Winslow frustrated but unfazed

12.08.2006

Kellen Winslow may be among the league leaders in receptions. And he may be in the midst of a breakout season. But that's of no solacefor the competitive pro, as his team is a mere 4-9.

The Browns' 27-7 loss to Pittsburgh at Heinz Field did nothing to help that.

"It was very frustrating," Winslow said Friday. "We just couldn't move the ball or do anything positive out there."

Winslow has 71 catches on the season for 694 yards. He's on pace to come close to breaking the Browns' single-season receptions record of 89, held by Ozzie Newsome.

But his inability to help the team win games is ultimately what matters.

The word that has repeatedly come to the Browns' mind as of late is "consistency" -- understandable considering the team's last three weeks. It was shutout by division rival Cincinnati on Nov. 26 home, then scored 31 points in an overtime thriller over the Chiefs last week, but was unable to follow up the performance Thursday in Pittsburgh.

"Great teams are consistent and we're not a very consistent team right now," Winslow said. "We take one step forward and three steps back. You can't be a good team in this league doing that. We have to find a way to win around here. It's going to go our way sooner or later."

He elaborated.

"I hate talking about college, but when I was in Miami we had already won the game before it happened. Intimidation was a factor. The work ethic was a factor. That's the point the Cleveland Browns have to get to. That's what the Steelers do. They try and intimidate you and they do a good job of doing that and that's why they're the defending champions."

To make the result of Thursday night's game worse -- and more controversial -- Steelers linebacker Joey Porter took exception with a personal foul called on Winslow late in the game and shared some choice words with the media about the Browns' young tight end following the contest.

Winslow took the high road, saying he still respects the Pro Bowl linebacker but isn't sure why he reacted the way he did -- even before the game when Porter refused to shake Winslow's hand.

"He's a great player and I have great respect for Joey Porter," Winslow said. "Before the game I wanted to say, 'Let's have a good game,' and show my respect but he didn't want to have that.

"That's fine.I just lost a little respect for him but that's okay. I still think he's a good player. I'm just going to stay being me."

Winslow said part of turning into a team that can use intimidation as a weapon is standing up to "bullies" like Porter.

"I'm not intimidated," Winslow said. "That's why I talk to Porter, because you have to face the bully. I'm not going to let him try and intimidate us."