DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Joe Thomas Quickly Moving Among NFL's Elite

Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas quickly moving among NFL's elite

Friday, November 02, 2007
Tony Grossi, Plain Dealer Reporter


Best player in the NFL?

Tom Brady? Randy Moss? Peyton Manning?

You've got to be a real film student of the game or an offensive line aficionado to nominate Seattle offensive left tackle Walter Jones.

Which the Browns' Joe Thomas is, of course.

"He's probably one of the best tackles that's ever played the game and I think he's probably the best player in football right now," said Thomas, also an offensive left tackle.

Thomas is such a fan of the seven-time Pro Bowl Seattle tackle that when he was drafted third overall by the Browns in April, he named Jones as a player he would seek to emulate in his pro career.

"I think that's a pretty good guy to be like," said Seattle coach Mike Holmgren.

Turning his attention to Thomas, Holmgren said: "He's going to be one of those guys that is going to be good for a long time, goes to a lot of Pro Bowls. He has good size and great work ethic. Joe is just starting. He's a good football player and a nice guy to build your offensive line around."

On the lengthening list of players who've exceeded expectations so far in this Browns season, Thomas ranks right up there with quarterback Derek Anderson and receiver Braylon Edwards.

"Basically, yes," said coach Romeo Crennel.

"Because that position is a tough position to play. You end up facing some of the better pass rushers in the league."

That weekly challenge has been a natural stimulant for Thomas. At Wisconsin, there were opponents he could beat on his worst day. Now he has to be at his best every week to survive, much less excel.

"If you want to start as a rookie offensive lineman, each week whoever is lining up across from you knows you're a rookie and he's trying to take you down," said Browns left guard Eric Steinbach. "So you're on your own.

"I think he does a great job of staying cool each week. He does his own film watch and study. If I know a guy real well, like on Pittsburgh or Baltimore, I'll tell him what I know. But as far as X's and O's and him executing, he's been on his own. And he's done a great job."

Crennel said he doesn't know if Thomas has been credited with allowing a sack yet this year. But Thomas said he'll "take the bullet" for some of the six sacks allowed in the first game of the year against Pittsburgh. Five of those came in the 1½ quarters Charlie Frye was quarterback.

Since Anderson took over in the second week, the line has allowed only seven sacks in six games.

"From the beginning I knew they were going to take some shots at the rookie," Thomas said. "Every team we've played, they've challenged me, thrown different blitzes at me, trying to confuse me. That's what you expect as a rookie.

"The thing that excites me is just the different player every week I have to go against is an outstanding pass rusher. The challenge of preparing for [Miami's] Jason Taylor and [Seattle's] Darryl Tapp or Julian Peterson, great players. I think the defensive end over the left tackle, every team's going to have a great player over there."

Steinbach said, "It seems like every week, no matter what the challenge is, he's answered it."

If Thomas continues to improve and shine over the next nine games, it would not be out of the question to see his name pop up in balloting for the Pro Bowl.

With Baltimore's Jonathan Ogden missing most of the season with a toe injury, the left tackle position in the AFC is up for grabs. You look at the highest-scoring teams and there is Matt Light of New England, rookie Tony Ugoh of Indianapolis and Thomas of the Browns.

"One of my goals is to be a Pro Bowl tackle," Thomas said. "But I'm not really worried about that. We have a lot of challenging opponents in front of us. The guy I'm going up against [Sunday], Darryl Tapp, is an excellent player."

Thomas said he has never met Jones and is looking forward to seeing him in person on Sunday. He's probably too shy to approach Jones before or after the game and introduce himself. The way he's playing, players may be doing that to Thomas some day.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

tgrossi@plaind.com, 216-999-4670

As I've said before this guy is the best Browns player since Clay Matthews. Amazingly his story is going under the radar nationally this year. In my opinion, if you had to pin down the biggest reason this offense has been successful it has been the play of our LT.

Here are the Offensive Tackles on the nfl.com Pro Bowl Ballot

Willie Anderson, Bengals
Khalif Barnes, Jaguars
Vernon Carey, Dolphins
Anthony Clement, Jets
Willie Colon, Steelers
Ryan Diem, Colts
D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Jets
Cornell Green, Raiders
Levi Jones, Bengals
Nick Kaczur, Patriots
Matt Lepsis, Broncos
Matt Light, Patriots
Damion McIntosh, Chiefs
Marcus McNeil, Chargers
Jonathan Ogden, Ravens
Shane Olivea, Chargers
Tony Pashos, Jaguars
Erik Pears, Broncos
Jason Peters, Bills
Micheal Roos, Titans
Ephraim Salaam, Texans
Kevin Shaffer, Browns
L.J. Shelton, Dolphins
Barry Sims, Raiders
Marvel Smith, Steelers
David Stewart, Titans
Adam Terry, Ravens
Joe Thomas, Browns
Kyle Turley, Chiefs
Tony Ugoh, Colts
Langston Walker, Bills
Eric Winston, Texans

The only other players in the conversation for the Pro Bowl in my opinion are:

Matt Light
Marvel Smith
Nick Kaczur
Matt Lepsis
D'Brickashaw Ferguson
Marcus McNeil

I think Thomas has had a better year than everyone outside of Light. Smith is debateable.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. How often to we keep a RB on the left side to chip?
2. How often do you see a TE stay in on passing downs on his side?
3. Where is the best place to run the football?
4. How many sacks has he allowed?

He's just stoning some of the best DEs in football, our QB has had very little backside pressure, yet I never hear his name when people are talking about ROY. Let's get the word out Brownies! And send him to Hawaii!

I was doing back flips when they drafted this guy #3. I always thought he was going to be good, but he has gone beyond any expectations I had for this year..

I also loved the Thomas pick. I was reading the Seahawks forum and they think their D-Line will have a field day against a rookie LT.

not only do I love thomas, but I love the depth of this o-line. If Thomas gets hurt, Shaeffer goes back to LT and Tucker comes in at RT. Shaeffer gets hurt again Tucker is in. Same goes for McKinney. Steinbach goes down, Friedman is a viable backup, as well as center if Fraley gets hurt.

This o-line is givingAnderson time to throw. If we can develop a solid running game this offense would be unstoppable.

BTW- I was just wondering, exactly what did we give up to get Fraley, I know it was a draft pick in 08 but what round?

When we were able to resign him it became a 5th round pick for the 2008 draft. Quite a bargin for an above average center who is a team captain and been called by some as the unsung hero of the offense. We got lucky for a change.

I love the big fella!

Wow what can you, say about Joe.

I really thought Joe would struggle some to start the year, no such thing has happened.

I think Joe is going to be maybe the best pick EVER for the Browns. That is saying a lot, but no player in my memory has had the impact Joe has had on the offense, and that includes Bernie, and Brian, and Otto. He has solidified the O line, and as much as I knew that the key to the success of a teams offense went thru the left tackle Joe really drives home the point. AP to the side he has made the entire offense from the QB to the WR better, now we all know how important a solid LT is to a team’s offense, a lesson I hope nobody EVER forgets.

Those that don’t know about Joe yet, are soon too. He is if he’s not yet about to appear on everybody’s radar, and remain there for many years to come.

I find it strange that there are still fans that can’t comprehend what Joe has done for our offense. I realize that you don’t see Joe on sportscenter, but God if you can’t see the transformation that has taken place as a result of Joe’s being drafted by the Browns, then you just refuse to admit, that we made the right choice.

I was thinking that I bet the teams that picked ahead of us wished they had taken Joe as well. And some of the teams that picked after us wished they had paid whatever to have his services. He was a bargain, at any price, you care to name. If you watched the combine last spring you, could clearly see how much better Joe was then the other LT.

Again Joe was a bargain for the Browns..

I believe that Joe would be happy to never hear his name called during the game or season...

If he keeps playing and improving as he has, he may end up hearing his name called for a trip to Hawaii...

NICE DRAFT PICK!!! The best since we got our team back maybe the best pick in the past 2 decades... It will continue to be a pleasure to watch...

Quote:

---

I think Joe is going to be maybe the best pick EVER for the Browns. That is saying a lot, but no player in my memory has had the impact Joe has had on the offense, and that includes Bernie, and Brian, and Otto

---

Do you remember a guy by the name of Jim Brown?..LOL But I get your point and I do believe he'll have a great impact for years...

Looks like JT. might get his name mentioned with JB. , Warfield, Collins , Groza and the best of the best .. Time tells all !

And I'd have no problem what so ever with that if it came about,,,

You are so easy !

It's been a pleasure to watch him.. probably even moreso than Wimbley last year. And that's saying a lot.

The Browns are VERY lucky to have won that flip before the combine earlier this year. I'm confident that JT wouldn't have been on the board at #4.

48 pass attempts ZERO sacks.

Seattle came in with 23 on the year. Peterson is a beast and Tapp has some ability as well.

Joe Thomas needs to be in the ProBowl.

I don't think it helps that we have the wrong, IMHO, running back for the line that we have. Lewis is a power back behind a line that's meant for a speed back. Again, JMHO

But on the subject of Joe Thomas, I've noticed that the Seahawks tonight rarely tried to overrun Thomas' side. Massive respect right there. I saw at least a couple plays where he would drop back into pass protection and there would be noone coming from his side.

i'm not sure I agree. the donks have had the 1000 yard rushing machine going for a while with a finesse line.

I thought I remember hearing him say in an interview that the coaches want him to keep his weight about where it is now.

he's no road grader, but he can shutdown some of the best pass rushers in the league, plus, he's not kevin shaffer at LT

insomnia sucks, i'm not stalking you

I agree about the strength thing. he'll get stronger, i'm guessing he'll be about the same size for most of his career. he's go the agility to deal with the big linemen up front and the strength and speed to kill on the second level.

interesting thing is he seems like a normal guy when he's interviewed. humble, hard working, and always studying to get better.

the way James Harrison played for Pitt. last night, it's obvious that Joe Thomas' bull rushing questions will be answered.. thats all Pitt does..

I may be wrong but we picked up the blitz pretty good in that game. Some of the credit goes to DA ability to release the ball quickly.
48 pass attempts
0 sacks against a team that lead the league in sacks.

I still remember how I felt when his name was called draft day..

And what he's done so far as a rookie has been impressive...he will need to get stronger in run blocking but I'll take it considering that left side is no longer a worry area..

Quote:

---

I still remember how I felt when his name was called draft day..

---

Hahaha.....I screamed and was dancing aroudn the living room, it was a nice April weekend and all the doors & windows were open, my kids were outside and came running in thinking we just won the mega millions or something....Little did they realize the Browns just won the prize....

Don't ask me where but I'm pretty sure I read somewhere we are averageing 6.5 ypc when running left. Seattle got handed their jocks on the goalline a couple of times by our O-line. I would'nt call us a finesse line compleatly. The more time we stay togeather the better run blocking line we will become. Just think if Bently makes a full recovery. We could have 3 all pros. We'll have to start worrying about the other team. They could get hurt.

DAWGDUTY...

these are Lewis' stats...take them for what you will...

Situation..........G.....Rush....Yds.......Avg.....TD
Wide Right......4........6.........0.........0.0......0
Right..............5.......50......151.......3.0......2
Middle.............2........9........34........3.8......0
Left................7.......43......263.......6.1.....4
Wide Left........2.......6.........32........5.3.....0

Pro Football Weekly's midseason All-Pro team...Big Joe getting some love...



Midseason All-Pro Team

By Keith Schleiden
Nov. 6, 2007

An interesting blend of old reliables and new faces comprise Pro Football Weekly’s annual honors squad halfway through the 2007 season. While the old standbys — think Tom Brady and Randy Moss — are doing some rather spectacular things, it’s the youth, including three rookies, on this team that will really open up some eyes around the NFL. To build this team, we relied heavily on the input of NFL insiders who study pro personnel on a daily basis. Below, you will find the entire team, which was voted on by the PFW editors.

Offense

QB Tom Brady, Patriots
He is leading the most unstoppable force on the face of the planet — the Patriots’ offense. Yes, he was provided with an arsenal of receiving weapons the likes of which he’d never played with before. But he’s using them perfectly, spreading the ball around and keeping even Randy Moss happy. Brady’s TD-interception ratio of 33-4 is simply amazing, and his razor-sharp decision-making has sliced up defenses on a weekly basis.

RB Adrian Peterson, Vikings
A rare combination of size and speed made Peterson a can’t-miss prospect, and he’s exceeding even the most lofty of expectations so far. He’s had several great games, including 361 total yards vs. the Bears and an NFL single-game rushing record of 296 yards vs. San Diego. He’s carrying an offense that operates without credible options at quarterback and wideout. Peterson is on pace to break Eric Dickerson’s rookie rushing record of 1,808 yards, set in 1983.

RB Brian Westbrook, Eagles
Strictly as a runner, Westbrook would not have made the midseason all-star team, but he remains the NFL’s most valuable multi-purpose back. The Eagles’ offense was stuck in neutral vs. the Giants, when he sat out with an abdominal injury. Despite missing one game, he has produced 1,036 yards from scrimmage and is the catalyst of the Philly offense, running surprisingly strong between the tackles and possessing excellent hands and quickness in the open field to create whenever he touches the ball.

WR Randy Moss, Patriots
The fourth-round draft selection the Patriots gave up in exchange for Moss could be one of the best mid-round moves exercised in recent memory. Moss needs to have something to play for, and after stints ended badly in Minnesota and Oakland, he’s found inspiration in New England. He’s given the Patriots the true deep threat they’d been lacking recently, and Tom Brady’s making the most of it, connecting with Moss for 12 touchdowns.

WR Plaxico Burress, Giants
Hobbled by a bum ankle for most of the year, Burress rarely practiced in the first half of the season. That has hardly affected his output, as he’s been a consistent scoring machine. After a huge Week One (eight catches for 144 yards and three touchdowns), Burress went on to score a touchdown in the next five games. He’s been the only home-run hitter on the team and is making the most of every reception.

TE Antonio Gates, Chargers
In what has a been a great year for tight ends, Gates jumps above the crowd. In a national conference call, Phil Simms recently called him one of the five best players in football. While one league scout told us that Gates runs a wider variety of routes than any other tight end in the NFL, you’ve got to wonder how this guy continues to get open considering everyone in the stadium knows QB Philip Rivers is targeting him. In part, it’s due to his rare athleticism and nice play-calling by the staff.

C Kevin Mawae, Titans
Mawae instantly became a team leader upon his arrival in Tennessee last season, but he still doesn’t get the credit he deserves for helping guide what is an ascending offensive line. In his 14th year in the NFL, Mawae continues to play at a very high level and is a reason why the Titans can run on anyone, even though opponents are geared up to stop the rush because of Tennessee’s suspect passing attack.

OG Shawn Andrews, Eagles
One scout called Andrews the most dominant run blocker in the NFL. If the Eagles need a yard on 3rd-and-short, they run behind the 6-foot-4, 335-pound Andrews. He is partly responsible for RB Brian Westbrook’s 4.8-yards-per-rush av­erage.

OG Logan Mankins, Patriots
Some NFL observers believe that Mankins is the most complete guard in the league in terms of both run blocking and pass blocking. He’s a classic throwback mauler who also is very smart. The Patriots’ line as a whole has done a fantastic job, but the interior has been especially strong.

OT Joe Thomas, Browns
After some struggles in Week One vs. the Steelers, the third overall pick of the 2007 draft has been rock-solid. For those wanting proof that the rookie is the real deal, watch tape of how he handled Jason Taylor in Week Six. Thomas has solidified what had been a trouble spot for years in Cleveland and appears to be the answer at left tackle for the long haul.

OT Chad Clifton, Packers
Called a “top-five pass blocker” by one veteran scout, Clifton has done a very good job of keeping Brett Favre upright. While run blocking is not a strength, Clifton is a dependable veteran on an unsung line that is contributing to a surprisingly potent passing attack.

Defense

DE Jared Allen, Chiefs
Allen missed the first two games because of suspension, but he has been a playmaking force since taking to the field. His return to action rejuvenated the entire Kansas City defense. Blessed with a knack for making big plays, Allen has racked up 8½ sacks, two forced fumbles and 29 tackles in six games. Playing out the last year of his contract, word is Allen could receive a big pay raise in 2008 — after being named the Chiefs’ franchise player.

DE Ty Warren, Patriots
Warren may not come up with a ton of signature, game-breaking plays, but he’s among the most consistent elite-level defenders in the NFL and does an excellent job of stuffing the run, occupying blockers and allowing the linebackers to pass-rush. With his excellent strength and power, this underrated talent serves as the anchor of the Patriots’ defensive line.

DT Kevin Williams, Vikings
Arguably the most athletic defensive tackle in the league, Williams is a big reason why the Vikings have produced more defensive touchdowns than any other team in the league over the last two years, bringing consistent pressure from the inside. His sack totals aren’t what they used to be, but he still has the ability to rush the passer.

DT Albert Haynesworth, Titans
Haynesworth is making news for all the right reasons this season. He served a five-game suspension for stomping on Cowboys OL Andre Gurode’s head during a game in 2006, but there’s been no trouble in ’07. He is the key to clogging the middle and stuffing the run on one of the NFL’s top run defenses. Haynesworth timed having his best campaign perfectly, as he’s scheduled for unrestricted free agency next March.

OLB DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys
There are talent evaluators who believe that Ware is the best defensive player in the league. This is a guy who hardly comes off the field, playing 55-60 plays a game. He’s up as a linebacker in the 3-4 scheme on first and second downs, and he’s a down lineman in nickel situations. An electric pass rusher and an athletic coverage defender, Ware has racked up seven sacks and forced one fumble.

OLB Keith Bulluck, Titans
Bulluck is one-third of an outstanding Titans LB corps. He has benefited from fine play in front of him, as the defensive line has improved this season. Bulluck is best in coverage, where he makes a lot of plays. For evidence of this, check out his three-interception performance vs. the Saints in Week Three. His fluidity, ease of movement and grace make him stand out from others.

MLB Patrick Willis, 49ers
The No. 11 player drafted overall last spring, Willis has been a tackling machine for the Niners this season. Playing behind a below-average defensive line, Willis has recorded 83 tackles, one forced fumble and three pass breakups. He is on pace for an incredible 166 tackles this season. He has carried himself like a pro from the day he arrived and has made big strides under the direction of defensive coordinator Mike Singletary.

CB Asante Samuel, Patriots
After getting slapped with the franchise tag, which resulted in a lengthy contract holdout that kept him away from the team through most of the preseason, Samuel returned to fine form quickly. You never see him out of position, and he has great instincts and ball skills, which led to an NFL-high 10 picks in the regular season a year ago. He has four picks this season.

CB Champ Bailey, Broncos
Widely considered one of the NFL’s finest athletes and most skilled cornerbacks, Bailey is rarely tested by opponents anymore, which is why he isn’t netting the interceptions that he did a year ago. Because Bailey is so good in coverage, it’s big news around the league when he gets beat. In addition to outstanding pass-coverage skills, Bailey is one of the best-tackling corners in run support, something he takes pride in.

S Bob Sanders, Colts
The smallish Sanders plays with reckless abandon and is the best safety in the NFL vs. the run. He is playing more physical this year and is one of the most explosive hitters in the league. When the Colts shift to the nickel, they lose nothing against the ground attack, as Sanders is capable of acting as a third linebacker. Sanders is in the final year of his first pro contract, so he’s currently making himself a lot of money with his continued outstanding play.

S Sean Taylor, Redskins
Taylor is one of the most rangy and athletic coverage defenders from the safety position in the league. The presence of first-round rookie LaRon Landry allows Taylor, who is athletic enough to play cornerback, to roam more freely. Taylor is a playmaker who has already forced six turnovers this season — nearly half of the team’s total of 13. A year ago, Washington managed only 12 takeaways all season.

Specialists

PK Kris Brown, Texans
He’s always had the strong leg, but now he’s added the all-important trait of consistency to his game, and that comes from his solid work ethic. Brown works hard at his craft, and it’s paying off, as Brown has nailed 18-of-20 field goals on the season. He’s 3-for-3 from 50 yards and beyond, including a late 57-yarder to beat the Dolphins in Week Five.

P Shane Lechler, Raiders
Lechler is averaging an AFC-best 50.3 yards in gross average and has parked 11 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. Special teams have long been a sore spot in Oakland, but Lechler gives the fans a little something to smile about. He is often called upon to bail out a subpar offense, kicking from deep in his own territory.

PR Devin Hester, Bears
In just his second pro season, Hester has already been called one of the all-time great returners in NFL history. With eight punt and kickoff returns for touchdowns in 1½ pro seasons, he’s more than halfway to the all-time career record of 13, which took Brian Mitchell 14 seasons to reach. He is averaging 19.6 yards per punt return and has brought back a pair for touchdowns. It’s gotten to the point where opposing teams often do all they can to avoid kicking to him.

KR Leon Washington, Jets
With great burst and acceleration, Washington is a natural return man. He’s averaging 33.5 yards per kickoff and has returned three for touchdowns — two of which went for 98 yards. Washington has skills beyond the return game, though, as there are those who believe he’s the best running back on the club, ahead of Thomas Jones, who has yet to make a big impact after arriving via trade in the offseason.

Head coach

Mike McCarthy, Packers
In just his second year at the helm in Green Bay, it appears McCarthy and his staff have advanced past the rebuilding phase that many observers had suggested the team was currently in. He’s overseeing a team that boasts a strong defense and runs an offense that has moved the ball effectively through the air without much help from the ground game. A little-known choice to take over the Packers a year ago, he has coached the Packers to a 7-1 record and to the top of the NFC North.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/Features/NFL+Features/2007/allproteam.htm

I'm not sure I agree with you entirely, Toad. Our O-Line may never be as good run blocking as they are pass blocking. BUT... Joe has done a very good job in the run game this year, as well. Steinbach isn't much of a power run blocker (though he is bigger than 275 ) but when he pulls he is very good. His strengths are his pass blocking and his pulling ability. He is quick on his feet and mobile, much like Joe. Again, Hank the Tank isn't much of a power run blocker, but he is great at getting to the second level. And when we get Bentley back we will have more of a power blocker, though he won't be as good as he once was. Bents is also a good pass blocker and is good at getting to the second level, however. And Tucker is more of a power guy as well. I agree with you on Shaffer though.

I don't remember who it was who said it but I agree that Jamal doesn't exactly fit with our line. Our line is more of a quick, zone blocking, and good at getting to the second level type of line that would work better with a speed back. I think this is part of the reason Harrison has so much success.

And for Spectre, I think who said that Joe isn't really strong. That is not true. Joe is very strong. It is his overall bulk and size that hurts him with bull rushers. Its the same with a nose sort of. Strength can only get you so far, you have to have some bulk. I do like Joe at his current size though.

But we really have a gem in Joe though. When we picked him in the draft, my dad, brother, and I went crazy once we heard the left in "With the third pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Left Tackle from the University of Wisconsin, Joe Thomas. What a great day.

Browns' Thomas hits jackpot
posted: Tuesday, November 6, 2007

This is the time of year a lot of the top rookies hit escalation clauses and bonuses in their contracts.

Vikings halfback Adrian Peterson hit his with 1,036 yards, but Browns left tackle Joe Thomas also hit the jackpot. With the Browns' fifth victory and having qualified for the required playing time for the escalators, Thomas earned a $5.75 million one-time bonus and guaranteed $9.61 millions in salaries for 2010 and 2011. That's a $15.4 million payday. The normal rookie contract requires a 35-percent play time. Thomas is playing at a Pro Bowl level for a Browns team that has a chance to earn a wild-card bid.

Long odds for Pacman: Pacman Jones really didn't have much of a chance of shortening his yearlong suspension. He hadn't done the required things needed to have commissioner Roger Goodell shorten his suspension to 10 games.

First, he had to clean up his legal problems. Jones still faces a trial in Las Vegas. Second, he's been spending time with Ultimate Wrestling people, which may not be a bad thing, but it didn't do anything to help his case. Jones can start to work at the Titans' facility at the end of the year as long as he doesn't have any convictions or any other problems. Still, you have to wonder if the Titans really want him back. They are 6-2 without him and have such good team chemistry.

Stroud had no choice: It's pretty evident why Jaguars defensive tackle Marcus Stroud didn't challenge his four-game suspension for violation of the league's steroid policy. By serving the time now, he can come back in December and help the Jaguars make the playoffs. The problem for the Jaguars is that the next four games could knock them out of contention. They have road games against the Titans and Colts and home games against the Chargers and Bills. If the Jaguars go 1-3 over that stretch, they would only be competing for the final wild-card spot with a 6-6 record.

Jets make point: The first casualty of Jets mental mistakes was defensive back Rashad Washington, the team's best special teams player, who was waived on Tuesday. He had two penalties in Sunday's loss in the Redskins. Considering that the Jets have blown four games in the fourth quarter, coach Eric Mangini needed to get more accountability from the team. Washington became the first sacrificial player in an effort to clean up the mistakes.

PUP updates: Six players on the physically unable to perform list started clocks to see if they could come back by returning to practice. The list includes Patriots wide receiver Troy Brown, Bengals halfback Chris Perry, Lions wide receiver Devale Ellis, Jaguars defensive end Brian Smith, Dolphins tackle Joe Toledo and 49ers defensive end Melvin Oliver. Each player now has 21 days to work their way back on the active roster.

Panthers say goodbye: There were a lot of sad faces in Carolina Tuesday when the Panthers placed linebacker Dan Morgan on the injured reserve list. Morgan is a popular player on the team and he's one of the franchise's best defensive players. But he's played only 57 games out of a possible 112 during his career. He played only four games over the past two seasons. It's likely the team may release him after the season.

QBs coming in: Two of the three teams with the biggest quarterback question marks signed QBs Tuesday. Not knowing if Vinny Testaverde or David Carr can practice Wednesday, the Panthers signed Greg Olson to the practice squad. Matt Moore could handle some of the early practices if Testaverde and Carr can't go in practice.

Koy Detmer was signed by the Vikings and it's not out of the question for him to be the backup to Brooks Bollinger. Kelly Holcomb is expected to miss another game because of a neck injury. Starter Tarvaris Jackson is coming off a concussion.

The other team with questions at quarterback is Denver. They hope Jay Cutler will be able to play despite a leg injury.

Broncos bucking: Broncos coach Mike Shanahan shook up his roster Tuesday, signing four players and releasing three. The interesting release was defensive tackle Amon Gordon. After changing six of the 10 positions along the defensive line, Shanahan ended up with Gordon and Sam Adams as his starters at defensive tackle. Two of the departed defensive tackles -- Gerard Warren and Michael Myers -- have started games for other teams. Many figured Shanahan made too many changes for a defense that was statistically among the best last year. Now, he's shaking things up again.

ESPN