Cleveland Browns: Joe Thomas Week 3 Player Review

In Week 3, an interesting matchup was occurring as the Cleveland Browns offensive line faced the Oakland Raiders defensive line, specifically DE Khalil Mack. Unfortunately for the Browns, last Sunday was just not their day going against the Raiders’ defense.

Last week Cleveland Browns LT Joe Thomas was my player to watch against the Oakland Raiders because he would face DE Khalil Mack, the Raiders’ sophomore phenom.

Mr. Thomas and his offensive linemates were embarrassed by the Raiders and Mack had a strip-sack of QB Josh McCown, who was sacked 5 times. I knew that the Raiders would move Mack around so that he wouldn’t have to face Thomas all afternoon. However it did not matter where Mack lined up.

The offensive line, along with the rest of the team, is playing so poorly that it is difficult to watch — it is also hard to understand. This is the same lineup that looked so good when they played together last year.

The OL consisting of Thomas, Joel Bitonio, Alex Mack, John Greco and Mitchell Schwartz looked like one of the best lines in 2014. They look like a bunch of overmatched rookies out there. Do the Browns miss former OL coach Andy Moeller that badly? I can’t help but wonder. Is it coaching that is lacking here?

Thomas is one of the best ever at his position. He has played pretty well this year, but not up to the standard he has set for himself. Thomas is the senior member of the Browns offensive line. I hope that as such, he can somehow pull these guys together and get things straightened out.

As I said earlier, it is confusing how so many players could look like they have regressed. It just seems bizarre. It is like the team all ate the same bad food or had a curse put on them! I could comprehend a couple of guys struggling for a couple of games, but to see so many players look unprepared, and unmotivated is very disheartening because to me that means the problem is coaching.

I have been a big proponent of Browns head coach Mike Pettine but he is going to get himself fired if he can’t figure this thing out quickly. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said that will not happen but how could you not fire Pettine if things don’t change? The Browns look pathetic!

Truthfully, the Browns played well week two against the Tennessee Titans and they face the San Diego Chargers this coming weekend. If the Browns bounce back and at least play well against the Chargers, then maybe I won’t be so bothered by their situation.

However, if they do play well this week and look inspired, you have to question why did the team look and play so uninspired in weeks one and three?

This is exactly what needs to happen this Sunday just so that I can wrap my head around this season so far. I could see some hope for this team. On the other hand, if they play flat again as a team, I’ll be left to wonder: is it something in the water? How could EVERYONE play poorly?

Let’s just hope that the coaches do a good job this week getting the players prepared for the Chargers.

Next: Cleveland Browns: Austin Davis Signed A Contract Extension

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