NFL Notes: Browns, Patriots, Redskins

Browns

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk writes that the Browns should finally trade LT Joe Thomas by the upcoming deadline, given that the team is currently 0-5 and has made an attempt to get younger while “stockpile picks” over the past year.

Thomas admitted last month that he was surprised there wasn’t more trade buzz surrounding him, considering that his name has come up the past few years as a trade candidate.

“I’m surprised it hasn’t started already,” Thomas said. “I’m sure you’ve been stirring the pot a little bit. No, I look forward to that trade deadline every year because then I can stop answering the question about do you want to be traded or do you think you’re gonna get traded?”

Florio could see the Seahawks being a potential landing spot for Thomas,  considering that they’ve shown some recent interests in free agent OT Branden Albert and have struggled up front this year.

Patriots

• Although Mike Reiss of ESPN says it is “too early” to tell if not re-signing Eagles RB LeGarrette Blount was a mistake, he believes it’s possible Blount may have experienced some of the same struggles due to the team’s inconsistent line play.
• Reiss writes that the Patriots could make a larger commitment to running the ball moving forward and it may end up being a part of their gameplan this week against the Jets, considering that New York has struggled to stop the run.

Redskins

• John Keim of ESPN believes that a big reason Redskins RB Mack Brown has not earned a lot of playing time this year is because he needs to do a better job of knowing his assignments and improve in pass protection.
• According to Keim, the Redskins prefer to be a power running team, considering that Rob Kelly and Samaje Perine are larger backs, while Brown is better suited for outside carries.