Jackson, who is out for the year with a shoulder injury. With two roster openings they might sign at least one inside linebacker. As it is, David Bowens and Blake Costanzo plus rookies Kaluka Maiava and David Veikune will play inside.