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Offensive line undergoes schematic changes: Cleveland Browns training camp preview | cleveland.com
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/07/offensive_line_undergoes_schem.html#incart_m-rpt-1

BEREA, Ohio -- This is the first in a seven-part look at the Browns' roster position by position. The offensive line is the subject of today's report.

Overview

The Browns could return as many as four starters from a season ago, but this unit is not without significant change. The club plans to employ zone-blocking schemes in the run game. The idea is to get a flow of blockers to the right or left without designated defenders to block. The system is a favorite of new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.

The club features two of the NFL's top offensive linemen in left tackle Joe Thomas and center Alex Mack, a pair of Pro Bowlers. But overall the line was a middle-of-the-pack outfit a season ago, according to rankings provided by Football Outsiders. They ranked 17th in pass protection and 18th run blocking. The switch to zone blocking and acquisitions of running backs Ben Tate (free agency) and Terrance West (draft) should help a rushing attack that finished tied for 27th last year.

Longtime offensive line coach George Warhop left for Tampa Bay and was replaced by Andy Moeller. One of Moeller's big tasks is to shore up the right side of the line, which was a problem last year, especially early in the season.

Projected starters

Left tackle – Joe Thomas (6-6, 312)

Left guard – Joel Bitonio (6-4, 305)

Center – Alex Mack (6-4, 311)

Right guard – John Greco (6-4, 318)

Right tackle – Mitchell Schwartz (6-5, 320).

Reserves

Paul McQuistan, Jason Pinkston, Garrett Gilkey, Chris Faulk, Reid Fragel, Martin Wallace, Alec Parsons, Keavon Milton, Jeremial Warren, Randall Harris.

Notable offseason moves

The Browns matched a Jacksonville Jaguars offer to retain Alex Mack, who signed a five-year, $42 million deal which allows him to opt out after two seasons. They drafted Joel Bitonio in the second round, acquired Paul McQuistan in free agency from Seattle and allowed guard Shawn Lauvao to walk in free agency.

Player to watch

Joel Bitonio – With many expecting the Browns to select a receiver early in the second round, general manager Ray Farmer opted to improve their guard play. They chose Bitonio, a converted tackle from Nevada, for his athleticism and nastiness. He should be a good fit for Shanahan's zone-blocking system. You don't draft a guard that high without expecting him to start. The only concern is the ankle sprain he suffered in the spring. If it's a high-ankle sprain, as has been reported, it's an injury that could nag the guard throughout his rookie season.

Under pressure

Mitchell Schwartz – The third-year veteran needs a big season to silence his critics. He's started slowly in each of his first two seasons, although last year he was dealing with the instability at right guard. ProFootballFocus.com ranked him as the league's 12th best right tackle that started at least 10 games at that position. There were whispers he might be moved to guard if the Browns drafted another tackle, but they chose not to go in that direction. Another slow start could have the Browns in the market for a high-end tackle next season.

Position battles

The Browns are set at center and both tackles. If Bitonio is healthy he should win the left-guard slot. The job up for grabs could be at right guard, where John Greco figures to have the edge. The veteran started 13 games at left guard last season and one at right guard. Others vying for the job are Pinkston, McQuistan, Gilkey and Faulk. Faulk remains an intriguing prospect, but since suffering a devastating right knee injury at LSU two years ago he hasn't been able to practice full go.

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Under pressure

Mitchell Schwartz – The third-year veteran needs a big season to silence his critics.

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I'm starting to get a big kick outta some of these media reports. For some reason, some fans and the media have been dogging MS as a RT. I think he's done a good job, maybe not all-pro, but a good job. This staff also thinks highly of him. I laugh at the "needs a big year" crap. Mitchell will be fine, we have bigger fish to fry than our RT.

I agree about Schwartz.

Can someone explain to me why they have Bitonio tabbed as the starting LG? I find it weird that we'd shift Greco in order to plug in the rook.

Is there something about Bitonio that lends to putting him on the left side instead of the right? I also thought that Greco wasn't strong enough to play on the right side?

I watched Mitchell get smoked off the line several, several times. Him and whoever played guard on the right side (Lava n Cousins, both are not even on the team anymore) gave rushers almost untouched access to the qb. I wouldn't call him an all pro, nor would I indicate he did a good job. There was a reason defensive units attacked our right side, even in plain view, and nothing could be done to help.

However, the zone scheme I think will actually help MS. It may help too if we get some type of run game going. Maybe

I dont think Greco is strong enough to be more than a backup in my opinion at either LG or RG. He should do better in zone but he will have some strong competition. Pinky and gilkey should not be overlooked here. this position will likely provide the most compeition.

RG was bad last year. I think Lava never was the same when he came back from the ankle injury. This imho hurt Schwartz along with a bit of a change in blocking scheme. Schwartz's best football is ahead of him.

Bitonio is a mean nasty blocker. I think this was a Pettine pick all the way. He plays with that mean streak we were used to seeing from Lava.

j/c

I think at nearly 1000 snaps a season every player gets smoked a few times. Even Joe.

Guessing the reason for putting the rook at LG is to sandwich him between Joe and Mack. If you put him on the right side and there's a struggle over there it could hurt him. Put the old guy (Grecco) on the right. He's been in more battles.

Our OL is interesting from several different perspectives.

--Before last year, many were saying we had a top 5 OL and most agreed we had a very good pass blocking line.

--At the start of the season, many posters, media types, and fans were blaming the OL for our offensive woes. They were lambasting the FO for not upgrading the line and said we had the worst line in the league. They continually ignored proof that Weeden was holding the ball too long.

--Our OL looked pretty darn good in pass blocking when Hoyer came in and good enough when JC was in there.

--Our running game never got untracked. Some put all the blame on the RBs. I tend to think that while we didn't have good RBs, our OL was lacking at run blocking.

--We ignored the OL during free agency, despite the fact that there were quite a few excellent options out there, and there were at least three guards who would have been a good fit in our new zone blocking scheme.

--We drafted Bitano, which looks to be a good move.

--Now, how are we going to play? Joe T and Mack are perfect for the ZBS. Bitano should be okay, but one never knows w/rooks. I would have rather picked up one of the guards in FA. Schwartz is overrated by Brown's fans. I like Grecco, but his height bothers me. He is 6'5". That is pretty tall for a guard, especially in ZBS. Agility and leverage are very important in that particular scheme. I do think he is intelligent enough for the position.

--Another thing to consider is how our instability on offense will affect the line. We don't have a QB on the roster who has ever started an entire season. Gordon won't play. We don't have a RB who has ever produced as the main man for a pro team. Our WRs had putrid numbers last year. We are installing a new offense w/a completely different philosophy. Sounds like a formula for ............

..............disaster.

BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns on Tuesday added an offensive lineman to the roster heading into training camp, claiming Nick McDonald off waivers from the San Diego Chargers.

McDonald, 6-4 and 306 pounds, is entering his third NFL season out of Grand Valley State. He was signed by Green Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2010. McDonald has appeared in 16 NFL games, starting three, and has seen time at both guard positions and center.

In 2012, he played in 12 games for the Patriots, one a start. He was waived by Patriots before last season and signed with the Chargers on Jan. 16 of this year.

He was inactive for all 16 games during his rookie season with Green Bay.

McDonald is native of Sterling Heights, Mich.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/07/cleveland_browns_claim_offensi.html

I expect us to run left a bit more away from the "weaker side." Says something when your pass protector tackle is at the point of attack on runs. Might be using Bitonio to pull for sweeps and traps, outside and inside. Shanahan's run scheme may have Bitonio ending up on the right side if it works to shore up that side. We need to run it where we want. At left guard he may also open up cleaner cutback running routes. Is interesting choice.

I don't see the problem with Schwartz. He was asked to do a lot from a RT in terms of blocking. Not to mention we'd throw it 50 times a game and had no running game, so DE's could just pin their ears back. I feel like he'll really bounce back this year, statistically. I don't want to get too excited, but I feel like the Browns will have the best offensive line in the NFL when it's all said and done.

j/c

I was discussing the OL with a buddy a few weeks ago...his only heartburn from the draft - that he couldn't get over anyway - was that we exited the draft without a true backup center.

We have a couple guys we have "tried" or "worked" at C...but no one who has actually PLAYED there...other than Mack.

I think we very well may keep this guy...which takes up one more roster spot for all the backup OL trying to make the 53. A crowded position competition just got more crowded. (Note: I don't know anything about this particular guy...just the issue that we have at his position.)

#Browns awarded OT Abasi Salimu off waivers from #Rams.

https://twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ

Why is Terrence West on the non-football injury list?

Is that common?

#Browns sign OL Ryan Lee. 6-foot-3, 290-pounder spent time with #Steelers and #Saints.

https://twitter.com/twithersAP

Rotoworld has NOTHING on him... Google doesn't even have much on him. Looks of it he hasn't even taken a NFL snap. Ah well, more bodies to judge and evaluate the better I guess!

Joe Thomas...Leader of the OL and future HOF the first of the New Era!

Mack - establishing himself as one of the best in the NFL...consistent and Improving each year.

Both JT & Mack have great lateral movement and can explode with some attitude.

Rookie - Beast Boi... still got to play the games but this kid is the real deal - he should advance quickly sandwiched between JT n Mack.

RT - Schwartz started slow in 2012 but improved and showed he was the man by the 2nd half of the season. Then came 2013, I don't know but he definitely took a step back. Of course continuity in system and also he had 5 RGs playing next to him at one time or another. Lava, Pinkston, Gilkey, Greco & Cousins. So maybe the combo of both new offense & no constant next to him possibly didn't help.

I expect to see him jump back to form. Greco next to him is very smart and can help him into this 3rd offense in 3 years and 3rd blocking scheme. Sometimes it ain't too hard to figure why some young players struggle in their development.

He has better feet than most will give credit too...just remember one thing. When you stay in a knee bend and react...you move a heck of a lot faster then when you are thinking.

Our OL leader took it upon himself and maybe after this article came out. Stated pretty much as in LETS MAKE ONE THING CLEAR...Schwartz IS our RT!

I don't think if Schwartz was struggling and there was a competition out there or a search for competition JT would have stated what he said. The OL "UNIT" got to give them a name so they can own it! Mine is called the FAB 5

Maybe ours should be called the Pitbulls!

In any case - what was it the PFT that had us "statistically" I still chuckle of the thought of stats n OL... but we were listed as the 5th best OL in the NFL...that is with cousins, lava, etc.

jmho - ummm I got a suggestion...lets get into the 2nd season of an offense for once!!!

Our OC predicament.

2010 Daboll
2011 Shurmur
2012 Childress
2013 Turner
2014 Shanahan

Has any other team been that unstable in the O than us.

2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 All new blocking schemes. OL its a wonder that our OL could get any accolades at all!

Just amazing. Then we got guys saying this guy and that guy sucks...How the heck would anyone KNOW? Especially on the OL.

jmho...but yeah insane!

PitDawgs - ok you can lead the group too, cause of your moniker. I had a reason for my suggestion...lol

Nate Ulrich ‏@NateUlrichABJ 23m

#Browns RG Greco said he lost 25 lbs in offseason to adjust to zone-blocking scheme. Now 310. "In the offense, you have to be able to run."

I don't know why I always forget Childress. I think I just try to block it out.

I thought he looked lighter.

I was watching some footage of the Browns camp this morning and it was amazing how guys were blowing right by Schwartz. He did have a couple of nice holds, however.

This OL will get tested early.
By game 6 we'll really see if they're progressing or need more work or better players at certain spots..I don't expect Bit to excel at LG right away.
MS at RT is one to watch...

Why lean times for guard John Greco might give him a leg up in Cleveland Browns' competition

By Tom Reed, Northeast Ohio Media Group
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on August 07, 2014 at 7:03 PM, updated August 07, 2014 at 8:06 PM

BEREA, Ohio – A switch in blocking schemes has produced a change in body types for John Greco.

A casual glance at the Browns guard without his athletic armor reveals a leaner look this season. The seventh-year veteran has shed 25 pounds since March in an effort to quicken his step for the team's wide zone blocking scheme favored by offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.

Greco is seeking any advantage as he tries to repel Garrett Gilkey's challenge at right guard. The two linemen have been alternating with the first unit, although Greco is expected to start Saturday night in the preseason opener at Detroit.

"I've been really working hard in the off-season with the strength staff," the Boardman native said. "In this offense you have to be able to run. We always say if we start on the hash and we're running the other way you want to end outside the numbers. If you're doing that you've got to be able to run.

"In years past you might be a little heavier trying to get more vertical push."

The Shanahans have employed the wide zone since the 1990s when Kyle's father, Mike, produced a string of 1,000-yard rushers with the Denver Broncos. The idea is to stretch the defense laterally with offensive linemen working together like a moving fence. The running back reads the blocks and makes one cut upfield.

"The big knock on this (blocking scheme) is it's soft and not physical, but it is," Greco said. "It's just different angles, but there's still a physical part to it."
We always say if we start on the hash and we're running the other way you want to end outside the numbers. (To do so) you've got to be able to run.

Greco started 14 games last season and 24 since the start of the 2012 campaign. But with the line's new emphasis on quickness and athleticism, coaches encouraged him to lighten his load. He didn't make radical changes to his diet, Greco said, but he increased his cardio workouts.

Coaches likely will use the first two exhibition games to determine a starter at right guard, the only spot on the line where there's a legitimate competition. The Browns drafted Joel Bitonio in the second round and plugged him in at left guard.

Offensive line coach Andy Moeller values Greco's experience, but said last week he sees improvement from Gilkey.

"Garrett Gilkey, from when we first got here in the off-season, when we studied the tape last year to where he is now, has made great strides," Moeller said the second-year lineman. "He's shown to us in our practices he is a caliber of guy that is ready to be right in the starting mix. So he's done well. He's still young. He's only been here a year. By no means has he arrived, but he's certainly taking great strides to get there."

It was an exhibition game against the Lions last year that plied Gilkey with the confidence he could make the jump from obscure Chadron State in Nebraska. Replacing an injured Jason Pinkston, he held his own against rugged Ndamukong Suh.

"A lot of affirmation in that," Gilkey said. "I didn't give up any sacks against Suh and I thought that I played well for the circumstances, especially me coming from a smaller school. Every one kind of put doubts on me. No can doubt me anymore. Now I'm competing for a starting job.

"You can't say that I went to too small of a school or I'm inexperienced or I didn't play high enough competition. So all the critics and all the people that questioned me and my capabilities have nothing to say. There was a lot of affirmation in that, and there will be a lot of affirmation on Saturday when I step out there on the field with the ones."

Gilkey and Greco have stressed the friendly and cooperative nature of their competition. But unlike the defensive line, where players frequently rotate, you either start or sit.

"It's competition, we both know it," Greco said.

You can see it on his face, one that's noticeably leaner since March.


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I'm surprised that Gilkey is considered a viable option to start. Last year he seemed quite bad in games. While I realize this new system may yield different results, I still find it hard to believe he'll win the job.

Trade a possibility for holdout guard Alex Boone
Posted by Michael David Smith on August 9, 2014, 3:29 PM EDT
Alex Boone AP

The 49ers will have options if they want to trade Alex Boone, the guard who is holding out as he seeks a new contract.

Multiple teams are interested in a trade for Boone, CSNBayArea.com reports.

A team trading for Boone would presumably either be willing to give him the new contract he desires, or have an assurance from Boone’s camp that he would be willing to report to his new team.

Boone has started all 16 games for two straight years in San Francisco. While Boone holds out, Joe Looney is starting at right guard, and 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh acknowledged that Looney has some work to do.

“It was good work and things that are fixable -– things that are correctable,” Harbaugh said. “Look forward to getting that done between our first game and our second game.”

The 49ers have indicated that they will not reward Boone’s holdout with a new contract, which means this situation could drag out a while — unless one of those interested teams can persuade the 49ers to make a trade.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/08/09/trade-a-possibility-for-holdout-guard-alex-boone/