BEREA, Ohio -- One of the bright spots in Sunday's disappointing loss to the previously winless Jaguars was the play of free safety Tashaun Gipson.
Gipson is currently tied for the league-lead in interceptions with four after his two-interception performance against the Jaguars. Buffalo's Leodis McKelvin also has four interceptions.
On the season, Gipson has four of the Browns' seven team interceptions. Buster Skrine has two and Karlos Dansby has one. In addition to the interceptions, Gipson has 32 tackles and five passes broken up.
Against Jacksonville, Gipson's first interception was deep in Jaguars territory, but the Browns only turned those two turnovers into three points.
Gipson's second interception was in the second quarter and it was returned to the Jaguars' 33 but the Browns couldn't convert on fourth down, resulting in just three points in Gipson's two interceptions.
Gipson now has 10 interceptions in his career, including seven in his last nine games. He had one in his rookie season, five in 2013 and four this season, including a 62-yard return for touchdown against the Saints.
Gipson credits his success to his readiness.
"It's just preparation and going out there and playing football in this scheme," Gipson told the Chronicle-Telegram after the loss to the Jaguars. "Doing my job within the scheme and not try to do too much and just play football."
However, despite his numbers, Gipson gets little national attention for his play, compared to Pro Bowl safety Donte Whitner, who plays opposite of Gipson.
"I've been fortunate enough to make a few plays and may God continue to bless me with success."
Part of the reason Gipson has toiled somewhat in anonymity is the fact that he was undrafted out of Wyoming. After making the team as a rookie, Gipson didn't work himself into a starting job until late in the season and he finished with three starts. He started 15 games in 2013 and has started all six thus far in 2014.
Not only did Gipson come to the NFL the hard way as an undrafted free agent, he has had to prove himself for three different head coaches in his three NFL seasons.
"You have to have the confidence to be able to play at a high level," Gipson said. "I thought I've always had the confidence.
"You have to think you're the best at what you do, whether you guys see it or other coaches see it."
