How Browns pass-catchers are more than just the receivers + minicamp takeaways: Orange & Brown Talk
By Orange and Brown Talk Podcast, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns are undergoing a fundamental cultural transformation this offseason, and the latest Orange and Brown Talk podcast pulls back the curtain on what appears to be a sweeping philosophical shift.
Gone are the days of cautious practices and injury-prevention-first mentality. In their place: a renewed emphasis on physicality, toughness, and competition that could redefine the team’s identity in 2025.
0:29 / 0:45 Skip Ad “They needed to change this up,” Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot explained on the podcast. “They needed to put on their big boy pants and really be able to punch someone in the mouth.”
This new mentality was unmistakable during the team’s recent minicamp, which featured noticeably more competitive periods and physical play than in previous years — even within the constraints of a non-contact environment. Podcast host Dan Labbe observed the difference immediately.
“It reinforced what we’ve been hearing from Kevin Stefanski all offseason, that I think we are going to see that camp that he’s promising,” Labbe said. “It was competitive. I mean, there were a lot of very competitive periods.”
The Browns’ new approach isn’t just talk. The organization has made significant behind-the-scenes changes to support this philosophical pivot. Perhaps most telling was a complete overhaul of their health and performance staff — a move that largely flew under the radar but signals serious institutional change.
“It sort of flew under the radar that they just completely overhauled their health and performance staff,” Cabot revealed. “Their head trainer of 16 years, Joe Sheehan, is gone. I mean, their nutritionist that we’ve seen around forever, gone.”
This restructuring directly aligns with what special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone and former consultant Mike Vrabel preached last season: the Browns need to be tougher and more physical to compete at the highest level.
This renewed emphasis on physicality could particularly benefit the team early in the season. September games — when some contenders are still finding their rhythm — present opportunities for physical, well-conditioned teams to steal crucial victories.
“Week 1 against Cincinnati, can they come out and punch that team in the mouth?” Labbe questioned, highlighting how this new approach might translate to early-season success.
The 4-man quarterback competition has naturally amplified the competitive environment. But reporters noted the intensity extended beyond just the quarterback position.
“It felt like it was ramped up all spring,” Browns beat reporter Ashley Bastock confirmed. “I think there’s just more guys even towards the bottom of the roster who are really fighting for something.”
For a team that struggled with consistency and mental toughness during the 2024 campaign, this cultural shift represents a deliberate course correction. The Browns appear to be embracing an identity that values physicality as a cornerstone rather than a secondary consideration.
“It goes hand in hand with the new philosophy and the new vibe of just being bigger, stronger, faster, tougher,” Cabot summarized.
As July’s training camp approaches, Browns fans should prepare for a notably different atmosphere than in previous summers — one that emphasizes competition at every position and physical play as a non-negotiable standard.
I agree. Unfortunately, with our media I feel like we’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
If we go out there and play like sissies to open the season, they pounce on Stefanski for being a cupcake.
If someone gets hurt - regardless of whether they would have anyway - the. The narrative becomes that he shouldn’t have put them at risk.
The Bengals have a Super Bowl caliber team (at least offensively) and they have come out the gate during Zac Taylor’s reign looking like they never put cleats on before because he doesn’t prepare them enough for the rigors of the season. Bengals fans hate it, and I tend to agree with them.
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
I was listening to WFAN this morning and Boomer Esiaison said that our QB situation is a mess and doesn’t know what we’re doing and we should have traded Myles for a boatload of picks and drafted our QB next year or the year after. Not saying I agree just wanted to put what he said out there.
I was listening to WFAN this morning and Boomer Esiaison said that our QB situation is a mess and doesn’t know what we’re doing and we should have traded Myles for a boatload of picks and drafted our QB next year or the year after. Not saying I agree just wanted to put what he said out there.
Well, we have two first rounders and based on if we and JAX play poorly, we could be in a prime position to take a QB. If one of our young QBs succeeds, we're in a prime position to get some good skill positional players. I tend to think the former happens than the latter, but we have enough picks in 2026 (and beyond if we wanted to package more to move up) to get a QB if we really want one. The questions will be who else wants a QB, where do they pick, and what draft capital do they have?
Not trading Myles doesn't limit us from getting a QB next year. And the timing we re-signed him (before Watt, Parsons, Hendrickson) was more than ideal to get ahead of those other deals.
At DT, context and meaning are a scarecrow kicking at moving goalposts.
I was listening to WFAN this morning and Boomer Esiaison said that our QB situation is a mess and doesn’t know what we’re doing and we should have traded Myles for a boatload of picks and drafted our QB next year or the year after. Not saying I agree just wanted to put what he said out there.
A Bengal trying to say what is best for the Browns. I am sure he does not want to see Myles coming around the edge attacking Burrow anymore. His team has an offense, but their defense is every bit the mess our offense is.
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples' money." Margarat Thatcher
I agree with the last 3 posts. I think our FO has done a good job setting up our QB room for this year and next season if the young QB’s we have now don’t work out. Seems like Boomer doesn’t want to give us any credit for making a bad situation last season better.
I'm glad to see we are preparing for a more taxing training camp. It's needed IMO
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
I was listening to WFAN this morning and Boomer Esiaison said that our QB situation is a mess and doesn’t know what we’re doing and we should have traded Myles for a boatload of picks and drafted our QB next year or the year after. Not saying I agree just wanted to put what he said out there.
A Bengal trying to say what is best for the Browns. I am sure he does not want to see Myles coming around the edge attacking Burrow anymore. His team has an offense, but their defense is every bit the mess our offense is.
I'm sure you realize that the Browns were 27th in scoring defense last year while the Bungals were 25th last season. That our Browns were 21st against the run while the Bungals were 19th last season.
I'm in total agreement that a Bungal fan has no business telling us what is best for our team with their defensive issues, but our 2024 defense was just as big of a mess as the Bungals defense and needs massive improvement itself.
Our defense gave up a 105 less total defensive yds for a 17-game schedule (6.18 yds per game) and had almost the exact same number of defensive plays (CLE 435 - CIN 434).
If we're truthful, the Browns sucked on both sides of the ball in 2024 and hopefully the draft and free agency can address those issues. The truth is that the Bungals have a humming #1 NFL offense with defensive woes - we showed a team with no offense or defense in 2024 and have a way bigger challenge in 2025 than the Bungals. We're really in no position to be throwing rocks when we live in a glass house ourselves. JMHO
I was listening to WFAN this morning and Boomer Esiaison said that our QB situation is a mess and doesn’t know what we’re doing and we should have traded Myles for a boatload of picks and drafted our QB next year or the year after. Not saying I agree just wanted to put what he said out there.
A Bengal trying to say what is best for the Browns. I am sure he does not want to see Myles coming around the edge attacking Burrow anymore. His team has an offense, but their defense is every bit the mess our offense is.
I'm sure you realize that the Browns were 27th in scoring defense last year while the Bungals were 25th last season. That our Browns were 21st against the run while the Bungals were 19th last season.
I'm in total agreement that a Bungal fan has no business telling us what is best for our team with their defensive issues, but our 2024 defense was just as big of a mess as the Bungals defense and needs massive improvement itself.
Our defense gave up a 105 less total defensive yds for a 17-game schedule (6.18 yds per game) and had almost the exact same number of defensive plays (CLE 435 - CIN 434).
If we're truthful, the Browns sucked on both sides of the ball in 2024 and hopefully the draft and free agency can address those issues. The truth is that the Bungals have a humming #1 NFL offense with defensive woes - we showed a team with no offense or defense in 2024 and have a way bigger challenge in 2025 than the Bungals. We're really in no position to be throwing rocks when we live in a glass house ourselves. JMHO
Do the Browns have their top Defensive Player unsigned and holding out of defense? How about the Browns 1st round draft pick and top Defensive newcomer? That is a mess right now on the Bengals Defensive side of the ball.
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples' money." Margarat Thatcher
.... Perhaps most telling was a complete overhaul of their health and performance staff — a move that largely flew under the radar but signals serious institutional change.
“It sort of flew under the radar that they just completely overhauled their health and performance staff,” Cabot revealed. “Their head trainer of 16 years, Joe Sheehan, is gone. I mean, their nutritionist that we’ve seen around forever, gone.” ....
It may just be me, but I swear I hear about some sort of overhaul to their training staff like every other year.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
Camp Cupcake should be gone. Trying to avoid injuries didn’t work out well. Hopefully more physical and team periods will help.
Browns media is sure trying to get us to think that.
Proof is in the pudding... and the one line about about Cinci coming to town week 1 is true... that's a talented team that you can push around and catch them off guard if you're built to do that.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
I agree with the last 3 posts. I think our FO has done a good job setting up our QB room for this year and next season if the young QB’s we have now don’t work out. Seems like Boomer doesn’t want to give us any credit for making a bad situation last season better.
Our FO is the reason why our QB room had to be built from the FA scrap heap and the later rounds in this past draft. They did the best they could for this season without further screwing up the future, but they are absolutely the reason we are in this mess.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
Do the Browns have their top Defensive Player unsigned and holding out of defense? How about the Browns 1st round draft pick and top Defensive newcomer? That is a mess right now on the Bengals Defensive side of the ball.
Obviously, the Bungals have an issue with Hendrickson's hold out (still can sign though). As for our Browns, yes, Garrett resigned but was also on that defense last year. Drafting Graham should be a huge plus but is untested. What you failed to mention though is the season loss of the Browns best starting LB JOK. They also have the pending domestic issue with starting LB Bush to deal with this fall. Finally, 2024 second round pick DT Hall is on the injury list after being suspended for 5-games himself in 2024 for domestic violence. Graham should be a huge plus but losing 2 starters and a rotational 2nd round pick in 2024 has reason for huge concern on defense. Question, have the Browns upgraded those 3 positions going into camp?
Do the Browns have their top Defensive Player unsigned and holding out of defense? How about the Browns 1st round draft pick and top Defensive newcomer? That is a mess right now on the Bengals Defensive side of the ball.
Obviously, the Bungals have an issue with Hendrickson's hold out (still can sign though). As for our Browns, yes, Garrett resigned but was also on that defense last year. Drafting Graham should be a huge plus but is untested. What you failed to mention though is the season loss of the Browns best starting LB JOK. They also have the pending domestic issue with starting LB Bush to deal with this fall. Finally, 2024 second round pick DT Hall is on the injury list after being suspended for 5-games himself in 2024 for domestic violence. Graham should be a huge plus but losing 2 starters and a rotational 2nd round pick in 2024 has reason for huge concern on defense. Question, have the Browns upgraded those 3 positions going into camp?
I hate the fact that JOK is out. I hope and pray he will be able to play again. Mike Hall is expected to be back before camp is over but if he gets set back the Browns acquired Maliek Collins and still have Shelby Harris. So Defensive tackle has been improved vs 2024 and has some depth. At Defensive End the Browns have Garrett and Isaiah McGuire returning. Alex Wright is back after missing about all of last season injured and signed Joe Tryon Shoyinka so Defensive End should be improved also. At linebacker the Browns bring back Mohamoud Diabate and Jordan Hicks and added Carson Schwesinger and veteran former Ohio State LB Jerome Baker with Devin Bush and Nathaniel Watson still in the mix. Cornerback comes back intact with Denzil Ward, Martin Emerson, and Greg Newsome with Cameron Mitchell and Myles Hardin as depth. At Safety the Browns return Grant Deplit and Ronnie Hickman and signed vets Nik Needham, Rayshawn McMillon, and Damontae Kazee so they ahve improved depth and expirence at Safety.
The offense is a mess until proven otherwise but this defense again has a chance to return to 2023 form after a down season last year. The defense has a couple All Pro's, some new high draft picks, and some new and returning vets. Again, this defense has a chance to be really good again, but it will not be a disaster as the Bengals defense will be if they don't figure some things out soon.
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples' money." Margarat Thatcher
Gone are the days of cautious practices and injury-prevention-first mentality. In their place: a renewed emphasis on physicality, toughness, and competition that could redefine the team’s identity in 2025.
ABOUT FREAKING TIME..!
Quote
The Browns’ new approach isn’t just talk. The organization has made significant behind-the-scenes changes to support this philosophical pivot. Perhaps most telling was a complete overhaul of their health and performance staff — a move that largely flew under the radar but signals serious institutional change.
“It sort of flew under the radar that they just completely overhauled their health and performance staff,” Cabot revealed. “Their head trainer of 16 years, Joe Sheehan, is gone. I mean, their nutritionist that we’ve seen around forever, gone.”
This restructuring directly aligns with what special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone and former consultant Mike Vrabel preached last season: the Browns need to be tougher and more physical to compete at the highest level.
Remember when someone (me) started a thread (12/12/23), questioning "The Browns Strength and Conditioning Department". That thread ran 10 pages and some had interesting opinions.
Do the Browns have their top Defensive Player unsigned and holding out of defense? How about the Browns 1st round draft pick and top Defensive newcomer? That is a mess right now on the Bengals Defensive side of the ball.
Obviously, the Bungals have an issue with Hendrickson's hold out (still can sign though). As for our Browns, yes, Garrett resigned but was also on that defense last year. Drafting Graham should be a huge plus but is untested. What you failed to mention though is the season loss of the Browns best starting LB JOK. They also have the pending domestic issue with starting LB Bush to deal with this fall. Finally, 2024 second round pick DT Hall is on the injury list after being suspended for 5-games himself in 2024 for domestic violence. Graham should be a huge plus but losing 2 starters and a rotational 2nd round pick in 2024 has reason for huge concern on defense. Question, have the Browns upgraded those 3 positions going into camp?
I hate the fact that JOK is out. I hope and pray he will be able to play again. Mike Hall is expected to be back before camp is over but if he gets set back the Browns acquired Maliek Collins and still have Shelby Harris. So Defensive tackle has been improved vs 2024 and has some depth. At Defensive End the Browns have Garrett and Isaiah McGuire returning. Alex Wright is back after missing about all of last season injured and signed Joe Tryon Shoyinka so Defensive End should be improved also. At linebacker the Browns bring back Mohamoud Diabate and Jordan Hicks and added Carson Schwesinger and veteran former Ohio State LB Jerome Baker with Devin Bush and Nathaniel Watson still in the mix. Cornerback comes back intact with Denzil Ward, Martin Emerson, and Greg Newsome with Cameron Mitchell and Myles Hardin as depth. At Safety the Browns return Grant Deplit and Ronnie Hickman and signed vets Nik Needham, Rayshawn McMillon, and Damontae Kazee so they ahve improved depth and expirence at Safety.
The offense is a mess until proven otherwise but this defense again has a chance to return to 2023 form after a down season last year. The defense has a couple All Pro's, some new high draft picks, and some new and returning vets. Again, this defense has a chance to be really good again, but it will not be a disaster as the Bengals defense will be if they don't figure some things out soon.
Do the Browns have their top Defensive Player unsigned and holding out of defense? How about the Browns 1st round draft pick and top Defensive newcomer? That is a mess right now on the Bengals Defensive side of the ball.
Obviously, the Bungals have an issue with Hendrickson's hold out (still can sign though). As for our Browns, yes, Garrett resigned but was also on that defense last year. Drafting Graham should be a huge plus but is untested. What you failed to mention though is the season loss of the Browns best starting LB JOK. They also have the pending domestic issue with starting LB Bush to deal with this fall. Finally, 2024 second round pick DT Hall is on the injury list after being suspended for 5-games himself in 2024 for domestic violence. Graham should be a huge plus but losing 2 starters and a rotational 2nd round pick in 2024 has reason for huge concern on defense. Question, have the Browns upgraded those 3 positions going into camp?
I hate the fact that JOK is out. I hope and pray he will be able to play again. Mike Hall is expected to be back before camp is over but if he gets set back the Browns acquired Maliek Collins and still have Shelby Harris. So Defensive tackle has been improved vs 2024 and has some depth. At Defensive End the Browns have Garrett and Isaiah McGuire returning. Alex Wright is back after missing about all of last season injured and signed Joe Tryon Shoyinka so Defensive End should be improved also. At linebacker the Browns bring back Mohamoud Diabate and Jordan Hicks and added Carson Schwesinger and veteran former Ohio State LB Jerome Baker with Devin Bush and Nathaniel Watson still in the mix. Cornerback comes back intact with Denzil Ward, Martin Emerson, and Greg Newsome with Cameron Mitchell and Myles Hardin as depth. At Safety the Browns return Grant Deplit and Ronnie Hickman and signed vets Nik Needham, Rayshawn McMillon, and Damontae Kazee so they ahve improved depth and expirence at Safety.
The offense is a mess until proven otherwise but this defense again has a chance to return to 2023 form after a down season last year. The defense has a couple All Pro's, some new high draft picks, and some new and returning vets. Again, this defense has a chance to be really good again, but it will not be a disaster as the Bengals defense will be if they don't figure some things out soon.
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