CLEVELAND (AP) -Joe Thomas is one of the few people the Cleveland Browns have been able to depend on.
Entering his fourth NFL season, Thomas has started all 48 games the team has played since Cleveland selected the offensive left tackle with the third pick in the 2007 draft.
Thomas, who has yet to miss an offensive snap, has been a rock of consistency for a team that has been plagued by losing and turmoil. Thomas was one of the Browns captains in 2009 and looks to assume even more of a leadership role this season.
“I feel like that’s happening,” said Thomas, who has made the Pro Bowl in all three seasons. “Last year, was my first year as a captain. I feel like I’m starting to step up in the locker room and meeting rooms and, hopefully, trying to carry that over for another year and improve on that.”
ne. Jake Delhomme will be this season’s starter, with Seneca Wallace and rookie Colt McCoy in reserve.
Getting accustomed to working with Delhomme is one of Thomas’ top priorities in training camp.
“Getting with Jake and trying to kind of get this offense moving in the direction that we want (is important),” Thomas said.
The Browns have completed one week of camp and Thomas likes the routine that has developed.
“It’s a good feel,” he said. “It seems like every camp I’m in there’s always a good, positive buzz going around and everybody’s very optimistic. I see that this year, the same way.”
While hardly a grizzled veteran, Thomas has a definite opinion on the rigors of camp.
“I don’t know if it ever gets easier,” he said. “I think it just is what it is. You know what to expect, so maybe things are a little bit easier because you’re maybe not as nervous. You’ve got more expectations about how things are going to run, but it never is easy.”
Left guard Eric Steinbach signed with the Browns in 2007 and has played alongside Thomas for three years.
“I’ve been in the league seven years and obviously he’s one of the better, if not the best, tackle in the game right now,” Steinbach said. “He’s only been in the league three years. My first here year he was a rookie and he came in and played right away. He did a tremendous job. Each year he’s a consistent, solid player.”
Thomas became an instant hit with Cleveland fans. He bypassed the pomp and circumstance of draft day three years ago to go fishing. The 6-foot-6, 312-pounder co-hosts his own fishing show on a local television station. Thomas is signed through the 2011 season so it’s unclear whether he will be in Cleveland beyond that.
“I’m just taking it one year at a time and when the time comes to talk about long-term, I’m sure the Browns will come to me,” Thomas said. “But we’re just trying to win games and turn this team into a winner. The contract things always take care of themselves.”
Thomas and the other players get a break in the routine Saturday when the team holds its annual scrimmage at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The players will break into Brown and White Squads and play four 10-minute quarters. Coach Eric Mangini wants to simulate game conditions as much as possible.
“It should be fun,” Mangini said. “I look forward to a big crowd turnout. Rookies don’t understand how noisy it gets at our place, but they will soon enough.”
The coaching staff has divided up the teams as fairly as possible for the scrimmage. Delhomme and Brett Ratliff, last season’s third-string quarterback, will work with one team while Wallace and McCoy will play for the other.
Delhomme threw three interceptions in Thursday’s practice.
turnovers.”
The Browns won’t be at full strength. Nose tackle Shaun Rogers, defensive lineman C.J. Moseley and defensive back Coye Francis are on the physically unable to perform list. Several other players could miss the scrimmage with injuries.
Punter Dave Zastudill, who missed the final eight games last season because of surgery on his right knee (non-kicking leg), left camp earlier in the week to have the knee examined. He returned Friday, but did not practice. Mangini didn’t rule out that Zastudill, who averaged 44.7 yards a kick last season, would have further surgery.
“I don’t think we’ve drawn any conclusion right now,” Mangini said. “I don’t think there’s anything new as of yet. We’ll talk about it and see where it goes.”
Add A Comment