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In the aftermath of the Cleveland Browns’ 20-17 victory against the Oakland Raiders last Sunday, offensive coordinator Brad Childress was quick to give credit to the offensive line.

The efforts of tackles Joe Thomas and Mitchell Schwartz, guards John Greco and Shawn Lauvao, and center Alex Mack contributed heavily to the Browns’ ability to gain 475 yards of total offense, and quarterback Brandon Weeden setting a Browns rookie record with 364 passing yards.

“I just think that they’ve been a very cohesive group even though there’s been some change in there,” Childress said. “Typically, your good offensive lines, and I like to believe they’re a good offensive line, really play together and congeal together. I think I’ve really seen that from that group. (Offensive line coach) George (Warhop) does a tremendous job with those guys, but it really takes the guys to kind of embrace it. Whether you’re a rookie or whether you’re a guy like John Greco, that’s starting because somebody else left. I see a very cohesive unit there.”

As a team, the Browns have allowed 21 sacks for 140 lost yards against quarterback Brandon Weeden. During their win over the Raiders, Weeden was sacked only once for an 11-yard loss.

Because he was able to avoid the pressure, Weeden was able to completed 25 of 36 attempts, with a touchdown to rookie wide receiver Josh Gordon. He also engineered a 14-play, 94-yard drive that made it a two score game with 3:27 remaining in the fourth quarter of play.

“I think it’s been better than outstanding,” Weeden said of their play. “I think those guys have played well week-in and week-out. They have been the most consistent unit probably on this entire football team. That’s hard for me to say because of the defense. Offensively, those guys, they make everything go.

“Protection-wise, I’m speaking for myself, I’ve stayed off the ground. They’ve given me time to throw. They have picked up blitzes. They prepare well. Coach Warhop is an unbelievable offensive line coach. We’ve seen every look. They see every look before practice. Coach Warhop does a great job with those guys. I can’t stress it enough how well they’ve played. Those guys have been remarkable for however many games we’ve played. They’ve been unbelievable.”

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