Quarterbacks usually get the credit when things go right and the blame when they go wrong. The good ones accept both, even when the problem started somewhere else. After the Browns’ rough afternoon in Pittsburgh, Deshaun Watson stood up and took responsibility for an offense that never got going. One of the greatest players in franchise history does not think the men in front of him should let him carry that alone.
Joe Thomas shared a message for the current offensive line ahead of Sunday’s game.
“Eight sacks on Sunday, and after the game, Deshaun Watson said put it on him. That’s what a good teammate says, but I promise you, the five guys up front for the Cleveland Browns, they’re not letting him keep it. When I was in that offensive line room in Cleveland with George Warhop, we had one rule: Don’t be the reason. Nobody in that room wants a quarterback to have to cover for them, but that’s what Thursday practice is all about. Today, critical situations, third downs, and blitz pickup. Don’t be the reason,” Thomas said.
8 sacks, and the QB said put it on him. Good teammate. But the five guys up front aren't letting him keep it. Our rule in Cleveland: don't be the reason. Thursday is where it gets fixed. pic.twitter.com/yui1qEXsFq
— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) November 5, 2026
Few people have more credibility on this subject. Thomas played 10,363 consecutive snaps at left tackle for the Browns, made 10 Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023. He knows what it looks like when an offensive line takes a loss personally.
The film from Sunday gave this group plenty to take personally. Watson was sacked 8 times, with T.J. Watt getting 2 of them and Cameron Heyward and Patrick Queen adding 1.5 each. The run game also stalled, finishing with just 34 yards, which left the Browns stuck in long passing situations all afternoon.
Watson’s response was what Browns fans have come to expect from him this season. He did not point fingers. Thomas’ point is that the linemen should not accept that cover, and the rule he learned in that room still applies.
Third downs and blitz pickup are where protection problems tend to show up the most, and the Steelers exposed both. Fixing those areas will be a priority before the Browns face a rested Saints team.
The challenge is bigger with the line banged up. Austin Barber missed Wednesday’s practice with a calf injury, and center Elgton Jenkins was limited with a knee injury. Any change up front would put more pressure on a unit that is already under the microscope.
The quarterback behind them could also change. With Watson in the concussion protocol, Shedeur Sanders took the 1st team reps Wednesday. Whoever starts in New Orleans, the line has to give him time.
Thomas’ message was simple, and it is one the Browns would be wise to take into Sunday.
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