Tribe’s impossible mission force: While We’re Waiting
July 29, 20192019 Browns Positional Preview Series: Interior Defensive Line
July 29, 2019With Cleveland Browns training camp in full throttle, WFNY is here to keep you up to date on all of the news, rumblings, quotes, and must-see highlights from each training camp session. We’ll do our best to have a Dawg Check every weekday morning to do just that. We’re ready for the Browns season to kickoff. Are you?
While most of you were relaxing and enjoying your weekend, the Cleveland Browns were busy getting after it in Berea the past three days. With Saturday being the first day for pads, there was plenty of physical and impressive play, while some players continued to stick out much more than others.
Let’s get right to it:
1. On Day 2 of training camp Friday morning, the final day without pads, rookie Greedy Williams took full advantage of his time on the field.
2. As expected, the rotation continued at right guard, a position that will likely see a revolving door throughout much of training camp until a player stands out and locks up the starting role. On Day 1 of camp, it was Austin Corbett getting the first-team reps. Day 2 featured Kyle Kalis at the spot. Day 3 featured Eric Kush getting the first-team role.
Center JC Tretter isn’t worried about the fact that the starting right guard position will feature a number of players reserving first-team snaps throughout the majority of camp.
“We’ve gotten so much time during OTAs going with all three of the guys,” Tretter said. “Everybody kind of has a different set, different feel and different way to interpret calls so you kind of have your own communication with all three of them of ‘if I call this, what are you thinking?’ Just kind of getting on the same page. They don’t do much rotating through in a single day. Each day is kind of their own; every guy gets a chance a day. So you kind of get used to working with that guy all day and then you start back over the next day with a new guy. So that hasn’t been a problem for myself and for (right tackle Chris Hubbard).”
3. Even after Duke Johnson has repeatedly stated that he wants to be traded and even hired a new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to help with that, he has continued to receive plenty of touches so far in camp. Whether it’s at the running back position or in the slot, the Browns have used his versatility to help with the offense. Both Freddie Kitchens and John Dorsey have repeatedly stated that Duke will continue to be a vital part of the offense even after his request to play elsewhere. So far in camp, they’ve kept their word. Then again, it’s only a few practices into camp, but still. There is also a report Johnson might miss some time.
I was told by a source last night that #Browns RB Duke Johnson “could miss some time” with the hamstring injury he suffered yesterday. Will continue to monitor though, see how he improves. Chubb & Hilliard with bulk work today.
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 28, 2019
4. Whether it’s with the first- or second-team, rookie Greedy Williams was by far the most impressive cornerback, both with and without pads on. Even while going against Odell Beckham Jr. at times, Williams did very well. He’s had multiple interceptions so far early in camp and made a mark on the coaching staff while doing so.
“That was a great feeling,’’ Williams said. “Getting started early in camp, getting an interception definitely brings a lot of confidence and makes you go out there and grab another one. Just having fun with the game and when plays come my way, I make ‘em.’
“That could be a possibility, just trying to see where my head is at. Like I said, I’m in high spirits, just want to get better every day and learn from the older guys. Hopefully, I put myself in a great position.”
5. Baker Mayfield struggled at times early especially, but that’s expected. What’s not expected are his receivers giving up on a play when the protection broke down and the second-year quarterback had to get out of the pocket, his wideouts gave up on the play. Baker wasn’t happy and proceeded to not only chew out the wide receivers but included plenty of F-bombs while yelling at them as well. Kitchens believes it was well deserved.
“I don’t know if they responded to him or not, but yeah, I expect my quarterback to get everybody on the same page,’’ he said. “That’s what I want.”
Nick Chubb was fine with it as well.
“It gets us going, Somebody calls someone out, no matter if it was our right tackle, he says the same thing, we’re gonna respond. We’re all for each other and if he wants something changed like that, we’re gonna fix it, we’re gonna get it right for him. It wasn’t like he was out of place. He said exactly what needed to be done. We’re the ones running with him. We needed that.”
6. Being able to handle adversity is key, especially for a team that finally has to live up to some expectations this season and beyond. If Sunday’s practice proved anything, it’s that some players still have to realize that and learn it. After a scuffle that included Chad Thomas and Pharaoh Brown broke out, Kitchens made the whole team run sprints. The players weren’t happy at those two, and Thomas proceeded to make matters even worse.
#Browns DE Chad Thomas flipped off someone in crowd who yelled “come on 92, hustle” while players ran gassers as punishment for a fight involving Thomas.
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) July 28, 2019
7. Baker’s mustache game is strong and I dig it.
https://twitter.com/Browns/status/1155483863843594243
8. While the competition will mainly be focused on preseason games rather than practices, every kick matters when it comes to who will be the starting kicker in Week 1 (and beyond) for the Browns. So far, Greg Joseph has done much better than rookie Austin Seibert.
Incumbent Greg Joseph taking control of #Browns kicking battle, going 4-for-4 on field goals just now. Rookie fifth-round draft pick Austin Seibert went 1-for-4, missing back-to-back kicks from 43 and 52 yards to end drill.
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) July 28, 2019
9. In case you were wondering how the depth chart currently looks on both the defensive line, linebacker, and wide receiver, Jake Burns has you covered:
As things currently stand on the DL:
Garrett Richardson LarryO Vernon
Avery Coley Ekuale Zettel
Thomas Price Davis Smith
— Jake Burns (@jake_burns18) July 26, 2019
LBs
Schobert (MIKE) Kirksey (WILL)
Taylor (MIKE) Armstrong (WILL)
Takitaki (MIKE) Wilson (WILL)
Harvey (MIKE) Stubbs (WILL)
Taylor is your 1st team SAM when 3LB sets are used.
— Jake Burns (@jake_burns18) July 26, 2019
WR groups remain consistent.
X = 1-Beckham, 2-Callaway
Z = 1-Higgins, 2-Willies
Slot = 1-Landry, 2-HymanJackson still hovering in the slot and all over where needed. #Browns
— Jake Burns (@jake_burns18) July 28, 2019
10. Leading by example is important. It appears that Odell Beckham now only realizes that, but is doing it as well. He may already be considered one of the best wide receivers in the arena, but the veteran wideout continues to put in the extra work following a practice. Het gets it.
That’s not a rookie spending 20 minutes on the jugs machine after practice. That’s the All-Pro you traded for putting in work after practice. pic.twitter.com/KBTOvJVO58
— Jake Burns (@jake_burns18) July 28, 2019
11. Just like Gerald McCoy did earlier this summer, defensive tackle Mike Daniels has decided to sign with a former division rival (Detroit) after visiting the Browns. The former Packer signed a one-year, $9.1 million ($7.8 million guaranteed) contract with the Lions on Saturday.
Open sessions throughout training camp:
• Thursday, July 25 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET
• Friday, July 26 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Saturday, July 27 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Sunday, July 28 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Monday, July 29 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 31 – 10 a.m. – 12 pm.
• Thursday, August 1 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Friday, August 2 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Monday, Aug. 5 – 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 6 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 9 – 3:45 – 5:25 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 10 – 2:45 – 4:45 p.m.
• Monday, Aug. 12 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 20 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 21 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
