Cleveland Browns Training Camp Report - Day 10
On a day tailor made for the offense to feel good about itself, Baker and company hit rock bottom.
Ransacked by injuries to their second, third, fourth and fifth cornerbacks, the Browns' defense should have been no match for the talent-laden offensive unit. In fact, it wasn't even close. The defense completely dominated the Browns offense on the tenth day of training camp.
A rocky start.
Starting with team drills, Baker and the first team offense managed to complete a swing pass to Harrison Bryant and a few check downs to running backs. Beyond that - bupkus! Baker threw a pick to Karl Joseph when trying to connect with Jarvis Landry and from that point forward he either took a sack or threw incomplete to his intended receiver on every passing play.
Third round draft pick Jordan Elliot and fourth year journeyman Eli Ankou manhandled the interior of the Browns' offensive line, while the likes of Donovan Olumba and Robert Jackson locked up OBJ.
Case Keenum didn't fare much better.
From bad to worse.
The Browns next team session included 7-on-7 action. With no threat of a pass rush, and wide open throwing lanes, the offense has such an advantage that the ball should almost never hit the ground.
Baker completed two dump off passes to running backs, threw a ball down the seam that bounced off off of Austin Hooper's hands, and wasn't close to completing another pass during the session. Again, Donovan Olumba gave OBJ all he could handle in trying to get free of the 6'2" cornerback.
Case Keenum and the twos looked less challenged during these drills, but far from impressive.
If first you don't succeed, rig it in your favor.
The results of the early drills were so discouraging that Kevin Stefanski attempted to manufacture success by later running two-minute drills with the second team offense against the first team defense (such as it was with all the injuries and without Denzel Ward as well) and matched up Baker and the first team offense against what was left of the depleted defensive unit.
On the first drive, Keenum and the second team offense picked up two first downs, but then had time run out on them on a false start resulting in a run off of the clock. The first team defensive line pretty much had its way with the second team offensive line, making things difficult for Keenum.
On the second drive, Baker opened up with two straight completions (one a check down to a running back) for an initial first down and then threw four consecutive incomplete passes that were not close, turning over the ball on downs. Two of Baker's passes were intended for OBJ. Last year's seventh round draft pick Donnie Lewis and undrafted free agent A.J. Green were the cornerbacks on the field at this time. A false start was mixed in with the four straight incomplete passes.
Keenum came out for the third drive and started at his own twenty. Despite being harassed by a pass rush, he moved the ball into the red zone. On fourth down Keenum was sacked by Sheldon Richardson to end the drive. For good measure, Keenum tossed the ball up for grabs after the play was dead and Karl Joseph came down with it again. You might see this referred to elsewhere as Joseph's second interception of the day. In fact, the play never would have progressed that far.
Finally, Baker came back out for another drive against the bottom of the defensive roster and was given the ball starting at his opponent's twenty yard line. Baker immediately connected with Rashard Higgins for a touchdown on what looked to be a busted coverage by rookie undrafted free agent A.J. Green. Higgins was running free five yards behind the defender and he was Baker's first read. Higgins celebrated the touchdown and Stefanski decided to end it on a high note.
I couldn't tell if he slipped Green an envelope on the way to the locker room.
Overall impressions of Day 10.
For the second straight day, Baker looked as bad as any Browns quarterback since 1999 during a practice. He has a long way to go in Stefanski's offense and now a very short time to get there.
I find it hard to believe that the offense's struggles are because the rag-tag defense is playing at a high level. In fact, the offensive showing was so poor that perpetual cheerleader Nathan Zegura was unable to find any silver lining during the Browns live stream of the practice and did little to sugar coat Baker's subpar performance.
The Browns now have only a few weeks to get ready to play the Ravens and league MVP Lamar Jackson and look to be going backwards.
Injuries.
Injuries continue to be the big story. The number of players who did not practice ballooned on Tuesday to include Adrian Clayborn (groin), Tae Davis (illness), Grant Delpit (Achilles), KhaDarel Hodge (personal), Kevin Johnson (liver injury), Terrance Mitchell (knee), David Njoku (wrist), Damion Ratley (groin). M.J. Stewart Jr. (hamstring), JC Tretter (knee), Greedy Williams (shoulder), Mack Wilson (knee) and Chad Thomas (neck).
Ratley, a sixth round selection two years ago by the John Dorsey regime, needs to get back very soon if he wants to challenge for a position on the roster. Dorsey's third round pick of two years ago, Chad Thomas is likewise locked in a battle with Porter Guston at the crowded defensive end position. David Njoku's prolonged absence from the field is not helping his case either, as rookie Harrison Bryant catches everything thrown his way .
On a positive note, Kevin Johnson is out of the hospital and has cleared the COVID-19 protocol to return to the facility, where he can continue his recovery and rehabilitation with the team.
Larry Ogenjobi was back in uniform and practicing on a limited basis.
On a concerning note, Stefanksi was largely mum on Greedy Williams' prognosis, saying the shoulder is still being evaluated.
Finally, Jarvis Landry left practice with trainers during practice and did not return. Stefanski assured the media that he will be "fine."
A mandated day off.
The Browns have a scheduled day off tomorrow as the countdown continues to a September 13 kickoff in Baltimore.
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| Another rough day for Baker and the offense. |
Ransacked by injuries to their second, third, fourth and fifth cornerbacks, the Browns' defense should have been no match for the talent-laden offensive unit. In fact, it wasn't even close. The defense completely dominated the Browns offense on the tenth day of training camp.
A rocky start.
Starting with team drills, Baker and the first team offense managed to complete a swing pass to Harrison Bryant and a few check downs to running backs. Beyond that - bupkus! Baker threw a pick to Karl Joseph when trying to connect with Jarvis Landry and from that point forward he either took a sack or threw incomplete to his intended receiver on every passing play.
Third round draft pick Jordan Elliot and fourth year journeyman Eli Ankou manhandled the interior of the Browns' offensive line, while the likes of Donovan Olumba and Robert Jackson locked up OBJ.
Case Keenum didn't fare much better.
From bad to worse.
The Browns next team session included 7-on-7 action. With no threat of a pass rush, and wide open throwing lanes, the offense has such an advantage that the ball should almost never hit the ground.
Baker completed two dump off passes to running backs, threw a ball down the seam that bounced off off of Austin Hooper's hands, and wasn't close to completing another pass during the session. Again, Donovan Olumba gave OBJ all he could handle in trying to get free of the 6'2" cornerback.
Case Keenum and the twos looked less challenged during these drills, but far from impressive.
If first you don't succeed, rig it in your favor.
The results of the early drills were so discouraging that Kevin Stefanski attempted to manufacture success by later running two-minute drills with the second team offense against the first team defense (such as it was with all the injuries and without Denzel Ward as well) and matched up Baker and the first team offense against what was left of the depleted defensive unit.
On the first drive, Keenum and the second team offense picked up two first downs, but then had time run out on them on a false start resulting in a run off of the clock. The first team defensive line pretty much had its way with the second team offensive line, making things difficult for Keenum.
On the second drive, Baker opened up with two straight completions (one a check down to a running back) for an initial first down and then threw four consecutive incomplete passes that were not close, turning over the ball on downs. Two of Baker's passes were intended for OBJ. Last year's seventh round draft pick Donnie Lewis and undrafted free agent A.J. Green were the cornerbacks on the field at this time. A false start was mixed in with the four straight incomplete passes.
Keenum came out for the third drive and started at his own twenty. Despite being harassed by a pass rush, he moved the ball into the red zone. On fourth down Keenum was sacked by Sheldon Richardson to end the drive. For good measure, Keenum tossed the ball up for grabs after the play was dead and Karl Joseph came down with it again. You might see this referred to elsewhere as Joseph's second interception of the day. In fact, the play never would have progressed that far.
Finally, Baker came back out for another drive against the bottom of the defensive roster and was given the ball starting at his opponent's twenty yard line. Baker immediately connected with Rashard Higgins for a touchdown on what looked to be a busted coverage by rookie undrafted free agent A.J. Green. Higgins was running free five yards behind the defender and he was Baker's first read. Higgins celebrated the touchdown and Stefanski decided to end it on a high note.
I couldn't tell if he slipped Green an envelope on the way to the locker room.
Overall impressions of Day 10.
For the second straight day, Baker looked as bad as any Browns quarterback since 1999 during a practice. He has a long way to go in Stefanski's offense and now a very short time to get there.
I find it hard to believe that the offense's struggles are because the rag-tag defense is playing at a high level. In fact, the offensive showing was so poor that perpetual cheerleader Nathan Zegura was unable to find any silver lining during the Browns live stream of the practice and did little to sugar coat Baker's subpar performance.
The Browns now have only a few weeks to get ready to play the Ravens and league MVP Lamar Jackson and look to be going backwards.
Injuries.
Injuries continue to be the big story. The number of players who did not practice ballooned on Tuesday to include Adrian Clayborn (groin), Tae Davis (illness), Grant Delpit (Achilles), KhaDarel Hodge (personal), Kevin Johnson (liver injury), Terrance Mitchell (knee), David Njoku (wrist), Damion Ratley (groin). M.J. Stewart Jr. (hamstring), JC Tretter (knee), Greedy Williams (shoulder), Mack Wilson (knee) and Chad Thomas (neck).
Ratley, a sixth round selection two years ago by the John Dorsey regime, needs to get back very soon if he wants to challenge for a position on the roster. Dorsey's third round pick of two years ago, Chad Thomas is likewise locked in a battle with Porter Guston at the crowded defensive end position. David Njoku's prolonged absence from the field is not helping his case either, as rookie Harrison Bryant catches everything thrown his way .
On a positive note, Kevin Johnson is out of the hospital and has cleared the COVID-19 protocol to return to the facility, where he can continue his recovery and rehabilitation with the team.
Larry Ogenjobi was back in uniform and practicing on a limited basis.
On a concerning note, Stefanksi was largely mum on Greedy Williams' prognosis, saying the shoulder is still being evaluated.
Finally, Jarvis Landry left practice with trainers during practice and did not return. Stefanski assured the media that he will be "fine."
A mandated day off.
The Browns have a scheduled day off tomorrow as the countdown continues to a September 13 kickoff in Baltimore.
Cleveland Browns Training Camp Report - Day 10
Reviewed by AT Dawgger
on
10:45 PM
Rating:
Reviewed by AT Dawgger
on
10:45 PM
Rating:
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