Browns’ Joe Thomas ranked NFL’s second-best pass blocker

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 29: Tackle Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns talks to his teammates prior to the start against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 29, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 29: Tackle Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns talks to his teammates prior to the start against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 29, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Sports
By Gabriel Burns
June 27, 2017
X

Joe Thomas dominating isn't exactly news to Browns fans (or the NFL), but Pro Football Focus has a stat to quantify it.

Thomas has been the second most efficient pass blocker in the league since 2012, scoring a 97 rating from PFF. Andrew Whitworth, former Bengal and current Ram, ranks first at 97.6.

PFF said the stat “measures pressure allowed on per snap basis with weighting towards sacks.”

As much change and chaos that’s happened around Thomas during his career, it hasn’t impacted his play. He’s blossomed into everything Cleveland could’ve hoped for when it drafted him third overall in 2007.

The Browns are placing unprecedented emphasis on their offensive line. The team spent over $100 million this offseason in adding guard Kevin Zeitler and center JC Tretter to its interior, while also extending guard Joel Bitonio. The right tackle competition is still open, but pairing that trio with Thomas should make the Cleveland line arguably its biggest strength.

In Other News
1
McCoy: Brown deals, bullpen slams door as Astros shutout Reds in series...
2
Reds: One step forward, one step back as team struggles to create...
3
Reds: Tyler Stephenson’s preparation for the season has helped him hit...
4
Dragons: Edgington strikes out 13 as Dayton wins second straight game
5
Bengals: Rookie minicamp underway ahead of next week’s OTAs

About the Author

Gabriel Burns