Statement Ozzy Trapilo and Luke Newman made for Bears offensive line
The big mystery over Jordan McFadden's promotion last week from the Bears' practice squad ultimately proved nothing more than one made for depth purposes at tackle, even though he has played guard.
The Bears had complete confidence in McFadden at either position, but they didn't need the help because Ozzy Trapilo handled the spot for injured Theo Benedet just fine. Also, they had Luke Newman when an injury hit them at guard.
Inexperience made offensive line depth seem an issue for coach Ben Johnson in preseason, beyond guard/center Ryan Bates. After Braxton Jones' benching and injury, they proved they had players capable of filling spots at more than one position. They had one more test on Sunday and passed.
Trapilo wasn't the only one called upon, as rookie Luke Newman came in when right guard Jonah Jackson went out due to injury. Jackson later returned but Newman played a full 22 plays at right guard before Jackson returned and finished. He also even lined up as a blocking back or extra O-line blocker.
“Similar to Ozzy, two guys that have done a great job of just being really receptive to information preparing themselves and they've come in through spells," center Drew Dalman said. "To come in the middle of the game like that is challenging and he was ready to go, which is awesome."
This, in and of itself, represents a bit of a shift because Bates had been considered top center and guard backup. Newman seems to have ascended as the guard backup. It makes sense because Bates is a free agent after this season.
Pro Football Focus graded Newman the third-best offensive line run blocker in the game for the Bears during his first bit of extended action. His pass blocking was somewhat suspect but the Bears had two line changes in the game after they had played six straight games with the same starting offensive line. Not everything was going to be perfect.
Pass blocking held up fine overall. It was run blocking where they actually had issues against a good front.
Trapilo's ability to fill in for Bendet on a side of the line he had been pulled from late in preseason when they shifted him to right tackle should have been no surprise.
"Credit to Ozzy for stepping up," coach Ben Johnson said. "Having not played a lot of ball yet this year, he did a played a really solid game for us. I thought it was really good.
"Our run game wasn't quite as efficient as we'd like it to be, and yet, our pass game, we're able to find enough plays there to somehow score 30 points."
Seeing players who normally have toiled in obscurity suddenly called upon and succeeding only reinforces the offensive line’s feeling they can cope with anything.
“I think guys get excited, too," Dalman said. "We had Jordan McFadden up this week. He's been practicing awesome. All the guys love him, and he's fired up. So, everybody gets super excited to see him get a chance, and then guys come in the game."
The offensive line, of course, hasn't been the only place where depth delivered after being tested. The fact seven starters on defense were missing through much of Sunday's win is a testament to the backups and backups to backups.
“This is what I'm accustomed to," Johnson said. "Where I've been in the past, this is what happens this time of year. Guys go down and someone else has to step up.
"The vision has been from the time we ended training camp, that if you're a special teams player on the 53, be ready to be starting at some point on offense or defense. And likewise, if you're a practice squad player, be ready to be called up. We've tried to develop them over the course of the year. Our coaching staff, I think they do a really good job of not just coaching the guys that are going to be playing on Sunday, but making sure we're coaching the show teams as well.”
It’s both working with technique but also keeping the subs involved instead of standing around daydreaming at practice.
“A guy like (assistant offensive line coach) Kyle DeVan, I see him in that show team huddle every single day and not just to get the right look for our defense, but also to coach up our young offensive linemen to make sure that they're developing also,” Johnson said. “I think there’s a balance of that that goes on.
“I think those guys know that they're not just here to fill a spot. They also have a big role to play in terms of what we're doing. When their number is called, they don't shy away from it.”
Whether they'll return to their original lineup with Jackson at right guard and Benedet at left tackle won't be known until later in a short week.
With so little time to prepare until Friday's game, it might be difficult to accomplish, but they've had to put up with tougher situations. The offensive line responded, just like the remnants of their defense did.
Myles Garrett Breaks His Silence: “I’m Drained” — A Wake-Up Call for the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett has finally spoken out — and his words echo the frustration of an entire fan base. Following another disappointing loss, the leader of the Browns’ defense admitted that his patience is wearing thin as the team continues to struggle through yet another inconsistent season.
A Candid Admission of Frustration
After the Browns’ latest defeat, Garrett didn’t hold back. The emotional defensive powerhouse confessed, “I’ve put everything I have into this, and honestly, I’m drained.”
The statement, simple but powerful, paints the picture of a player who has given his all yet feels trapped in a cycle of underperformance. Garrett continued, “We work hard, we prepare, but it feels like we’re just not getting the results we need. I’m frustrated, and I think a lot of people in this locker room are too. At some point, we have to ask ourselves: when is it going to change?”
For a player widely regarded as one of the NFL’s most dominant defenders, these words cut deep. Garrett’s honesty isn’t just about personal exhaustion — it’s a reflection of a locker room that’s running out of answers.
Leadership Under Pressure
Garrett has long been viewed as the emotional and physical cornerstone of the Browns. His performances rarely falter; his consistency, effort, and leadership have earned him respect across the league. Yet even the team’s brightest star is beginning to feel the weight of continuous disappointment.
Despite Garrett’s individual brilliance, the Browns’ collective struggles — especially on offense and in closing out games — have overshadowed his contributions. Week after week, Garrett’s dominance on the field hasn’t been enough to carry a team that can’t seem to find balance or rhythm.
“I’m doing everything I can out there. But I’m only one player,” he said. “At the end of the day, it takes all of us. And right now, we’re not there.”
Those words — both honest and painful — reveal the heart of the issue. The Browns don’t just need effort; they need unity, accountability, and direction.
Inside the Browns’ Struggles
The Browns entered the season with high expectations, boasting a talented roster and renewed optimism. However, inconsistency has plagued them — from missed opportunities on offense to lapses in execution during key moments.
The defense, led by Garrett, has been one of the few steady aspects of the team, but even that hasn’t been enough to secure wins. The emotional toll of watching winnable games slip away has clearly taken its toll on the star defensive end.
Garrett’s comments seem to signal a breaking point — not just for him, but perhaps for the entire organization.
Stefanski Responds: “We All Understand the Frustration”
Head coach Kevin Stefanski was quick to address Garrett’s remarks, acknowledging the raw emotions behind them.
“We all understand the frustration,” Stefanski said. “Myles is a leader, and he wants to win as badly as anyone. We need to continue to work hard and stay focused. It’s on all of us to improve.”
While Stefanski’s response strikes a diplomatic tone, it underscores the urgency of the situation. Garrett’s public comments are not an attack — they’re a plea. A call for change, for accountability, and for a renewed sense of purpose before the season slips away entirely.
A Turning Point for Cleveland
Garrett’s frustration may prove to be a pivotal moment in the Browns’ season. When a player of his caliber and influence openly expresses exhaustion and discontent, it sends a message — one that cannot be ignored by coaches, teammates, or management.
He’s not demanding perfection; he’s demanding progress.
The Browns have a generational talent in Myles Garrett — a player capable of changing games and inspiring those around him. But even the best leaders can’t carry a team alone. The organization must now decide whether to rise to the challenge or continue down a path of mediocrity.
The Clock Is Ticking
For Cleveland, this is a defining moment. Garrett’s words may have been emotional, but they were also constructive — a wake-up call for everyone within the organization.
The Browns can still salvage their season, but it will require more than talent. It will take accountability, adaptability, and a willingness to confront hard truths.
As Garrett himself made clear, he’s still fighting — but his patience isn’t infinite.
If the Browns can channel their star’s passion into collective action, there’s hope yet. But if not, Myles Garrett’s haunting words — “I’m drained” — may come to symbolize more than just a player’s frustration. They may mark the moment the Browns’ window for redemption began to close.
