Cleveland Browns: Austin Hooper breaks down OBJ run with Jim Rome

Cleveland Browns TE Austin Hooper joined the Jim Rome show to talk OBJ run

This past offseason, when the Cleveland Browns signed Austin Hooper to his big new deal, I think it is pretty safe to say we all thought we were getting more of a pass-catching and red zone tight end rather than a very solid blocking tight end.

So far this season, Hooper has helped the Browns the most in the blocking game, paving the way along with the dominant offensive line for the Browns running backs to run all day long.

Hooper joined The Jim Rome show to discuss what was going through his head on the Odell Beckham Jr. long touchdown run to seal the game, as well as what it means for him to be such a solid blocker and what his mindset is as a blocking tight end.

In terms of the Beckham Jr. touchdown run, apparently, the Browns had already run that play earlier in the game, as Hooper was hoping it would work the second time around. Sure enough, it ended up sealing the victory for the Browns.

"“We will run it again this time. Don’t block this dude at all. I am like oh, God, if this goes bad again….this can not go bad again. Come on Odell, make it happen.”"

After watching this unfold on film, there have been so many plays where after getting through the initial hole, the running back will follow Hooper as he sets a nice block and the running back is able to pick up a few more extra yards. Even as a pull blocker and leading the way through the hole from the beginning of the play, Hooper has succeeded this season. Comparing his time in Atlanta to now being in Cleveland, his approach, and how he is used has been much different so far.

"“You saw what I did in Atlanta. We were throwing the ball 40 times a game. With the offensive scheme we have down here and the runners, my job is to block 45-50 times a game. It’s just a change of mindset.”"

So far, the change of mindset has paid off for Hooper and the Browns, as they sit at 3-1. Hooper also caught his first touchdown pass of the season against the Cowboys, doing a little bit of everything. As the Browns get set to face the Colts this Sunday, they will also be getting tight end David Njoku back from injury, so it will be interesting to see how they use him, with both Hooper and rookie Harrison Bryant carrying the load so far this season.

If Hooper can continue to contribute in such a big way without the ball in his hands, he will continue to be worth every penny of his new deal.