BEREA: Two years ago, the Browns signed Paul Kruger to a five-year, $40 million contract and drafted Barkevious Mingo sixth overall.
On Sunday, the two outside linebackers who carry high expectations had their playing time drastically cut in a 33-30 overtime win against the Baltimore Ravens. Defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil was clearly trying to mix up personnel packages in an effort to stop the bleeding of the NFL’s 30th-ranked defense (400.4 yards allowed per game).
But Kruger and Mingo were not ready to protest -- at least not yet -- when they spoke to reporters Thursday after practice.