Tashaun Gipson Leads Early Pro Bowl Voting
The Cleveland Browns are having a historic season, at least in terms of their franchise. A 6 – 3 record and sitting atop the AFC North in the middle of November is something to celebrate. Tashaun Gipson is also having a memorable season as the ball hawking safety in Mike Pettine’s defense.
So much so that Gipson is leading Pro Bowl voting right now:
#Browns FS Tashaun Gipson top early vote-getter in Pro Bowl voting.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) November 12, 2014
Gipson’s season includes 6 interceptions, double that of the next closest safety, quite a few have 3. He leads the league overall, with CB Brent Grimes sitting one back with 5. Teammate Buster Skrine is tied for third with 4 INTs as well.
Gipson also has 42 combined tackles, 8 pass deflections, one fumble recovery and one touchdown. His concussion upon return from Thursday Night Football creates some concerns. He has become that vital to the Browns defense.
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This is in stark contrast to media expectations when Pettine took over. Many thought the coach would get GM Ray Farmer to go hard after FS Jarius Byrd, who played for Pettine in Buffalo and signed a huge contract with the Saints. Instead the Browns added SS Donte Whitner and some cornerback depth to compliment Gipson, Skrine and star corner Joe Haden.
A Pro Bowl selection would be huge for the third year, undrafted player out of Wyoming. Gipson can be a restricted free agent this off-season and is likely to command big money from the Browns. The importance of a great free safety in Pettine’s system means they are bound to give him a solid contract.
For now he gets to bask in the glow of early season results. His continued good play would help the team continue their winning ways. Both of those things should help him make the Pro Bowl for the first time. It is possible he could be joined by Whitner and Haden.
The defensive backs talked about wanting to #LockDownTheLake. Their play has greatly improved as the season has gone on but Gipson has been steady throughout.
Are you surprised that Tashaun Gipson is leading early Pro Bowl voting?