Guys doing better/worse than I expected

[BernietheKid]

Browns left guard Jason Pinkston learns the ropes as a rookie

After injury to Steinbach, fifth-round pick exceeds expectations in new role

By Nate Ulrich
Beacon Journal sports writer

Published: September 25, 2011 - 12:13 AM

BEREA: Rookie Jason Pinkston can be found in the back left corner of the Browns’ locker room, hunched over a binder as he diagrams plays after practice.

Pinkston is focused. He briefly looks away from the stack of papers in front of him to quietly discuss the material with fellow offensive linemen Artis Hicks and Oniel Cousins.

Then his attention returns to the playbook. His pencil begins to move again.
Offensive line coach George Warhop requires his players to take a written exam every Friday. Pinkston is usually at the center of study sessions.

“We’re over here working it out as a group and going over things,” Pinkston said. “We’re just preparing ourselves for Sunday.”

The Browns have needed Pinkston to learn at an accelerated pace. Veteran Eric Steinbach suffered a season-ending back injury on Aug. 17, about two weeks after
Pinkston started his first NFL training camp.

The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Pinkston has replaced Steinbach as the team’s starting left guard.

When Pinkston was selected by the Browns in the fifth round (150th overall) of this year’s draft, he did not expect to become an immediate starter. When camp began, he was third on the depth chart at left guard, behind Steinbach and Pat Murray, who has since been cut.

“I was pretty surprised,” Pinkston said. “Whenever an injury happens, you’ve gotta be ready and step up and play. It kind of happened fast, so I just had to adapt, follow along with the older guys and just try to get better every day.”

Pinkston has accomplished his goals thus far. He is expected to start his third consecutive regular-season game when the Browns (1-1) host the Miami Dolphins (0-2) at 1 p.m. today.

“He went out and played in the preseason and didn’t blink,” Warhop said. “He had to start some games and didn’t blink. He just kept getting better. It hurts us not having Steiny for a lot of reasons. … But the young guy because of Steiny’s absence is gonna get better a lot faster, and he brings some stuff to the table.”

Warhop concedes Pinkston has exceeded expectations. Pinkston did not have a chance to benefit from minicamps or organized team activities because they were wiped out by the NFL’s lockout.

Pinkston played left tackle at the University of Pittsburgh and could have used offseason programs to ease his transition to guard. Instead, he was not permitted to report to the Browns’ training facility until late July. Less than three weeks later, Steinbach hurt his back.

“It’s really hard for any rookie to come in and start,” left tackle Joe Thomas said. “So you don’t really know what you’re gonna get until you throw them out there in the fire in a regular-season game. I think he’s been a real pleasant surprise because you never how they’re gonna react to adversity, but he’s done a great job of just being consistent and, no matter what happens, getting ready for the next play and doing his job. I think everybody’s been really happy with the way he’s played.”

Of course, Pinkston has not been perfect. Coach Pat Shurmur said Pinkston learned some lessons last Sunday in the Browns’ 27-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

“I thought he played OK last week,” Shurmur said. “There were a handful of plays he wants back. … That’s not easy duty when you’re a rookie, playing in the fray in there. I think he’s done a good job.”

Pinkston realizes he must continue to improve. At left guard, he is sandwiched between Thomas and center Alex Mack, both of whom played in the most recent Pro Bowl. In other words, the bar has been set high for the Browns’ offensive line.

Despite his inexperience, Pinkston is earning respect. With his thirst for knowledge, he’s proving he belongs.

“He’s really smart,” Thomas said. “He’s done a great job studying and preparing for each game, and his play has increased significantly from the first game to the second one. So we’re hoping that he continues to make that jump the rest of the season.”

Browns left guard Jason Pinkston learns the ropes as a rookie - Browns - Ohio

[BernietheKid]

Browns looking like Heckert's team: Terry Pluto's talkin' about the Browns

Published: Sunday, September 25, 2011, 6:00 AM
By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer

1. The Browns are expected to start nine of Tom Heckert's draft picks today. Think about that . . . nine. That's nine in two years. On defense, there's Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard on the line. T.J. Ward and Joe Haden are in the defensive backfield.

2. On offense, it's Colt McCoy (QB), Jason Pinkston (LG), Shawn Lauvao (RG), Greg Little (WR) and Owen Marecic (FB). Pinkston has been the biggest surprise. The fifth-rounder was supposed to be a backup, but left guard Eric Steinbach's back injury created an opening. Pinkston was given a chance and grabbed the job. The former left tackle from Pitt has graded above average in his first two starts.

3. Lauvao had an excellent preseason, but struggled in the opener against the Bengals. He was much better in the victory over the Colts. The Browns are hoping they can create a young line with Joe Thomas (LT), Alex Mack (C), Pinkston and Lauvao. The oldest is Thomas at 26. The open spot is right tackle, where veteran Tony Pashos has battled injuries. Oniel Cousins and Artis Hicks have split the snaps at right tackle, but neither is a long-term answer.

4. If Steinbach comes back strong from his surgery, it's possible Pinkston could move to right tackle. But back injuries are serious business and Steinbach will be 32 next season.

5. Marecic has played about 40 percent of the snaps in the first two games, normal for a fullback in the West Coast offense. That's also why they didn't want to spend big money for Lawrence Vickers. More often, they will play two tight ends rather than a fullback.

6. The new Browns coaches knew Ben Watson was a good receiver at tight end and are pleased with his blocking. That helps, with their problem at right tackle. And the right tackle situation is also why Alex Smith (32 snaps) played so much against the Colts. Smith and Watson were on the field 25 snaps together. Marecic played 31 snaps.

7. What Browns receiver has played the most in the first two games? Greg Little with 105 snaps. Last week gave a clue to how the receivers will be used: Little (48 snaps), Mohamed Massaquoi (39), Joshua Cribbs (29) and Brian Robiskie (26). Don't be surprised if Evan Moore (only nine snaps last week) takes some of Robiskie's time when the Browns want a third receiver on the field.

8. The Browns have only two starters (Mack and Massaquoi) left from the one season Eric Mangini picked the players. All of the former Jets -- Abe Elam, Kenyon Coleman, Jason Trusnik, David Bowens, Eric Barton, C.J. Mosley, Brett Ratliff, Hank Poteat, and Chansi Stuckey are gone.

9. While the Browns had an interest in re-signing Eric Wright, they are thrilled with Dimitri Patterson. They turned to Patterson once Wright seemed indifferent about returning. The former Eagle has been the nickel back, and usually in single coverage. The Browns believe he is good enough to start at cornerback if Sheldon Brown or Haden are out.

10. While the former Jets are gone, Heckert has brought in a few players from his old team . . . former Eagles Chris Gocong, Brown and Patterson.


ABOUT THE BROWNS' DEFENSIVE LINE . . .


1. At a recent news conference, I asked defensive coordinator Dick Jauron about the heavy load his defensive line is carrying. He admitted it is a concern, and that he needs to work in some other players to keep them fresh. There have been 138 defensive snaps in the first two games. Here is what the regulars have played: Scott Fujita (138), D'Qwell Jackson (138), Brown (137), Ward (135), Jayme Mitchell (132), Sheard (131), Ahtyba Rubin (121), Taylor (92) and Gocong (92).

2. It's common for defensive backs and most good linebackers to play more than 90 percent of the snaps in most games. But it's rare for defensive linemen to play that much. Mitchell, Sheard and Rubin have combined to play 384 of 414 snaps. That is too much, as you want to keep the linemen rested so they can better rush the passer.

3. Rubin ranks No. 2 in snaps played among NFL defensive tackles this season. Mitchell is No. 4 and Sheard is No. 5 among defensive ends.

4. The three backup linemen are Scott Paxson (20 snaps), Brian Schaefering (14 snaps) and Marcus Benard (11). Benard didn't play against the Colts. Here's what Jauron said: "We just have to get them more rest then what we are giving them. I believe we will fall into that rotation. I'm not certain it's going to be as soon as we would like, but it will happen as we see guys play more and more and getting a feel for everybody -- and then just doing it."

5. The good news is the line has played extremely well. The Browns are 17th against the run, allowing 4.2 yards per carry. They have given up one rushing touchdown. So this is progress from a year ago. The line is young, Mitchell being the oldest at 27 and Sheard the youngest at 22. The Browns must develop some depth on the line.

Browns looking like Heckert's team: Terry Pluto's talkin' about the Browns | cleveland.com

[Jax Dawg]

One guy that has suprised me so far this season who I haven't seen mentioned elsewhere is Dick Jauron. When I first heard he was hired as DC I was bummed because I thought he would be passive, never bring the blitz, and rely on a lot of zone coverage.

So far he has been a lot more aggressive than I imagined he would be relying on Haden, Brown, and Patterson to play mostly man. I'm sure their solid play has allowed him to do that along with the better than expected play of Sheard and Taylor. I guess good players making plays really do make coaches look better...

I was wrong about you Dick, keep it up! (That doesn't sound right)

[Enigmatic Evil]

Here's a name I will put in the "worse than expected" category. Scott Fujita. His play has been rather underwhelming for a defensive leader on this team.

On offense... in the "better than expected" category, I will give props to Monterio Hardesty, he's got his own thread granted but I think he deserves the props.