Browns Notebook: Battles pitting CB Joe Haden, Colts WR Reggie Wayne could be rare

The Indianapolis Colts seek favorable matchups for stud veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne, so they've moved him mostly to the slot. Browns premier cornerback Joe Haden greatly prefers to play outside.

"It's a whole different world inside there," Haden said.

That means what could have been a showdown between two of the best players at their positions in the NFL will not materialize except when the Colts are in two-wide sets. And considering the struggles of their ground game, that might not happen very often.

Second-year cornerback Buster Skrine will therefore be greatly responsible for Wayne, who is third in the NFL with 593 receiving yards. The aggressive Skrine was burned often early in the season, but played his best game in the win Sunday against Cincinnati. He understands the importance of containing Wayne. No other Indianapolis receiver -- even highly touted tight end Coby Fleener -- has emerged as a consistent threat. If Skrine can hang with Wayne, the Browns could shut the Colts down.

"You got to be patient with [Wayne]," Skrine said. "He's really crafty. Your technique has to be strong. He makes possession catches, but he also makes big plays. You have to respond to him both ways."

Browns coach Pat Shurmur said he has seen improvement in Skrine's play and has always praised his mindset.

"He practices fast, I think he plays fast, he's into it and those are all the reasons why he'll continue to improve," Shurmur said. "Guys that challenge, guys that will stay into it mentally and physically and play fast all the time, those guys have a chance to get better. Those guys are more in position more times to make plays, so that's what Buster brings to the table."

Haden warned that Wayne is often sent in motion and that it's difficult to play zone against the Colts because the veteran is adept at finding seams.

"You definitely want someone to pressure up against him at all times," Haden said.

Praise from one All-Pro to another: The task will change Sunday for Browns All-Pro left tackle Joe Thomas. That's because the Colts have switched from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense and Dwight Freeney has moved from right end to right outside linebacker.

But it doesn't matter all that much to Thomas. Freeney will still line up as an end in many passing situations and he's a bear to contain no matter what.

"He's been the most productive pass rusher in the NFL the last 10 years," Thomas said. "He's going to be in the Hall of Fame. He's extremely strong, quick, fast and he's got the best spin move in the history of football."

Thomas knows. Freeney beat him for a sack in a victory at Indianapolis in Game 2 of the 2011 season. But that was a rare sack allowed by a player that has helped elevate the Browns offensive line into one of the better units in the league. The Browns are tied for 11th in the NFL with 15 sacks allowed.

"We're playing better every week," Thomas said. "Every week we're clicking more, especially in pass protection. It's going to be a challenge this week going against a 3-4 team. Baltimore [uses a 3-4], but these guys use it even more."

Criticism continues to fire up DT Hughes: No Browns pick in the 2012 draft prompted more criticism than that of defensive tackle John Hughes in the third round. The rookie was well aware of that criticism and has used it to his advantage.

"I use it as motivation every day when I come to practice and every Sunday in games," he said. "I feel it's an edge I have over my opponent."

Hughes and follow rookie Billy Winn have proven to be pleasant surprises. Both started inside in the win over the Bengals in which the Browns limited featured back BenJarvus Green-Ellis to 62 yards on 16 carries. The likely return this week of starter Ahtyba Rubin from a calf injury might mean fewer snaps for Hughes and Winn, but also results in more talent and depth on the field.

Bits and pieces: Emerging WR Josh Gordon said he takes more pride in making medium-range catches than he does long ones because he knows that "big plays don't come too often." He has snagged touchdown passes of 62 and 71 yards in the last two games. ... WR Greg Little and starting LG Jason Pinkston both missed practice due to illness. ... Shurmur doesn't believe the flak jacket to be worn Sunday by featured back Trent Richardson will slow him down. "This is space-age designed stuff," he said. "He's wearing something that's bulletproof." ... Offensive coordinator Brad Childress broke up the media Thursday when asked about Josh Gordon in college. "I never saw a snap of him," he said. "I got off a cruise boat and somebody said, 'We signed Josh Gordon.' And I said, 'Who's Josh Gordon?'"

Stay dialed in on the Cleveland Browns on Twitter at @CBSBrowns throughout the season with on-site updates from CBSSports.com RapidReports correspondent Marty Gitlin.