Cleveland Browns' Position Analysis: Offensive Line

(Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images)

In an effort to learn about many of the new faces on the Cleveland Browns roster for this upcoming season, I decided to watch a little film. NFL.com has put all of last season's games on-line (for a fee), so I decided to purchase the package.

I decided to start with the offensive linemen, because this was the area about which I felt the least knowledgeable. I also knew that to write a truly informed article, I would have to watch a good deal of film.

I also wanted to start here because the Browns seem more set with this area of the team than with any other. Some positions will need to be looked at after the draft, but the offensive line is probably the closest thing the Browns have to a team strength.

The first thing I realized was just how little I really watched offensive linemen on game day. Sure, I know their reputations and what major sports news outlets have to say about them, but how much do I really know from watching with my own eyes?

Some of what I saw simply reinforced what I believed I knew. Sometimes, I was surprised at how well or how poorly one of the linemen performed.

One thing is for sure: Watching an old game and focusing on the offensive line is an eye-opening experience. It has allowed me to see the game differently and appreciate what the guys in the trenches really do. I recommend it highly.

Whenever possible, I watched a minimum of two games' worth of film on each player, spread out against six opponents on average. I tried to balance weak vs. strong opponents, early vs. late season, and first vs. second halves of games.

For example: With Joe Thomas, I watched the first 20 minutes (approximately) of Weeks One and 17 against Dallas and Pittsburgh, respectively; the middle 20 minutes of Weeks Four and 11 against Cincinnati and Buffalo; and the last 20 minutes of Weeks Eight and 14 against Denver and Tennessee.

I really wanted to know details about how each guy played.

I'll start with a look at each player individually, and then address the line as a whole.

Joe Thomas—16 starts at left tackle for Cleveland last season

Thomas proved to be every bit as good as advertised. He wasn't perfect, but he proved to be the most consistently impressive offensive lineman on the Browns roster.

He has extremely quick feet, which enable him to stay in front of fast edge rushers. He also uses his hands well to keep would-be tacklers away from ball carriers. He is also very effective in open space, getting out in front of screens.

The only area where he is merely above average is in short yardage runs. He gets a decent push, but not as much I thought he might.

Nonetheless, Thomas is by far the best lineman on the Browns roster. After watching him at work, the fact that he's played in two Pro Bowls in two seasons makes a whole lot of sense.

Eric Steinbach—14 starts at left guard for Cleveland last season

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