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Rodney McLeod gets a final sendoff, albeit absent the victory | Browns Takeaways
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- Rodney McLeod gets a final sendoff, albeit absent the victory | Browns Takeaways
BALTIMORE — One player was retiring for certain. Another certainly has made it known that, at the very least, it's on his mind.
For Browns safety Rodney McLeod , Saturday's 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens marked the end of a 13-year career that spanned four organizations, the last two seasons in Cleveland . For left guard Joel Bitonio , the game could mark the end of an 11-year run as a Browns franchise icon and borderline Hall of Famer.
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The two had never shared the huddle at any point before Saturday. That changed on one final play.
"It was literally like as we were punting the ball, I just hear, 'Rodney McLeod, Rodney McLeod, we want get you out there,'" McLeod said. "And I said, 'All right, I'm out there.' First time in the offensive huddle."
McLeod, fittingly, lined up as the deep safety as the Browns kneeled out the final seconds of the game. The only thing that took away from the moment was that it wasn't a true victory formation, at least not in the true meaning of the word "victory."
Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard (42) is tackled by Cleveland Browns safeties Ronnie Hickman (33) and Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) on Jan. 4, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland.
Still, for a player whose career includes a Super Bowl win while with the Philadelphia Eagles , it was something to cherish.
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"It meant a lot," McLeod said. "Again, I envisioned it, victory formation, a lot differently with us actually winning the game. But it still was a great way to just show their respect for just the long career I've had, what I meant to this team for the past two years. So very humbled and thankful."
McLeod's final game included two combined tackles. He also had one pass defensed.
Bitonio came into the league two years after McLeod did, but by a different path. While McLeod signed as an undrafted free agent with the St. Louis Rams in 2012, Bitonio was selected in the second round of the 2014 draft.
The two, however, shared a common professionalism that was appreciated across the Browns locker room. And, for one play, they shared the field together.
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"I wish it was a win, but I have nothing but respect for Rod," Bitonio said. "He ultimate professional. The guy came in as an undrafted guy, made his hay in this league, played 13 years, won a Super Bowl. Ultimate respect. I tell these young guys all the time, if you want to look up to a professional, find a routine, do what Rod is doing because he's ultimate professional."
Joel Bitonio 'disappointed' in season, but pleased with health
Bitonio was a physical wreck when he left the Browns' AFC wild card loss to the Houston Texans last January. He was in a walking boot due to a high ankle sprain and had a UCL issue in his elbow, among other aches and pains.
This year, the only pain Bitonio was feeling as he sat in the visitor's locker room in Baltimore after the finale was at the disappointment of the season. Otherwise, he managed to play all but a handful snaps for the Browns throughout the 17 games.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 04: Jordan Akins #88 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates with Joel Bitonio #75 after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
"Yeah, I mean truly it's a little bit disappointing," Bitonio said. "I thought we'd have a better effort, not tonight, but in general this season. So it's definitely a little bit disappointing. I am thankful I made it through overall healthy, healthy enough to play in every game. So played every snap with three, I think, against the Saints when we were getting blown out a little bit there. It's disappointing overall."
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Bitonio has made it clear he was going to take some time before addressing the prospects of retirement. It's been a topic of conversation for the last several weeks when he's spoken to the media, but he didn't have anything to add on that subject after the finale.
However, Bitonio did sound like a player who was at least, in the moment, hungry for a shot at making things right after the disappointment of this season.
"I was not expecting this," Bitonio said. "I don't think the team was expecting this. We got to find a way to turn it around. We got to find some answers. We got to look in the mirror. We got to do that thing. But no, it was not what I expected. It was a disappointing season for us."
Jack Conklin 'definitely wants to be' in Cleveland for last 2 years of contract
Browns right tackle Jack Conklin had a late start to his season due to the knee injury that stole his 2023 season. He more than made up for the lost time with his strong play over the 12 games he did end up playing.
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"Yeah, for me, on an individual standpoint to come back and, really, I felt like I had a good year playing and staying healthy," Conklin said. "Staying healthy coming off that knee injury and the difficulties of coming back from that. I was just really happy with finishing the season."
Conklin signed a four-year, $60 million extension with the team right around Christmas in 2022. He still has two years remaining on that contract.
The two-time All-Pro said neither he nor his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, had really talked about his future with the Browns. Other than, of course, the two years that remain on the deal, two years Conklin wants to play out in Cleveland.
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) blocks Baltimore Ravens linebacker Tavius Robinson (95) as quarterback Jameis Winston (5) prepares to throw a pass Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.
"I mean, I have two more years under contract, so we'll see what happens," Conklin said. "But I definitely want to be here, so we'll see what happens."
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Conklin was a steady force once he got back in the lineup. According to Pro Football Focus, entering the finale in Baltimore, only Bitonio was a higher-graded offensive lineman on the Browns.
Now, going into the offseason, Conklin just wants to focus on getting back to the normal routine of preparing for the season. That includes blocking out much of the noise surrounding any potential contract issues.
"After coming back, having that knee injury, that brutal knee injury at the beginning of last year, for me this year it was just about playing free," Conklin said. "For me, now, it's just extended time. To have that brutal of an injury and come back and have my knees feel good and play well, I couldn't be happier with myself individually and just overcoming all that."
Bailey Zappe calls 1st interception 'terrible ball' in 1st start in a year
Bailey Zappe's last start came in the New England Patriots ' 2023 season finale in January 2024. A year later, he finally got back under center as the fourth Browns starting quarterback of the season.
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) celebrates with fans after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns on Jan. 4, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland.
Zappe finished 16-of-31 passing for 170 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. The first of those gave the Ravens a 7-0 lead when cornerback Nate Wiggins jumped a pass intended for wide receiver Elijah Moore and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown.
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"I haven't played meaningful football in a year to this day last year at Week 18," Zappe said. "It's not an excuse, like you said, I think the first interception, that's terrible. That's bad ball. It's something that you look at and you just kind of, why did you make that decision? It's Tampa. Why are you throwing to a cloud corner? I mean, first day of rookie minicamp and Bill Belichick told me that, never do that. And I did it, and it's just terrible ball."
Dorian Thompson-Robinson limited to one series in 'learning lesson'
Zappe got the start at quarterback for the Browns Saturday. The person he replaced, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, managed to get snaps as well, only it wasn't quite as many as may have been expected.
Thompson-Robinson came in for just one series against the Ravens, the Browns' fourth possession. He completed 2 of 3 passes for 13 yards, while being sacked once and rushing for twice for three yards.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith (0) on Jan. 04, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland.
"Whatever is given to me is what I'm prepared for," Thompson-Robinson said. "I'm prepared to play a full game, but I would like to have more snaps. Yes. But that's just not how it goes."
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The second-year quarterback added two starts to the three he had as a rookie. He also appeared in five games beyond his two starts against the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins .
All of that was part of a lesson gained as he continues to grow.
"Yeah, I think every opportunity is a learning lesson," Thompson-Robinson said. "Like I said, taking the good, the bad, the ugly, all the same, and just trying to build on from it. From not only last or this year, but last year, too."
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Rodney McLeod gets a final sendoff absent the victory: Takeaways
