The Offensive Line: One Thing Quinn/Anderson Supporters Can Agree On

With Browns training camp coming to the end of it's first full week, much of the focus has been on the quarterback competition between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson. That is no surprise to anybody. Fellow Browns writer Daniel Wolf has been giving daily reports on Browns Practices.

In his reports he mentions that both Quinn and Anderson have had their positive and negative moments in camp. One thing that really got my attention was today's report where Wolf reports that both did well in a 6 on 6 drill that involved no interior line play.

Earlier reports indicate some sacks and many instances in which both guys were forced to throw it away or hurry throws. Wolf also reports that the defense is performing quite well at this point.

Many of the comments indicate that they feel that either Quinn or Anderson need to step it up. While I don't disagree with that, it seems to me that another player needs to step it up first. That is Joe Thomas.

Thomas is going into his third year as the starting Left Tackle. After making the Pro Bowl in his first two years, it is time for him to not only be the anchor but the leader of the offensive line.

With the defense playing so well in the first week of camp, that to me is a direct reflection of the offensive line. I am not at the practices but I am hearing of way too many sacks and hurries.

While I don't think it is anything to panic about at this point, it certainly is an early concern. It is especially disappointing considering the moves Eric Mangini has made to address this area of the team. Eric Steinbach along with Thomas looked to be solid on the left side.

Floyd Womack and John St. Clair, who were signed as free agents, were brought in to sure up the right side. Then they drafted Alex Mack very high and it seems as though he will eventually replace Hank Fraley at center.

With all these moves, Browns fans expect the line to be a real strength in 2009. It is still very early but that hasn't been the case so far.

I hear that Alex Mack is getting handled pretty good by Shaun Rogers. To be fair, Rogers is a Pro Bowler and this could make Mack tougher.

The offensive line also suffered a big blow with an injury to back up Rex Hadnot. There is no word on how long he will be out but it sounds pretty serious.

So yes, either Quinn or Anderson need to take their game to another level. In order for that to happen, the line really needs to step up their game first. A foundation needs to be laid before the rest can be put together.

I am putting this on Joe Thomas. I think he needs to step it up and be the leader and get this line going.

Without the line, what difference does it even make who wins between Quinn and Anderson?