DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Camp Observations

Quote:

---

I'm sure he'll be OK physically, but I'm more concerned with all the reps he's been missing in camp. From what I've read he hasn't grasped his new role in the 3-4 as well as anticipated.

---

Wait, if he's missing reps, how is it he's supposed to grasp anything? I'm confused...

Let the guy get back on the field, which I believe he was yesterday, and let's see how he does.

He was interviewed and there is tape on it at the Browns site.. he says that while he wasn't practicing, he was reading the books, in all the meetings and out on the field observing.. so while he hasn't had reps,, he's at least been involed from the mental side of it.

Quote:

---

(Relax, I'm just trying a different approach to this, like the saying "break a leg")

---

Gotcha

Day 13 of Training Camp
Monday 08-04-2008 3:55pm ET

-The Browns morning practice was spirited as the players practiced with pep in there step, most likely because they will play an actual opponent this week.

- Injury wise Corey Williams practiced in pretty much all the drills today as he is battling back from a shoulder injury. I wouldn’t be surprised if he does not play on Thursday.

- Kevin Kasper dressed but did not participate in team drills.

-Kellen Winslow and Josh Cribbs were both kept inside to have treatment on their sore hamstrings.

- Mike Adams has been an interesting guy to watch during camp as he is trying to be more then just a special team’s ace. He is covering slot receivers in the Browns sub defense packages and he thinks that he can help the defense with its lack of veteran corners.

-David McMillan is entering his 4th season in Cleveland and it’s his contract year. He realized that his clock is ticking and worked out this off season with Jamal Lewis and crew in Atlanta. McMillan has had flashes in pre season games over the past few seasons, but now has to be his time. He will receive a golden opportunity over the next few weeks as he has been lining up opposite Kamerion Wimbley in passing situations. With Antwan Peek out for the preseason McMillan will have to prove that he can rush the passer against team’s first unit. He told me this morning that he can still run a 40 yard dash in 4.4 seconds.

- Plays of the day had to be Derek Anderson hooking up on 2 long bombs with Braylon Edwards. It’s scary to say this but these 2 have the chance to actually be better this year as they are working hard together to prove last year was not a fluke.

- Romeo Crennel said that come Thursday he will most likely play his starters for a quarter vs. the Jets.

- For fans that like to check out training camp in Berea, Tuesday will be the last practice until Saturday, with the team off on Wednesday and Friday.

link

"I would like to see him prove the fact that he can run a 4.4 40."



You know...if McMillan really wants to be on this team and make the 53 Roster. All he has to do is show that 4.4 speed on a consistent basis during Kick-Off and other Special teams duties. I've seen a lot of him in the past in return and kick-off duty and not once did I say wow...look at that speed. Believe me when you see a 250+ body go 4.4 you take notice. I did take notice of CT several times on special teams...I did see McMillan's number out there on occasion but not once did I state...Darn that kid is fast!

All he has to do is bring that speed out of the Shorts and track and bring it to Special Teams and the kid has a roster spot!

JMHO

Has anyone been going up there? We haven't had any updates in a while.

I did see from Training Camp Daily that they did a reverse pass with Winslow, who tossed a perfect TD pass to Lewis. Thought that was awesome. Every see a TE throw a TD pass before?????

I wonder who the backup safety is on this team? How are those competitions shaking out?

This is how I see it playing out

There players are absolute locks: 30 (+1 pup)
QB- Anderson, Quinn
RB- Lewis
FB- Vickers
WR- Edwards, Stallworth, JJ (PUP), Cribbs
TE- Winslow
OL- Thomas, Steinbach, Fraley, Tucker, Shaffer, Hadnot
DL- Rogers, S. Smith, R. Smith, Williams
LB- Wimbley, Williams, Davis, Jackson, McG
CB- McDonald, Wright
S- Pool, Jones
ST- Zastudil, Dawson, Pontbriand

These players will likely make the team: 9
RB- Wright, Harrison
FB- Ali
WR- Wilson
TE- Rucker (I'm excluding Heiden just because im unsure of his injury extent)
OL- McKinney
LB- Bell, Peek
S- Adams

That leaves about 15-16 spots I see to be up for grabs

Wasn't there, but here are some camp notes:

CAMPER OF THE DAY: Rookie wide receiver Paul Hubbard is still more of a great athlete than a great football player right now. A track standout at Wisconsin, he simply hasn't played enough football yet to be proficient at it. But when the Browns were scouting him -- he was a sixth-round draft choice -- Pro Football Hall of Fame wideout Paul Warfield, a track star back in the day at Warren (Ohio) Harding High School and then Ohio State, put his stamp of approval on Hubbard. That's about as strong of an endorsement as a receiver can get. Hubbard will develop. He just needs some time to do so.

*

PLAYS OF THE DAY: Since he got the job, Browns defensive coordinator Mel Tucker has worked his players hard on ripping the ball out of the receiver's hands. It has become one of his mantras of camp. And it played out on Monday just like Tucker drew it up when free safety Brodney Pool tore a Brady Quinn pass out of the hands of strong-armed tight end Darnell Dinkins for an interception. "Coach Tuck preaches turnovers to us all the time," Pool said. "That's his thing." ... Cornerback Eric Wright made another nice defensive play when he broke up Quinn's quick hitch pass to wide receiver Travis Wilson. ... Who said the Browns' backup defensive backs can't play? Rookie Gerard Lawson looked good in breaking up a pass to wideout Steve Sanders. ... Inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson caught Jamal Lewis unaware and bounced the running back down as he tried unsuccessfully to catch a short pass over the middle from quarterback Derek Anderson ... Offensively, the most exciting play had tight end Kellen Winslow taking a couple steps back and catching a lateral pass from Anderson, then rolling right and lofting the ball to Lewis, who was all alone in the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown. ... The most electrifying offensive play was Anderson's pin-point 60-yard TD pass to wideout Donte Stallworth on a deep post route. ... Quinn hit running back Jerome Harrison with several passes for TDs in goal-line work. As he has done all camp, Harrison showed good hands and quick, nimble feet as he danced his way past defenders and into the end zone. ... Quinn threw to wide receiver Syndric Steptoe, who was wide open on a deep slant.

Link

I started a thread about Harrison making the team... listening to RAC today, I'm seriously wondering if he'll survive the cuts.

"Likely because he can't throw more than 10 yards."

Was that a joke? or is that your real claim? You did read btw the part about Goal Line practice.

JMH?

Quote:

---

Pool tore a Brady Quinn pass out of the hands of strong-armed tight end Darnell Dinkins for an interception.

---

Strong armed? The dude puts it on the turf way too much.

Quote:

---

Quinn hit running back Jerome Harrison with several passes for TDs in goal-line work.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Likely because he can't throw more than 10 yards.

---

I hope that was sarcasm. Wouldn't be smart to throw more than 10 yards when you're on the goalline.

Quinn has a pretty strong arm. Why he gets a bad rap for that, I'm not sure. Maybe because DA has a canon?

http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/509308.html?nav=5024

Winslow gets bang out of teammate, practice
By MIKE McLAIN Tribune Chronicle

BEREA - The intensity of Wednesday's practice picked up when tight end Kellen Winslow and defensive back Travis Key collided.

The hit came after Winslow hauled in a pass from quarterback Derek Anderson. Key, who was signed earlier this week, didn't back down from the stronger Winslow. Key is listed at 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, but it's obvious he's not that big.

Anderson connected with Winslow on the same pass pattern a couple of plays later. Key, who was in the area, faked a dive at Winslow.

"I like making plays," Winslow said of his intensity level. "It doesn't matter who it is. I'm a Hurricane. That's the way we play. I brought that to the Cleveland Browns. Ask any 'Cane out there. That's how we are. We just love to practice. It's nothing personal. He's my teammate. I just like to compete."

Winslow has missed quite a bit of practice time to nurse a sore hamstring. He sat out the preseason game against the New York Jets a week ago.

Winslow has been on the field more this week. It's not known if he'll play Monday when the Browns play at the New York Giants.

The first-team offense has been inconsistent with Winslow being in and out and receiver Braylon Edwards out with a cut on his right heel.

"We're a little bit frustrated right now," Winslow said. "We're trying to take the perfectionist attitude. We haven't done anything yet."

CHECKING IN: Edwards returned to the facility Tuesday for the first time since suffering the cut after practice last Saturday. He spent one night in the Cleveland Clinic and has been at home since being released.

The dressing on his foot was changed. There was no update on when he might return to practice.

INJURY REPORT: Rookie tight end Martin Rucker was scheduled for surgery today on a knee he twisted during practice last Monday. A MRI revealed a torn meniscus.

No timetable for his return has been set, but similar surgeries have normally resulted in a rehabilitation period of four to six weeks.

The Browns' top two draft choices - linebacker Beau Bell and Rucker - are now both out of action. Bell had surgery Aug. 7 to remove loose cartilage from behind a kneecap.

ROUGH ENDING: Crennel wasn't pleased with the way the first-team offense ended practice. Running a drill that simulated enough time for one play and a field-goal attempt, Anderson completed a short pass over the middle. The offense was slow getting off the field in time for the field-goal unit to get in place.

Crennel was visibly mad. He directed comments to Rip Scherer, assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach.

"We really hadn't worked on that a whole lot," Crennel said. "You're changing people around and have different guys in the game. Sometimes backups have to go in. We didn't do a very good job on that. It was better that we discovered it in practice and not in a game."

EASY GOING: Some of the players stayed on the field talking to family members longer than normal after practice. The extra time was because Crennel canceled post-practice meetings when Phil Dawson kicked a 50-yard field goal to end practice Tuesday morning.

CAMPING OUT: It wasn't a good day for quarterback Brady Quinn. He fumbled a snap, which is something he seems to do once every session. He also had a pass tipped near the goal line. ... Running back Jamal Lewis threw an option pass to Travis Wilson for a touchdown. It wasn't the prettiest pass ever thrown. Lewis flipped the ball more than he threw it. ... Wilson made a nice move to shorten his route and get open under the coverage of Eric Wright and catch a pass from Anderson along the sideline. ... Safety Mike Adams made an excellent read to intercept an Anderson pass. Adams appears to have won the competition to be the nickel back.

http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/509294.html?nav=5024

Crennel upset with Wednesday's practice

BEREA - Browns coach Romeo Crennel wasn't pleased with Wednesday's practice.

In particular, he was upset with a situational drill near the end of the session that called for the offense to run one play and then hurry off the field to get the field-goal unit on for a last-second field goal. The first-team offense was slow to get off the field. The indecision caught the attention of Crennel, who voiced his displeasure to Rip Scherer, the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach.

The second-team offense was more effective. Quarterback Brady Quinn completed a short pass to running back Jerome Harrison on a short crossing route. The field-goal unit hurried onto the field, and kicker Phil Dawson made a field goal of close to 50 yards.

Rookie tight end Martin Rucker was absent from the session. Rucker tore a meniscus in his knee Monday and will have surgery Thursday.

I always liked WInslows intensity,, I'd rather he kept his mouth shut more when he was first drafted, but his intensity on the field,, no question about it, the kid has drive..

Quote:

---

It wasn't a good day for quarterback Brady Quinn. He fumbled a snap, which is something he seems to do once every session. He also had a pass tipped near the goal line. ...

---

What's scary about that is that I think that Quinn is a throughbred, chomping at the bit to get out there and play and my fear is that because he isn't getting the opportunity, he may be losing concentration. That's scary to me..

For Winslow, one speed is enough
web page
Steve King, Staff Writer
08.13.2008

For Browns tight end Kellen Winslow, one of the guys who wear the pants on this team -- literally and figuratively -- there are not really any practices, only game readiness.

Winslow, one of the most fiery players the Browns have ever had, displayed that intensity on two back-to-back plays in Wednesday's training camp practice.

The first occurred as the Pro Bowler was coming across the middle to catch a pass. Newly-signed safety Travis Key was coming the other way to defend it. Winslow caught the ball and immediately ran into Key, sending both players sprawling.

As if Winslow ever needs his battery charged, that play seemed to get him going.

"I was mad before that play happened," Winslow said afterward. "I wasn't in the groove."

But maybe he got into the groove on the next play. He caught a pass down the sideline as Key approached. Winslow saw Key coming, and Key ended up tumbling to avoid a collision.

"I was thinking about stripping the ball," Key said. "But then I realized that wasn't a good idea."

He wasn't going to get it without a heck of a fight.

The intensity is second nature to Winslow, who remains a bit hobbled with a hamstringproblem that kept him out of last Thursday night's 24-20 loss to the New York Jets in the preseason opener. He is not sure if he'll play when the Browns travel to New York to meet the defending Super Bowl champion Giants on Monday Night Football.

"When the ball is in the air, I'm trying to make plays," Winslow said. "I'm not thinking about pain."

And anyway, no pain, no gain.

"I try to simulate as much of the game as possible," Winslow said. "I always love to compete."

It's why he wears full pads and game pants to every practice, even the ones where the dress of the day of his teammates includes shell pads and shorts. He said he started it last year.

Browns radio play-by-play announcer Jim Donovan remembers the opening preseason game at Philadelphia in 2006. Winslow had missed all of 2005 with injuries sustained in an offseason motorcycle accident, and all but the first two games of his rookie season of '04 with a broken leg.

So after all that, he was ready to go -- really ready to go.

"I got to the stadium about three hours before kickoff -- three hours before kickoff -- and K2 is fully dressed, pads, uniform, cleats, everything," Donovan said. "I couldn't believe it."

Believe it.

So what happened Wednesday, then, is nothing new for Winslow. It just happened to be the latest chapter, an extension of something that began a long time ago.

It began when Winslow was a kid growing up the son of a Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end by the same name, but Browns backup quarterback Ken Dorsey first encountered it when they were teammates together at the University of Miami.

"From his first day in college, he was all-go, full-speed, full-effort every day," Dorsey said. "He's just so much fun to be around because he brings so much passion and enthusiasm to the team."

Any team, including those Miami Hurricanes, who won one national championship and played in another national title game during his career there.

"I'm a Hurricane, and that's the way we play," Winslow said.

With plenty of spunk, just like this young team leader is getting his teammates in Cleveland to play.

"He competes out there every day," Dorsey said. "He's just a competitor. That's what he loves, competing. He's always competing. He wants the ball on every play."

Continued Dorsey, "Sure, K2 has some quirks, but he's the most loyal teammate you could ever have. When he comes out like this in practice, it makes everybody better -- not just the offense, but the defense as well, the whole team."

Practice? Don't use that word around Kellen Winslow.

The transfer of the ball from center to qb is pretty critical.

Got to get that right before you can do much else.

But you never know. Maybe the center is the problem.

I know that McKinney has been back and practicing some at Center.. I wonder if that's the problem and not Quinn at all... Just wondering out loud, but you got me thinking about it Peen

It must be Kellen Day in the media world They all want to write about the same thing... or there is nothing else to write about at this point.

web page
Rough practice fires up Browns

Winslow's intensity energizes teammates at Berea training camp

By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sports writer

Published on Thursday, Aug 14, 2008

BEREA: Some might say it was a routine play, but there is no such thing in Kellen Winslow's world.

The Browns' Pro Bowl tight end was running toward the right sideline after pulling in a pass from quarterback Derek Anderson when rookie safety Travis Key converged, hoping to force a fumble. The sound of their unintentional collision was game-worthy, but Winslow hung onto the ball.

Winslow was dressed in full uniform, as usual, even though the rest of his teammates were wearing shorts and shoulder pads. Key, a ball hawk from Michigan State generously listed at 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, didn't sign with the Browns until Saturday night and was participating in his sixth practice.

Let it be said that the play, and the one that followed, served as Key's lesson on the Hurricane way.

''I'm a Hurricane and that's the way we play,'' said Winslow, the sixth overall pick in 2004 from the University of Miami. ''We just love to practice. It's nothing personal. He's my teammate. I just like to compete.''

Anderson went right back to Winslow with his next pass and Winslow made a move to stiff-arm Key, almost swatting him away like a fly. This time Key thought better of contact.

''I was going to try to strip
the ball out of his hand, but then I realized that probably wouldn't have been the smartest thing to do,'' Key said. ''I really wasn't thinking until the end, then I realized it wouldn't be a good idea to take any type of shot. So I kind of tucked and rolled.''

Two innocuous passes fired up the defense as one player yelled, ''Keep doing that.'' Linebacker Willie McGinest shouted: ''Somebody's been watching Hard Knocks.''

Ken Dorsey, Winslow's quarterback at Miami, loved getting another glimpse of the Winslow he's known for years.

''That's just Kellen. He brings so much energy and enthusiasm to practice and he wants the ball every single play,'' Dorsey said. ''The fact that he comes out like that in practice makes everybody better, offense and defense. It kind of sets a tone that we're out here to get things done.''

But what's going on in Berea isn't nearly as intense as what happened in Coral Gables, Fla., when Dorsey and Winslow starting hooking up in 2002. When the 'Canes won the national title in 2001, Winslow was sitting behind Jeremy Shockey and was one of four true freshmen to letter.

''The competition there was so huge,'' Dorsey remembered. ''Those guys were always chirping at each other, pushing each other. When you're going up against defensive backs, three out of four of them were first-round picks, actually including the nickel guy. We had two-minute drills where Kellen would catch the ball over two DBs for a touchdown and everybody goes crazy. That's where he gets all of it from.''

Winslow could argue that the defensive backs he's practicing against in Cleveland aren't nearly as talented as his teammates at Miami. During his college career, he learned to get open by facing six selected in the first round — Ed Reed, Phillip Buchanon, Mike Rumph, Sean Taylor, Antrel Rolle and Kelly Jennings. Not to mention linebackers D.J. Williams and Jonathan Vilma.

Dorsey just laughs at Winslow's quirk of coming out for practice every day in full pads, which began last season.

''I can't tell you why, but I can tell you that's how he practiced in college,'' Dorsey said. ''From the first day at Miami, everything he did was full speed, as hard as he could go, full effort. It might not be right. . . . It might be safer for him to have the pads on at all times.''

Whether his history of injuries has anything to do with it, Winslow explained his reasoning as, ''I try to simulate game conditions as much as possible.''

On Wednesday, Winslow said he was in a bad mood before his run-in with Key.

''That didn't get me riled up, I was mad before that,'' Winslow said. ''I wasn't in my groove. I made a good play and it got our teammates going, so it got me pumped up.''

Key said the two talked before practice ended, Winslow approaching him on the sideline. But Winslow may have walked off the field still reveling in the moment.

''It felt like a game,'' he said.

Surgery for Rucker

Browns coach Romeo Crennel said rookie tight end Martin Rucker will have arthroscopic knee surgery this morning, but did not give a timetable for his return. A Plain Dealer report said the fourth-round pick from Missouri will be out about six weeks after tearing his meniscus.

Rucker caught five passes for 70 yards in the preseason debut against the New York Jets.

Brownies

Mike Adams continues to stave off Terry Cousin for the nickel back role. Adams picked off an Anderson pass during a two-minute drill to set up a field goal. The first team got the job done on the next series. Brady Quinn also got the team in Phil Dawson's range on one of two chances, with his fourth-down pass on the first sailing past the fingertips of receiver Steve Sanders. . . . Today's practice is 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

I think the Browns PR rep told them the only things that they would grant interviews on yesterday were Winslow and his ferocious practice habits or the battle for the 9th OL spot on the roster.

Personally, I wish someone would have written about the competition between Sowells, Philip and Louis.


(note: I am not claiming to have inside knowledge on what the Browns PR rep actually noted to the media...merely being facetious)

Going up there in about an hour for the last day of Training Camp with my daughter. Anyone headed up?

Hopefully since it's the last day, the players will be in a good mood and sign a little more today. Maybe someone will sign my kid.

I played center long ag; snap problems were mine if not bringing it same way or ball not positioned right; was quebee problem if A) didn't lift enough or B) didn't ride forward with me at first before starting his route. We ALWAYS fixed it first; amazing what a meagre two or three hundred snaps can do to clear up STOOPID mistakes. Coaches were sincere when they assured us they were willing to do this as often as we felt it to be necessary to fix the problem. Coaches sure can be patient. No excuse for this beyond sandbox IMO.

Well, unfortunately I didn't get good seats, so I can't report much of anything from camp. Sat down, ate some pizza, and then the seats filled, so I sat there on the other field trying to catch the action.

The cool thing was pretty much the entire team stayed after to sign autographs. I did manage to get Fraley, Hadnot, Steptoe, Hall and Ortiz. Joe Thomas was about 10 feet from me, but ran off, and Harrison was right next to me, but started going down the line in the opposite direction unfortunately.

RAC was out signing as well, and Quinn, Cribbs, Donte, Winslow and Thomas were all down the line from where I was, but between the huge crowd, and trying to lug a cranky and tired 2 year old and her diaper bag in my arms, I didn't bother fighting the crowd and just took what I got.

Would have been nice to get further down and get those guys autographs.

I didn't see DA out there.... he may have been, but someone said he ran in. Kinda sucked since pretty much the whole team was signing and he left if he truly did run in right away.

Quote:

---

It must be Kellen Day in the media world They all want to write about the same thing... or there is nothing else to write about at this point.

web page
Rough practice fires up Browns

Winslow's intensity energizes teammates at Berea training camp

By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sports writer

Published on Thursday, Aug 14, 2008

---

He had a near brouhaha when I was there Tuesday as well......made a good catch on S Jones and then shoved the ball into Jones' face, who promptly swatted it right back at Winslow's mug. Winslow trotted right away after that exchange, he didn't want any part of Jones. That's fine and dandy in camp for fun and to get guys fired up, but DON'T be doing this in a game and get another taunting call!!! I loathe dumb penalties!

As far as autographs, I took a sharpie but only 3 guys signed that day and I didn't attempt any.....there was a boy about 10 years old talking to my buddy and I while Quinn was the last player on the field throwing passes to a rook (Leggett?) for about 25 minutes after practice ended. Finally Quinn came over to sign and this kid went off running to join the masses....I ran after him as he had said he didn't have a marker.....he finally stopped for a second so I could say "Here take mine!" and it was cool to see him finally make it through the crowd to get a sig.

Browns declare drama-free training camp over
8/16/2008, 7:55 p.m. EDT
The Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — The Cleveland Browns officially closed their training camp Saturday, although coach Romeo Crennel said the team will continue practicing under a camp-like schedule through the Aug. 28 preseason finale against Chicago.

Bleachers and hospitality tents were taken down minutes after the afternoon practice was completed, the last time this season fans will be allowed to watch the Browns undergo drills. But players will remain in the team hotel under curfew, Crennel said.

This training camp was different from its predecessors in two major ways. The Browns opened it with expectations of a playoff spot, and the only talk of a quarterback controversy was that there wasn't one.

Derek Anderson signed a three-year, $24 million deal in the offseason, but second-year man Brady Quinn held out hope that he could supplant Anderson. Instead, the front office and coaching staff made it clear Anderson was the starter.

He took nearly all the repetitions with the first-team offense, leaving Quinn throwing to guys who won't be in the league in two weeks. Despite loud screams from awe-struck teenage girls and the protests of grown men on talk radio, Quinn remains a distant No. 2 on the depth chart.

"He knows he's the guy in charge and he knows the system," Crennel said of Anderson. "He's more comfortable with the players that surround him, and that allows him to be better. He's been improving ever since camp started."

Rookie holdouts and season-ending injuries so common in past Cleveland camps were also missing this year. But they weren't missed. With 28 practices — including more than a half-dozen two-a-days over 3 1-2 weeks — camp may have been boring, but the Browns liked it that way.

"We didn't have no distractions," defensive end Robaire Smith said. "We all came in and worked hard. It's nothing but a plus for us heading into the season."

The Browns didn't have a draft pick in the top three rounds in April, so no one stayed away demanding millions.

Tight end Kellen Winslow and kick returner Joshua Cribbs, who are coming off Pro Bowl seasons, were open about their desire for sweeter contracts, but when the Browns said it's too early to talk with multiple years left on each deal, both practiced as hard as ever.

The Browns didn't avoid the injury bug completely, but the injuries were either loose knee cartilage, nagging hamstrings or one bloody heel.

Veteran linebacker Antwan Peek, rookie linebacker Beau Bell and rookie tight end Martin Rucker underwent arthroscopic knee surgeries to remove cartilage. Peek is progressing and is expected back for the regular-season opener Sept. 7 vs. Dallas.

Bell and Rucker could miss the first few weeks of the season. They weren't expected to play major roles, so they're susceptible to being placed on injured reserve if the team needs to clear a roster spot or two.

Pro Bowl receiver Braylon Edwards missed the last week of camp after fellow receiver Donte Stallworth accidentally stepped on his foot Aug. 9 while wearing cleats. Edwards was wearing socks, but no shoes. He received stitches and spent a night in the hospital and has remained at home while he recovers.

The Browns are confident Edwards will be back for the Sept. 7 opener against Dallas at Browns Stadium.

"Training camp got us ready for what's to come," safety Sean Jones said. "I just can't wait for the Cowboys."

Browns players in festive mood as camp closes to public
Sunday, August 17, 2008
By STEVE DOERSCHUK
steve.doerschuk@cantonrep.com


BEREA The horn sounded one last time. The portion of training camp open to the public was over for 2008.

The short ride to the Sept. 7 opener against Dallas passed another milestone.

The next one comes at the Meadowlands, where a game against the Giants will take the Browns through the halfway point of their preseason schedule.

"We're gonna see where we are against the world champs," said safety Sean Jones, practically smacking his lips at the thought.

Saturday's last call for fans put players in a festive mood under a hot sun.

Slim cornerback Eric Wright ran out of the locker room and put a flying head lock on strongman Robaire Smith.

"You're lucky I like you," said Smith, aiming a mosquito-swat slap at Wright.

The young starting cornerbacks have been the life of the party throughout camp. Brandon McDonald strode out the door alongside quarterback Brady Quinn.

"Write this in your book," McDonald shouted to a writer. "I'm gonna pick No. 10 today."

During a light practice intended to ease into the Giants game, McDonald never got that interception.

"Quinn didn't come at me," McDonald protested.

After practice, the Browns spread out to sign autographs for another big crowd, this one surpassing 2,000. One by one, players filed back toward the locker room door. On the way, they signed an orange foam pad wrapped around a goal post — it will be sold for charity.

Long snapper Ryan Pontbriand did not sign his name, instead sketching a center looking between his legs. No. 64 wrote a 6 on one of the sketch's butt cheeks and a 4 on the other.

Amid the tension-relieving scenes, this camp left one paramount thought about the Browns: They are convinced they are a serious team.

To prove it, they will need a big contribution from new defensive lineman Shaun Rogers, who nursed camp aches and didn't practice Saturday but is expected to suit up Monday.

Obviously, the Browns also need their commitment to quarterback Derek Anderson to pan out.

Judging from camp reactions to the quarterbacks, the people still love Brady Quinn, but they are warming up to Anderson.

"Derek has settled into the role as a leader," running back Jason Wright observed. "He's growing in confidence every day ... and he was always very confident."

It doesn't hurt Anderson's confidence to have Pro Bowler Joe Thomas as his left tackle. Thomas and the offensive line had a quiet, efficient camp, during which right guard Ryan Tucker quietly worked his way back from a broken hip.

Crennel seemed to light up when he said Tucker finally made it out for some individual drills Saturday. He was a welcome sight in a camp nickeled and dimed to distraction by smaller injuries.

It's not unusual for players to hate camp, but Thomas is one of those football junkies who loves it.

"It is really nice to have all the fans out here cheering for you every day like it's a game day," Thomas said.

The soundtrack changes as they lock the gates to fans, but ...

"Camp is not over yet," Crennel said, with some attitude. "I'm not breaking camp for at least another week."

Insofar as a milestone was reached, and the fans made their last stand Saturday, is there anything Crennel really liked about this leg of camp?

"Well, I've got two good quarterbacks, and I've got a nice-looking defensive front," Crennel said.

There are three more weeks to fill in the rest of the details. Three weeks to Dallas.

'JOE J' SIGHTING

Romeo Crennel doesn't sound like a head coach who believes veteran wideout Joe Jurevicius' career is over.

"I know Joe will do everything he can to get back on the field," Crennel said. "I think he will be back. How long that's gonna take, who knows."

Jurevicius had four arthroscopic knee surgeries that knocked him out of training camp.

"He's in and working on his flexibility ... basically stretching and doing low-impact stuff," Crennel said. "He's making progress."

Jurevicius caught 50 passes in 2007. Kellen Winslow Jr. sees him as a vital part of the offense.

EXTRA POINTS

• Crennel said Shaun Rogers missed practice because "he's got several things that are a little sore." He did not elaborate but said, "I expect that he's gonna play (Monday night)."

• Crennel on whether safety Sean Jones is poised to have a big year: "I think so."

• Crennel said he plans to play starters "into the second quarter" against the Giants.

Quote:

---

"He's in and working on his flexibility ... basically stretching and doing low-impact stuff," Crennel said. "He's making progress."

---

I'd bet this guy's out on the field by the 1st of September...

I was thinking along the same lines....but didn't want to say it out loud just yet.

Not a bad thought.

Sometimes those old vets find a way out of camp and sometimes, the coaches find a way out for them.

Here, maybe that last clean out was to scrape out any remaining particles...done late enough so the guy didn't have to worry about camp and early enough he is pretty much good to go by week 1-2.

Ya know, it could be just that simple..