MKRob Sports

Browns defensive tackle Shaun Rogers hears the harsh criticism of the 0-3 Browns locally and nationally, and he can’t refute it.

“We’re kind of bad right now,” he said. “That’s the fact of it. We’re not doing what we’re paid and coached to do. We just have to get better.”

The nose tackle said he hasn’t held up his end of the bargain, either.

“Very unsatisfactory,” is the way he described his play through three games. “It’s my job to be an impact and influence and I don’t think I’ve really done my job lately, so I’m still working on getting me straight. I just haven’t had the games I’d like to have.”

Rogers has one sack and is tied for fifth on the defense with 13 tackles.

“We show times we can be a stout defense, and then we have breakdowns,” Rogers said. “We can’t let those type of things spiral into what you saw last week [a 34-3 loss in Baltimore]. We’ve got to put it behind us.

“It’s nothing you can attribute it to. We work pretty hard around here. We try to be consistent. We just have to find that ‘it.’ It’s very hard to explain. When we find ‘it,’ I think everybody will know.”

Rogers doesn’t buy the theory that players are tuning out coach Eric Mangini.

“I think even though it’s a little hard to grasp, I think people are understanding the points behind it and the necessity of having some type of discipline and some type of leadership,” he said. “So, I think it’ll turn out. Wins would definitely help cover some of the rough edges. But I think guys will understand it and buy in.”

He termed the game Sunday against Cincinnati “oh so, oh so important.”

“I would love to win, but I just want to see us compete this week, really,” Rogers said.