Cleveland Browns Training Camp Report - Day 13
The Browns continued their preseason-long streak of light practices in helmets and shorts. Facing the installation of a new defense and generally placed in a "getting to know you phase" with the loss of mini-camps and OTAs due to COVID-19, the Browns appear seriously behind the 8-ball. Most other teams have scrimmaged by now. The Browns haven't tacked to the ground in a team session.
A slow day for Baker and the offense.
With much of the day seemingly at walk-through pace and intensity, Baker's biggest play of the day came on a pass over the middle caught by Jarvis Landry that should have been intercepted.
The Browns are down to two weeks to get this offense to a place where it can resemble a unit that is supposed to carry the water.
The Zegura filter.
From this point forward, the Browns will limit media access to practice, as they presumably will begin game planning for the Ravens. In truth, the Browns have progressively choked off any real "live" access of the fans to this training camp as it has gone along.
The "live" training camp show featuring Nathan Zegura and Josh Cribbs started by generously covering 7-on-7 and the team portion of the practices, but ended by showing only a few plays here and there and focusing on "national perspective" interviews and Zegura's commentary on all things Browns.
In the end, it was just an inferior version of the Training Camp Daily show that airs of Fox Sports Ohio and is hosted by Jim Donovan.
"News" of the day.
Largely extracted from the coaches comments to media questions on Saturday, what is being reported today is "tell us what we don't know" fodder.
First round draft pick Jedrick Wills will start at left tackle against the Ravens. Wow, no one saw that one coming.
Rashard Higgins and KhaDarel Hodge are somewhere in the mix in the third receiver race. Truly shocking stuff.
Taki on the spot.
It does appear that absent a trade or a significant signing on cut down day, the Browns are ready to roll with Sione Takitaki as a starting linebacker. The biggest question mark has been his coverage skills.
Taki has looked to improve in that area, but a big test is looming when he meets Baker's old pal, Mark Andrews and the Ravens week 1. The Browns will keep their collective fingers crossed.
Mack Wilson was supposed to be the coverage linebacker and Grant Delpit was the guy with the size/athleticism to erase tight ends. Fate has dealt the Browns a hand that I hope they are not trying to bluff their way through.
Number 2 with a bullet.
Fourth-round draft pick Harrison Bryant seems to have taken a firm lead of the second tight end position.
The NCAA John Mackey award-winning tight end from last year appears to catch everything thrown to him. In yesterday's practice the Browns coaching staff was taking a look at his ability to provide double team support on an edge rusher -- something that may be a very important role for the tight end opposite Austin Hooper in the early part of the season while Jedrick Wills progresses.
Hail a cab for the Chief?
David Njoku missed a number of practices with an apparent aggravation of a wrist injury suffered when he was submarined last season trying to leap to haul in a Baker Mayfield pass thrown late and high in the second game of the 2019 season. Over the last two practices, he has been dressed but has not participated in team drills, despite not appearing on the injury report.
There is some speculation that the Browns are confident enough with Bryant and what is behind him (Pharoh Brown and Steve Carlson) that they may be attempting to move Njoku. It is unclear what his trade market would be in terms of draft compensation -- especially considering that he becomes a free agent at season's end. With an apparent need for immediate help in the back seven of the defense, the Browns may be exploring player-for-player deals involving Njoku, perhaps focusing on players who have familiarity with the Joe Woods system.
Trial run.
The Browns will practice at First Energy Stadium on Sunday with the intention of getting players and coaches accustomed to game Sunday at the stadium employing COVID-19 protocols with only two weeks until they open in Baltimore.
On the mend.
Adrian Clayborn returned to practice Saturday. Kevin Johnson, M.J. Stewart, Greedy Williams, Mack Wilson and J.C. Tretter did not practice due to injury.
A slow day for Baker and the offense.
With much of the day seemingly at walk-through pace and intensity, Baker's biggest play of the day came on a pass over the middle caught by Jarvis Landry that should have been intercepted.
 |
| Baker hits Jarvis Landry for a big gain during team drills at training camp on a ball that slips through Denzel Ward's hands. |
The Zegura filter.
From this point forward, the Browns will limit media access to practice, as they presumably will begin game planning for the Ravens. In truth, the Browns have progressively choked off any real "live" access of the fans to this training camp as it has gone along.
The "live" training camp show featuring Nathan Zegura and Josh Cribbs started by generously covering 7-on-7 and the team portion of the practices, but ended by showing only a few plays here and there and focusing on "national perspective" interviews and Zegura's commentary on all things Browns.
In the end, it was just an inferior version of the Training Camp Daily show that airs of Fox Sports Ohio and is hosted by Jim Donovan.
"News" of the day.
Largely extracted from the coaches comments to media questions on Saturday, what is being reported today is "tell us what we don't know" fodder.
First round draft pick Jedrick Wills will start at left tackle against the Ravens. Wow, no one saw that one coming.
Rashard Higgins and KhaDarel Hodge are somewhere in the mix in the third receiver race. Truly shocking stuff.
Taki on the spot.
 |
| Sione Takitaki breaks up a pass intended for Nick Chubb. Perhaps a tad early? |
Taki has looked to improve in that area, but a big test is looming when he meets Baker's old pal, Mark Andrews and the Ravens week 1. The Browns will keep their collective fingers crossed.
Mack Wilson was supposed to be the coverage linebacker and Grant Delpit was the guy with the size/athleticism to erase tight ends. Fate has dealt the Browns a hand that I hope they are not trying to bluff their way through.
Number 2 with a bullet.
 |
| Harrison Bryant getting work in the pass blocking game. |
The NCAA John Mackey award-winning tight end from last year appears to catch everything thrown to him. In yesterday's practice the Browns coaching staff was taking a look at his ability to provide double team support on an edge rusher -- something that may be a very important role for the tight end opposite Austin Hooper in the early part of the season while Jedrick Wills progresses.
Hail a cab for the Chief?
David Njoku missed a number of practices with an apparent aggravation of a wrist injury suffered when he was submarined last season trying to leap to haul in a Baker Mayfield pass thrown late and high in the second game of the 2019 season. Over the last two practices, he has been dressed but has not participated in team drills, despite not appearing on the injury report.
There is some speculation that the Browns are confident enough with Bryant and what is behind him (Pharoh Brown and Steve Carlson) that they may be attempting to move Njoku. It is unclear what his trade market would be in terms of draft compensation -- especially considering that he becomes a free agent at season's end. With an apparent need for immediate help in the back seven of the defense, the Browns may be exploring player-for-player deals involving Njoku, perhaps focusing on players who have familiarity with the Joe Woods system.
Trial run.
The Browns will practice at First Energy Stadium on Sunday with the intention of getting players and coaches accustomed to game Sunday at the stadium employing COVID-19 protocols with only two weeks until they open in Baltimore.
On the mend.
Adrian Clayborn returned to practice Saturday. Kevin Johnson, M.J. Stewart, Greedy Williams, Mack Wilson and J.C. Tretter did not practice due to injury.
Cleveland Browns Training Camp Report - Day 13
Reviewed by AT Dawgger
on
11:30 AM
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Reviewed by AT Dawgger
on
11:30 AM
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