Tim Couch's injury Sunday underscored how much the Browns need to improve their offensive line. Couch has taken a pounding all year, and it was only a matter of time before he was forced out.

The Browns can't run block either. Too many rushes are destroyed before they ever get started, and the line is being defeated at the point of attack. Many lineman need work in the offseason strength and conditioning program. ...

Free safety Corey Fuller will work out with a personal trainer in the offseason to increase his speed for next season. Fuller was a cornerback during his years with the Vikings, but he was switched to safety when Tim McTyer went down with a broken arm.

Browns coach Chris Palmer will not say where Fuller will play next season but maintains he will definitely be one of the team's leaders. Palmer thinks playing two positions has hurt Fuller this year. He could be labeled as a "tweener," although he is better suited to be a safety. However, if Fuller can increase his speed, he would be an effective cornerback. . . .

Regardless of Fuller's development, the Browns need help at both safety spots. Rookie Marquis Smith is making good strides after a slow start. A big-time hitter, he is learning NFL pass-coverage techniques. . . .

If there's a silver lining to all the injuries on the offensive line, it's that the Browns were able to take a good look at young players such as Steve Zahursky, Scott Rehberg and Chris Ruhman. Even Jim Bundren is getting valuable playing time. . . .

With right tackle Orlando Brown likely suspended for the Colts game, Ruhman will start. He is probably better suited for right tackle than anywhere else. He does not have the quick feet to protect the quarterback's blind side, but he has good upper body strength and long arms that help him ward off defenders. Ruhman is also a good run blocker.

As for Brown, he has been a big disappointment. Labeled as a dominant run blocker, the Browns haven't been able to run behind him. Because of his slow feet, his pass blocking is only mediocre. Brown needs to physically and mentally transform himself. . . .

Tight End Irv Smith, who has good hands, is starting to make some contributions to the passing game. He might have waited too long to do it. It's anyone's guess whether he'll come back next year.

SCOUTING REPORT

Rookie wide receiver Kevin Johnson wasn't supposed to be the go-to guy this year. However, when Leslie Shepherd got hurt in training camp, Johnson was thrust into the role of top receiver. He responded immediately.

Johnson is arguably the top rookie receiver in the league, shattering team rookie receiving records all year. Why? First and foremost, he seldom drops the ball. For example, while so many players slipping, sliding and dropping balls against Cincinnati on Dec. 12, Johnson was leaping to make fingertip grabs.

It's remarkable when you consider he has been playing wide receiver for only three years. However, he is far from being polished. Although he has greatly improved, Johnson needs to work on recognizing when to break off routes and how to make adjustments on patterns. Right now, he is probably more of a possession receiver than a deep threat.

Johnson shares many similarities with the Jaguars' Keenan McCardell. Like McCardell, Johnson has a great attitude and a great work ethic. He really wants to get better, and he works extra hard in practice to improve. Palmer says Johnson has the most potential of any of the rookies, including Couch.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME

The Browns' lack of a running game has two interesting side stories. For one, it has not damaged Couch's development. Despite the fact he is constantly in second-and-long and third-and-long situations, Couch is making great strides every week. Who knows how good Couch will be? An improved running game would definitely help.