hoops23
Posts: 15,696
Aug 23, 2011 2:02pm
Hmm, I may have to pick up a couple jerseys now.
B
BR1986FB
Posts: 24,104
Aug 23, 2011 2:20pm
Thomas Excited for Future
By Fred Greetham
OBR Browns Reporter
Posted Aug 23, 2011
Browns left tackle convinced Browns headed in right direction.
BEREA — When you’re the best left tackle in the NFL you can bet there will be a demand for you.
Joe Thomas has played four years and been to the Pro Bowl every year. In many regards, Thomas is considered to be the best tackle in the game.
Thomas (6-foot-6, 312 pounds) has not missed a start in his four seasons, starting all 64 games he has played.
Thomas, 26, and the Browns agreed to a seven-year contract extension worth an estimated $84 million, with reportedly as much as $40 million guaranteed.
He was in the final year of his original contract and he said he thought about testing free agency, but when Pat Shurmur became coach, he decided this is where he wanted to spend the remainder of his career.
“Once Coach Shurmur got in here, I was willing to talk about the extension,” Thomas said. “Being on a winning team is extremely important to me.
“What I’ve seen the last couple of years is exciting to see where the franchise is heading. That is why I wanted to continue on my journey here. The types of players that Tom Heckert has brought in and the more the team improves, I wanted to sign the extension and stay here.”
Thomas admitted there was a time when he didn’t know if he wanted to spend the majority of his career with the Browns.
“Maybe, a couple of years ago,” he said. “But, it’s all about winning and why I wanted to stay. I feel this is going to be a great franchise and I don’t want to go anywhere else.”
Shurmur is ecstatic to know that one of the big pieces of the offense is in place for years to come.
“I think it’s terrific for the Cleveland Browns and the city of Cleveland,” Shurmur said. “He’s proven to be durable. He’s at every practice and every game.
“He’s a premier offensive lineman at a premier position protecting the quarterback. He can pass protect, run block. He’s a consistent, steady guy."
Thomas has not only been a captain, but his style of leadership is to lead by example.
“There’s a trickle-down effect,” Shurmur said. “As a coach you can point to him and say ‘See how he does it’.
His fellow players appreciate Thomas.
“(Joe) is the ultimate professional,” tight end Evan Moore said. “He’s so consistent in everything he does. He’s a steady presence.”
Thomas said he likes to have an offensive minded coach in the meetings.
“It’s exciting to have only been here four weeks and see the improvement of the offense with Colt (McCoy) and the other guys,” Thomas said. “We have a really aggressive, offensive minded coach.
“To have (McCoy) in the offensive room with us in game planning is awesome.”
Notebook
Aggressive in Red Zone: The Browns seemed to be much more aggressive inside the 20 as opposed to recent years. It helps to have a 6-6 tight end in Evan Moore, who has shown he can go up and get the ball.
“He is such a big target,” Shurmur said. “I assume we’ll throw him the ball.
“There’s no question in the red zone, he has had advantage because of his ability to go up and catch the ball.”
Moore will be more than happy if the Browns continue to use him near the goal line.
“We should be (aggressive),” Moore said. “We can use our bodies to our advantage.”
Moore was back practicing Tuesday and made a great catch in the end zone as he tipped the ball with his left hand and caught it with his right hand over a smaller defensive back. He said his concussion was minor and he was held out more as a precaution.
Hillis Slowed: RB Peyton Hillis sat out practice with a sore back.
“I don’t think it’s a big deal,” Shurmur said.
Shurmur was asked if he thought Hillis would play against the Eagles.
“I’m assuming he will.”
Injury Update: The following did not practice Tuesday: LB Chris Gocong (stinger), DB Usama Young (hamstring), DB T.J. Ward (mouth), WR Carlton Mitchell (finger), OL Eric Steinbach (back), RB Peyton Hillis (back), RB Brandon Jackson (toe)and WR Josh Cribbs (hamstring).
That’s a Wrap: The Browns concluded the training camp portion of the preseason with Tuesday’s morning practice. It was the last practice open to the public.
“It was the last opportunity for the fans to watch practice,” Shurmur said. “The players appreciate the fans and coming out to the practices. It’s always fun when people watch what you do.”
http://cle.scout.com/2/1098542.html
By Fred Greetham
OBR Browns Reporter
Posted Aug 23, 2011
Browns left tackle convinced Browns headed in right direction.
BEREA — When you’re the best left tackle in the NFL you can bet there will be a demand for you.
Joe Thomas has played four years and been to the Pro Bowl every year. In many regards, Thomas is considered to be the best tackle in the game.
Thomas (6-foot-6, 312 pounds) has not missed a start in his four seasons, starting all 64 games he has played.
Thomas, 26, and the Browns agreed to a seven-year contract extension worth an estimated $84 million, with reportedly as much as $40 million guaranteed.
He was in the final year of his original contract and he said he thought about testing free agency, but when Pat Shurmur became coach, he decided this is where he wanted to spend the remainder of his career.
“Once Coach Shurmur got in here, I was willing to talk about the extension,” Thomas said. “Being on a winning team is extremely important to me.
“What I’ve seen the last couple of years is exciting to see where the franchise is heading. That is why I wanted to continue on my journey here. The types of players that Tom Heckert has brought in and the more the team improves, I wanted to sign the extension and stay here.”
Thomas admitted there was a time when he didn’t know if he wanted to spend the majority of his career with the Browns.
“Maybe, a couple of years ago,” he said. “But, it’s all about winning and why I wanted to stay. I feel this is going to be a great franchise and I don’t want to go anywhere else.”
Shurmur is ecstatic to know that one of the big pieces of the offense is in place for years to come.
“I think it’s terrific for the Cleveland Browns and the city of Cleveland,” Shurmur said. “He’s proven to be durable. He’s at every practice and every game.
“He’s a premier offensive lineman at a premier position protecting the quarterback. He can pass protect, run block. He’s a consistent, steady guy."
Thomas has not only been a captain, but his style of leadership is to lead by example.
“There’s a trickle-down effect,” Shurmur said. “As a coach you can point to him and say ‘See how he does it’.
His fellow players appreciate Thomas.
“(Joe) is the ultimate professional,” tight end Evan Moore said. “He’s so consistent in everything he does. He’s a steady presence.”
Thomas said he likes to have an offensive minded coach in the meetings.
“It’s exciting to have only been here four weeks and see the improvement of the offense with Colt (McCoy) and the other guys,” Thomas said. “We have a really aggressive, offensive minded coach.
“To have (McCoy) in the offensive room with us in game planning is awesome.”
Notebook
Aggressive in Red Zone: The Browns seemed to be much more aggressive inside the 20 as opposed to recent years. It helps to have a 6-6 tight end in Evan Moore, who has shown he can go up and get the ball.
“He is such a big target,” Shurmur said. “I assume we’ll throw him the ball.
“There’s no question in the red zone, he has had advantage because of his ability to go up and catch the ball.”
Moore will be more than happy if the Browns continue to use him near the goal line.
“We should be (aggressive),” Moore said. “We can use our bodies to our advantage.”
Moore was back practicing Tuesday and made a great catch in the end zone as he tipped the ball with his left hand and caught it with his right hand over a smaller defensive back. He said his concussion was minor and he was held out more as a precaution.
Hillis Slowed: RB Peyton Hillis sat out practice with a sore back.
“I don’t think it’s a big deal,” Shurmur said.
Shurmur was asked if he thought Hillis would play against the Eagles.
“I’m assuming he will.”
Injury Update: The following did not practice Tuesday: LB Chris Gocong (stinger), DB Usama Young (hamstring), DB T.J. Ward (mouth), WR Carlton Mitchell (finger), OL Eric Steinbach (back), RB Peyton Hillis (back), RB Brandon Jackson (toe)and WR Josh Cribbs (hamstring).
That’s a Wrap: The Browns concluded the training camp portion of the preseason with Tuesday’s morning practice. It was the last practice open to the public.
“It was the last opportunity for the fans to watch practice,” Shurmur said. “The players appreciate the fans and coming out to the practices. It’s always fun when people watch what you do.”
http://cle.scout.com/2/1098542.html
sleeper
Posts: 27,879
Aug 23, 2011 3:00pm
Glad to hear about the Thomas signing.
lhslep134
Posts: 9,774
Aug 23, 2011 3:47pm
TigerNation10;871089 wrote:How legit are these jerseys? I might pick up the Rey Malaluga orange Browns jersey haha.
They also have the Reds throwbacks which run around $250. Even if they aren't 100%, they still appear real.
They're very legit. Have a White Haden and a red Irving like I said.
iclfan2
Posts: 6,360
Aug 23, 2011 8:09pm
TigerNation10;870831 wrote:Yes! Now I can feel comfortable when buying a Browns jersey!
Joke is, the only Browns jersey I have ever owned (besides Kosar when I was little) is a Joe Thomas Jersey I bought when he got drafted. Boy do I know how to pick them! Unfortunately it is the bright orange one they no longer wear.
Commander of Awesome
Posts: 23,151
Aug 23, 2011 8:19pm
I'm probably in the minority but I like the Orange jerseys.
iclfan2
Posts: 6,360
Aug 23, 2011 8:39pm
Commander of Awesome;871721 wrote:I'm probably in the minority but I like the Orange jerseys.
I do too, that's why I got it. But I wish they wore it once a season at least. The thing that pisses me off about jerseys are the white numbers get really dirty. I don't know how to clean them, and it's a fake jersey with sewn on everything and I don't want to ruin that.
lhslep134
Posts: 9,774
Aug 23, 2011 8:52pm
Commander of Awesome;871721 wrote:I'm probably in the minority but I like the Orange jerseys.
I love em. I think they should use em once or twice a year.
lhslep134
Posts: 9,774
Aug 23, 2011 8:53pm
iclfan2;871749 wrote:I do too, that's why I got it. But I wish they wore it once a season at least. The thing that pisses me off about jerseys are the white numbers get really dirty. I don't know how to clean them, and it's a fake jersey with sewn on everything and I don't want to ruin that.
Use Oxyclean gel on the numbers, throw it in the wash by itself on a warm setting, and air dry.
B
BR1986FB
Posts: 24,104
Aug 24, 2011 5:28am
Commander of Awesome;871721 wrote:I'm probably in the minority but I like the Orange jerseys.
They need to bring back the orange pants. Coupled with the brown jerseys they look sharp.
Article on the offense...
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/08/pat_shurmurs_aggressive_offens.html
SportsAndLady
Posts: 35,632
Aug 24, 2011 7:39am
Josh Cribbs:
One day when my career is all said & done, I will tell true tales of the greatest fans in football & how in 30below, snow & all Browns fans were there in record numbers!!!
Commander of Awesome
Posts: 23,151
Aug 24, 2011 8:25am
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/21646/power-rankings-top-10-left-tackles
Power Rankings: Top 10 left tackles
June, 14, 2011
Jun 14
12:40
PM ET
Email
Print
Comments185
By Pat Yasinskas
Power Rankings Left TacklesESPN.com IllustrationOur bloggers say Joe Thomas and Jake Long are the NFL's best left tackles by a wide margin.
ESPN.com ranks the NFL’s top 10 at left tackle, one of the most important positions in the league. Next week: Top up-and-coming assistants.
Take a quarter out of your pocket and look at its width. That’s basically the difference between the top two left tackles in the ESPN.com Power Rankings.
Cleveland’s Joe Thomas received 76 points from our eight-person panel of voters. Miami’s Jake Long received 75. That put them way ahead of the rest of our top 10 list of the NFL's best blindside pass protectors.
Our panel of division bloggers gave Thomas five first-place votes, and Long received three.
“It was pretty much a coin flip for me,’’ said NFC East blogger Dan Graziano.
Ranking the left tackles
1. Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns
2. Jake Long, Miami Dolphins
3. Ryan Clady, Denver Broncos
4. Jordan Gross, Carolina Panthers
5. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, NY Jets
6. Michael Roos, Tennessee Titans
7. Jason Peters, Philadelphia Eagles
8t. Marcus McNeill, San Diego Chargers
8t. Donald Penn, Tampa Bay Bucs
10. Matt Light, New England Patriots
Power Rankings: Top 10 left tackles
June, 14, 2011
Jun 14
12:40
PM ET
Comments185
By Pat Yasinskas
Power Rankings Left TacklesESPN.com IllustrationOur bloggers say Joe Thomas and Jake Long are the NFL's best left tackles by a wide margin.
ESPN.com ranks the NFL’s top 10 at left tackle, one of the most important positions in the league. Next week: Top up-and-coming assistants.
Take a quarter out of your pocket and look at its width. That’s basically the difference between the top two left tackles in the ESPN.com Power Rankings.
Cleveland’s Joe Thomas received 76 points from our eight-person panel of voters. Miami’s Jake Long received 75. That put them way ahead of the rest of our top 10 list of the NFL's best blindside pass protectors.
Our panel of division bloggers gave Thomas five first-place votes, and Long received three.
“It was pretty much a coin flip for me,’’ said NFC East blogger Dan Graziano.
Ranking the left tackles
1. Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns
2. Jake Long, Miami Dolphins
3. Ryan Clady, Denver Broncos
4. Jordan Gross, Carolina Panthers
5. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, NY Jets
6. Michael Roos, Tennessee Titans
7. Jason Peters, Philadelphia Eagles
8t. Marcus McNeill, San Diego Chargers
8t. Donald Penn, Tampa Bay Bucs
10. Matt Light, New England Patriots
Commander of Awesome
Posts: 23,151
Aug 24, 2011 8:26am
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/story?id=...player-rankings
After watching games and breaking down film, Scouts Inc. has evaluated and graded more than 2,500 NFL players heading into the 2011 season. Here's how the top 200 players stacked up.
No one would dare say ranking these players is an easy chore. In fact, it's a brutal chore. But it's pretty obvious in viewing the top of this list as to what has the most value. Simply put, quarterbacks make the league go round. If every general manager were to get together and hold a draft, with every current player as a true free agent, quarterbacks would own the first round. But from there, you can learn a lot.
Next on the list are players who are essential to the passing game, like pass-protectors, pass-rushers and superb cover men. He doesn't get the air-time, but Joe Thomas is far more dominant at a key position in the passing game than many quarterbacks are. And a great quarterback can make his receivers look better, but that's a two-way street. Elsewhere, you may see some players you barely recognize, but don't discount how great a player Kyle Williams is because he's been playing on a struggling Buffalo Bills team.
From there, just look for dominance. Is there really anyone better at what they do than Darrelle Revis? Well, you could certainly have a case to say that Revis' teammate, Nick Mangold, is as good at what he does as Revis is based on what he's asked to do. (Thus making this whole ranking business very difficult.)
In the end, this list is all about value. It's about the skills and traits most coveted on a football team to help them become winners.
#9 Joe Thomas
93
AGE: 26
DOB: 12/4/84
HT: 6-6
WT: 312
POS: T
GP 16
GS 16
Player Analysis
Thomas is an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism. He has great instincts and reactions. His technique is strong for such a young player, and he obviously takes his craft seriously.
Thomas can get to the second level as a run blocker and is adept at hitting a moving target downfield. Thomas could stand to add more strength. He is a physical lineman that can set the tone in the running game.
After watching games and breaking down film, Scouts Inc. has evaluated and graded more than 2,500 NFL players heading into the 2011 season. Here's how the top 200 players stacked up.
No one would dare say ranking these players is an easy chore. In fact, it's a brutal chore. But it's pretty obvious in viewing the top of this list as to what has the most value. Simply put, quarterbacks make the league go round. If every general manager were to get together and hold a draft, with every current player as a true free agent, quarterbacks would own the first round. But from there, you can learn a lot.
Next on the list are players who are essential to the passing game, like pass-protectors, pass-rushers and superb cover men. He doesn't get the air-time, but Joe Thomas is far more dominant at a key position in the passing game than many quarterbacks are. And a great quarterback can make his receivers look better, but that's a two-way street. Elsewhere, you may see some players you barely recognize, but don't discount how great a player Kyle Williams is because he's been playing on a struggling Buffalo Bills team.
From there, just look for dominance. Is there really anyone better at what they do than Darrelle Revis? Well, you could certainly have a case to say that Revis' teammate, Nick Mangold, is as good at what he does as Revis is based on what he's asked to do. (Thus making this whole ranking business very difficult.)
In the end, this list is all about value. It's about the skills and traits most coveted on a football team to help them become winners.
#9 Joe Thomas
93
AGE: 26
DOB: 12/4/84
HT: 6-6
WT: 312
POS: T
GP 16
GS 16
Player Analysis
Thomas is an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism. He has great instincts and reactions. His technique is strong for such a young player, and he obviously takes his craft seriously.
Thomas can get to the second level as a run blocker and is adept at hitting a moving target downfield. Thomas could stand to add more strength. He is a physical lineman that can set the tone in the running game.
sleeper
Posts: 27,879
Aug 24, 2011 12:45pm
I don't know a lot about football, but I think Trent Williams is a beast of a tackle. I don't watch many redskins games but the few that I've seen he's absolutely dominated his side of the line.Commander of Awesome;872178 wrote:http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/21646/power-rankings-top-10-left-tackles
Power Rankings: Top 10 left tackles
June, 14, 2011
Jun 14
12:40
PM ET
Comments185
By Pat Yasinskas
Power Rankings Left TacklesESPN.com IllustrationOur bloggers say Joe Thomas and Jake Long are the NFL's best left tackles by a wide margin.
ESPN.com ranks the NFL’s top 10 at left tackle, one of the most important positions in the league. Next week: Top up-and-coming assistants.
Take a quarter out of your pocket and look at its width. That’s basically the difference between the top two left tackles in the ESPN.com Power Rankings.
Cleveland’s Joe Thomas received 76 points from our eight-person panel of voters. Miami’s Jake Long received 75. That put them way ahead of the rest of our top 10 list of the NFL's best blindside pass protectors.
Our panel of division bloggers gave Thomas five first-place votes, and Long received three.
“It was pretty much a coin flip for me,’’ said NFC East blogger Dan Graziano.
Ranking the left tackles
1. Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns
2. Jake Long, Miami Dolphins
3. Ryan Clady, Denver Broncos
4. Jordan Gross, Carolina Panthers
5. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, NY Jets
6. Michael Roos, Tennessee Titans
7. Jason Peters, Philadelphia Eagles
8t. Marcus McNeill, San Diego Chargers
8t. Donald Penn, Tampa Bay Bucs
10. Matt Light, New England Patriots
Scarlet_Buckeye
Posts: 5,264
Aug 24, 2011 1:01pm
SportsAndLady;872165 wrote:Josh Cribbs:
This is why Cleveland loves Cribbs so much.
Scarlet_Buckeye
Posts: 5,264
Aug 24, 2011 1:04pm
Commander of Awesome;872179 wrote:http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/story?id=...player-rankings
After watching games and breaking down film, Scouts Inc. has evaluated and graded more than 2,500 NFL players heading into the 2011 season. Here's how the top 200 players stacked up.
No one would dare say ranking these players is an easy chore. In fact, it's a brutal chore. But it's pretty obvious in viewing the top of this list as to what has the most value. Simply put, quarterbacks make the league go round. If every general manager were to get together and hold a draft, with every current player as a true free agent, quarterbacks would own the first round. But from there, you can learn a lot.
Next on the list are players who are essential to the passing game, like pass-protectors, pass-rushers and superb cover men. He doesn't get the air-time, but Joe Thomas is far more dominant at a key position in the passing game than many quarterbacks are. And a great quarterback can make his receivers look better, but that's a two-way street. Elsewhere, you may see some players you barely recognize, but don't discount how great a player Kyle Williams is because he's been playing on a struggling Buffalo Bills team.
From there, just look for dominance. Is there really anyone better at what they do than Darrelle Revis? Well, you could certainly have a case to say that Revis' teammate, Nick Mangold, is as good at what he does as Revis is based on what he's asked to do. (Thus making this whole ranking business very difficult.)
In the end, this list is all about value. It's about the skills and traits most coveted on a football team to help them become winners.
#9 Joe Thomas
93
AGE: 26
DOB: 12/4/84
HT: 6-6
WT: 312
POS: T
GP 16
GS 16
Player Analysis
Thomas is an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism. He has great instincts and reactions. His technique is strong for such a young player, and he obviously takes his craft seriously.
Thomas can get to the second level as a run blocker and is adept at hitting a moving target downfield. Thomas could stand to add more strength. He is a physical lineman that can set the tone in the running game.
Can you post the top 10, please? Link doesn't appear to be working.
2kool4skool
Posts: 1,804
Aug 24, 2011 1:10pm
It's interesting that the top 4, and 5 of the top 6, are on teams who are pretty much thought to be non-factors this season. Considering many(myself included) consider LT to be the 2nd most important position on offense, I would have thought there would be a stronger correlation between strength there, and strength of the team. It probably shows just how significant the QB is to the success of a team, considering all 5 have unproven QB's.Commander of Awesome;872178 wrote:Ranking the left tackles
1. Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns
2. Jake Long, Miami Dolphins
3. Ryan Clady, Denver Broncos
4. Jordan Gross, Carolina Panthers
5. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, NY Jets
6. Michael Roos, Tennessee Titans
7. Jason Peters, Philadelphia Eagles
8t. Marcus McNeill, San Diego Chargers
8t. Donald Penn, Tampa Bay Bucs
10. Matt Light, New England Patriots
SportsAndLady
Posts: 35,632
Aug 24, 2011 1:16pm
2kool4skool;872393 wrote:It's interesting that the top 4, and 5 of the top 6, are on teams who are pretty much thought to be non-factors this season. Considering many(myself included) consider LT to be the 2nd most important position on offense, I would have thought there would be a stronger correlation between strength there, and strength of the team. It probably shows just how significant the QB is to the success of a team, considering all 5 have unproven QB's.
Don't confuse having a good LT with having a good o-line.
Those teams may have good LT's but they probably don't have good a line, overall.
Crimson streak
Posts: 9,002
Aug 24, 2011 2:43pm
sleeper;872364 wrote:I don't know a lot about football
Hahahahaha well no shit
Commander of Awesome
Posts: 23,151
Aug 24, 2011 3:22pm
Crimson streak
Posts: 9,002
Aug 24, 2011 4:39pm
I had to deal with philli fans talk shit at work today. But don't tell those guys it's just the preseason
B
BR1986FB
Posts: 24,104
Aug 24, 2011 5:44pm
Not sure what you guys are looking for in the "dress rehearsal" tomorrow night but if they're smart, they minimize the passing and run the ball pretty heavily. So far, we've seen that they can pass but have no idea whether Hillis can run in this new offense. Might also want to get some of the rust off of Hardesty and see what he's got.
lhslep134
Posts: 9,774
Aug 24, 2011 5:51pm
I'm not exactly sure what I want to see. I'm all for getting reps against 1st teamers, but watching Terrell Thomas done for the season Monday night was more than a little troubling. I just want to finish these last 2 games as healthy as possible.
Commander of Awesome
Posts: 23,151
Aug 24, 2011 5:56pm
I'm with you ishelp, I wouldnt care if the 1st and 2nd only played a series or two. Also I dont want to see Hardesty run, I'd rather get his 7 carries during the regular season.
B
BR1986FB
Posts: 24,104
Aug 24, 2011 5:58pm
Commander of Awesome;872694 wrote:I'm with you ishelp, I wouldnt care if the 1st and 2nd only played a series or two. Also I dont want to see Hardesty run, I'd rather get his 7 carries during the regular season.
Which is 7 more than Old Man Andra will play. Hang em' up, grandpa!