Linkage Browns offensive line works, plays well together
Friday, November 30, 2007 4:10 AM
By James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Browns
Browns rookie lineman has all the intangibles
Friday, November 30, 2007
BEREA, Ohio -- As the media were interviewing Cleveland Browns guard Eric Steinbach the other day, tackle Kevin Shaffer stood in the background mocking his mannerisms. Shaffer's prank briefly distracted Steinbach and made him smile.
During his interview, right guard Ryan Tucker pointed to rookie tackle Joe Thomas a few lockers down. Like a proud big brother, Tucker praised the rookie for playing beyond his years.
And Browns captain and center Hank Fraley, the leader of the group, easily summed up what makes the offensive line tick:
"We're just like a family up here," he said.
The chemistry among the linemen is undeniable. It shows in the locker room and on the field. They have given up 14 sacks in 11 games, allowing quarterback Derek Anderson to throw for 2,758 yards and 22 touchdowns. Their ability to create holes has allowed tailback Jamal Lewis to rush for 741 yards and eight touchdowns.
If the unit isn't getting enough credit for the Browns' success, the linemen say that's OK with them. They get plenty of respect from teammates and the coaching staff.
Off the field, the group gets together often and enjoys many of the same things. When five players average 6 feet 5 and 314 pounds, they're bound to have something in common.
"We like to go out to dinner together and just hang out," Thomas said. "There's a number of guys on the offensive line who like the outdoors and like to go hunting or fishing and stuff like that together when we get a little free time."
The linemen have responded to every challenge they have faced this season.
Thomas had to be a quick study as a rookie left tackle and has flourished. Steinbach missed most of the preseason because of a knee injury but stepped in seamlessly. And Seth McKinney's separated shoulder in week eight forced Tucker into the starting lineup, but the group hasn't missed a beat.
"It helps when you have good players," Fraley said. "I can't say I could sit out all training camp and come and play as well as Steinbach when he came back in. It's a compliment to guys really around you on the O-line. Guys are big studiers. They take criticism well when they need to. I'm just in the middle of great players and it helps out."
jwalker@dispatch.com Fraley on …
Browns captain and center Hank Fraley breaks down the starting offensive line:
• Right tackle Kevin Shaffer: "Shaffer's the funny guy. He's a prankster, and he's weird-looking with the goatee."
• Right guard Ryan Tucker: "Tuck's the mauler of the bunch. He's strong, a great puncher. He's also like the grandfather of the group, an older guy."
• Center Hank Fraley: "I guess I'm a jokester along with Shaffer. We're the pranksters of the O-line, playing little silly jokes. Sometimes they get frustrated with it."
• Left guard Eric Steinbach: "Steiny is the bad-body guy. (Steinbach has fought through knee and back injuries.) He's like a 40-year-old."
• Left tackle Joe Thomas: "Joe is just that quiet, confident rookie that plays like a 10-year vet."
Linkacious Browns rookie lineman has all the intangibles
Friday, November 30, 2007 4:35 AM
By James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
BEREA, Ohio -- Center Hank Fraley was first impressed by Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas in training camp.
Fraley stumbled upon Thomas studying game film -- voluntarily. The season opener
was weeks away, but Thomas, the No. 3 overall draft pick, already was scouting upcoming opponents.
"You normally don't see a rookie doing that," said Fraley, an eighth-year pro. "Usually you have to teach him or say, 'Hey, make sure you get in the film room.' No one had to say anything to him."
Thomas' work ethic and even demeanor have impressed teammates and have helped him become the biggest cog on an offensive line that has allowed just 14 sacks in 11 games. He is flourishing in protecting quarterback Derek Anderson's blind side.
The improved line play is one of the major reasons the Browns are 7-4 with an inside track at making the playoffs entering a game Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
Thomas draws the toughest assignment every week against some of the league's best pass rushers. In the past three games, he has staved off James Harrison of Pittsburgh, Terrell Suggs of Baltimore and Mario Williams of Houston.
"He's been a lynchpin to that offensive line," general manager Phil Savage said. "I think Joe has played better than most people would have expected a rookie left tackle to have played. That has definitely been a boost to us."
Many thought Thomas was the safest pick in the draft and the most NFL-ready, which is why the Browns selected him. Now he is a favorite for Rookie of the Year, along with running back Adrian Peterson of Minnesota.
Thomas said training camp was the toughest because he had to prove to his teammates that he could play at a high level. Once the season started, Thomas says, everyone was on the same playing field.
"As an offensive lineman, it's kind of nice because you don't get a lot of the same pressure and a lot of hype as maybe a skill position of quarterback or receiver does," Thomas said. "You can really fly under the radar."
Teammates have been impressed with Thomas' maturity. He has fit in well with a group of veterans.
The offensive line of Fraley at center, Kevin Shaffer at right tackle and Eric Steinbach and Ryan Tucker at the guard positions averages 7 1/2 years of NFL experience -- seven years ago, Thomas was 15 years old.
"If you walked in this locker room and you didn't know who he was, you wouldn't think he was a rookie," Tucker said. "He really prepares, and there's a lot of attributes he has that are hard to get. But he's got it, and I'm glad he's on this team."
But Thomas continues to get the rookie treatment.
He and fellow first-round pick Brady Quinn had their heads shaved during training camp. Thomas also has to fetch food for the linemen, and during workouts he usually is the one getting the heavy weights for everyone else.
"He still has some rookie obligations to fill, but in the end we all respect him," Steinbach said.
It is part of the checks and balances that keep Thomas and the rest of the offensive line focused.
"We cannot let him get too big of a head with the way he's been playing," Fraley said. "He's just playing awesome. But that's our offensive line mentality, not to let anyone get too big of a head."
jwalker@dispatch.com
![[Linked Image from i.ibb.co]](https://i.ibb.co/6WV79RV/Browns-Coach-Sig.png)
Now imagine if we would have been able to get Dielman. That would be some O Line. But, I'm happy with what we have. We have a great young Left Tackle, a great pass blocking Left Guard, a solid veterab center with a great motor, a solid veteran Right Guard, and an above average Right Tackle. We also have an All-Pro Guard/Center coming back from an injury. This is a great time to be a Browns fan. 
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![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/hfMNC7T.jpg)
