BillBoard

Kawika Mitchell said he is eager to play middle linebacker against the Browns Sunday. Mitchell will shift over from the weak-side linebacker position, replacing Marcus Buggs. Mitchell played middle backer in 2006 when he was in Kansas City.

Said Mitchell: "It's I feel a natural position for me. I enjoy making the calls and making the checks and all that. I'm excited about it. And it's not going to be that difficult."

"I take pride in the fact I'm in there during a time when we're having some problems," Mitchell said. "I feel like the mike (middle backer) has always been the one who takes the responsibility for all that. So I'm excited to be that guy."

Asked what Mitchell brings to the middle, coach Dick Jauron said: "Experience. It's a hard position to play. you've got to make all the calls. You've got to make all the adjustments. We've put a lot of pressure on Marcus (Buggs). I'm certainly not putting it all on his shoulders. There's enough to go around, and as always it starts with me. But Kawika has been around the game. He's got a nice feel. He doesn't fluster. I think that might settle the thing down in there."

---Mark Gaughan