Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joel Bitonio has quite a challenging season ahead. The veteran guard is set to play at left tackle for the first time in his NFL career following the failure of other options to fill the shoes left by Joe Thomas.
After three preseason games and a bunch of practices, Bitonio claims he now feels more comfortable at his new position. He also credits the challenge of facing teammate Myles Garrett during practice as a major factor in helping him acclimate to the role.
“100 percent,” Bitonio said per Dan Labbe of cleveland.com. “You guys saw it in the last preseason game. He’s a beast. He’s going to be one of the best in the league this year at rushing the passer and it’s hard going against him, because you don’t always build the most confidence in yourself. You have him rushing the edge and you’re like, can I kick out to these guys and things like that and it’s tough in practice sometimes but once you get into the game it kind of slows down a little bit for you, so it’s a nice thing where practice is harder than games sometimes.”
While it’s certainly no picnic to go up against such a terrific pass rusher in Garrett, the fact that Bitonio has to do it forces him to step up his game at left tackle.
Although Bitonio admits that left guard is still his best position, the Browns will need him to do a job protecting Tyrod Taylor’s blindside for the time being. And with Garrett’s help, the Browns will be hoping he can do a capable enough job at it this season.
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