Steinbach set to hit 100

10.22.2009

Being an offensive lineman in the NFL is one thing. Being a durable offensive lineman at the guard position is quite another.

Since the 2007 season, the Browns' left guard spot has been occupied by Eric Steinbach. Originally drafted by the Bengals in 2003, Steinbach signed with the Browns and has helped anchor the offensive line ever since.

When Steinbach, who checks in a 6-foot-6, 295 pounds, lines up on the field for the first snap of Sunday's game against the Packers, it will mark his 100th game in the NFL.

"You know what, I did not know that," Steinbach said. "Anytime in this league, if you can get to 100, it's a good accomplishment. With injuries and the physical-ness of it, it's a great honor. I hopefully can keep adding to that too down the road."

"I'm excited for him," said Browns left tackle Joe Thomas. "He's a guy that's been very durable for us, played a lot of snaps and really does a good job. He does a really good job of taking care of his body. The things that he does with ice tubs, hot-cold contrasts, massages, really help him stay on the field."

Thomas should know about Steinbach's durability. They arrived in Berea in the same year, Steinbach through free agency and Thomas courtesy of the No.3 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Thomas has not missed a start since being drafted out of the University of Wisconsin. Over that same time period, Steinbach has played in 36 out of a possible 38 games.

Steinbach has missed 3 game games in his career, 1 in his rookie year and 2 last season.

"As far as the games I've missed, I think it's only been like 3 the total time over seven years, I've been banged up," said Steinbach. "When you're in there, keep your feet moving. You've got a lot of traffic; you've got a lot of guys flying around, falling and stuff. The main thing is always keep your feet moving and do what you can."

While his main jobs have been opening up holes for running backs and helping protect the quarterback's blindside, Steinbach has also been a mentor to the younger offensive linemen, especially Thomas.

"He's been very important," Thomas said. "He's a guy that's had a lot of experience, played a lot of downs in the AFC North. I was able to come in and really learn a lot as far as work ethic and playing in the NFL."

Just because Sunday is a milestone game for Steinbach does not mean making it through Game No. 100 will be an easy task. His experience will be put to the test by a strong defensive line and linebacking corps.

"They've got some good defensive linemen, stout defensive linemen with the 3-4 defense," Steinbach said. "Their linebackers are athletic guys that can run around and make plays. A big key for us, just like any other week, is to run the football, especially this week with a stout front seven like they've got. It'll be especially important to get the ground game going. It'll open up everything and make life easier on (Derek Anderson) and the receivers."

One of those linebackers Steinbach referenced is his former University of Iowa teammate Aaron Kampman. Steinbach was a year behind Kampman during their college careers.

"He's had a great career over the course of this NFL career," said Steinbach. "He's done a lot. He's led the team in sacks for a number of years. He's playing a different position this year at outside linebacker, but from what I've seen on the film, it looks like he's doing a good job."